Feb 10, 2009, 05:41
I occassionally receive emails requesting permission to use my images that people have seen through flickr or redbubble.
Recently I have received three requests in a very short amount of time causing me to be wary...
The first email was a request for a quote to use one of my images on a book cover (non exclusive). The email was from a "@ucpress.edu" email address and appeared to quite legit, providing author names that check out and a contact phone number at "University of California PressAcquisitions Department"... I haven't called the phone number.
I replied requesting more info on the size of the print run / would credit be given for the photo? etc.. I suggested a one off fee of $300US as a fair price depending on the terms.
The second email from a .se (swedish?) email address requested permission to use one of my images in a header for a new web site. They attached an example of what they were hoping to use (an edited version of my image which looked quite professional looking header)...
I replied stating that I would give permission for $75AU.
I'm normally quite wary of scams but I still wasn't really concerned until I received the third email (and I quote):
"Hi !
I am interested of purchase some pictures from you!
I am building a website and would like to use a picture from you.
Please send me a price.
Jim "
This was also from a .se email address. I replied fairly bluntly asking them to be more specific.
I'm sure at least one of these is a scam to obtain my bank account details or something similar. I'll see what details they ask for when they respond... and give them nothing.
My question to you - Are there any dangers in sending them a paypal invoice directly to their email???
Recently I have received three requests in a very short amount of time causing me to be wary...
The first email was a request for a quote to use one of my images on a book cover (non exclusive). The email was from a "@ucpress.edu" email address and appeared to quite legit, providing author names that check out and a contact phone number at "University of California PressAcquisitions Department"... I haven't called the phone number.
I replied requesting more info on the size of the print run / would credit be given for the photo? etc.. I suggested a one off fee of $300US as a fair price depending on the terms.
The second email from a .se (swedish?) email address requested permission to use one of my images in a header for a new web site. They attached an example of what they were hoping to use (an edited version of my image which looked quite professional looking header)...
I replied stating that I would give permission for $75AU.
I'm normally quite wary of scams but I still wasn't really concerned until I received the third email (and I quote):
"Hi !
I am interested of purchase some pictures from you!
I am building a website and would like to use a picture from you.
Please send me a price.
Jim "
This was also from a .se email address. I replied fairly bluntly asking them to be more specific.
I'm sure at least one of these is a scam to obtain my bank account details or something similar. I'll see what details they ask for when they respond... and give them nothing.
My question to you - Are there any dangers in sending them a paypal invoice directly to their email???
) Even with the time difference you can work something out.
