Unfortunately this post is not very fun or light hearted. I recently became a victim of a scam, but fortunately realized the fallacy before I entered serious financial trouble. A man by the name of Peter Woodgate emailed me to say he and his fiancé live in the UK and are getting married in Lake Tahoe. They would not be able to visit Tahoe prior to the wedding and would like a wedding coordinator to take care of the details. A few emails later, he disclosed that he would be sending me a check in the amount of $45,000 to pay for all wedding expenses. I asked to setup a phone meeting to discuss all of the details, he emailed me his number.
I was a little suspicious as most people with a budget of $45,000 wouldn’t just hand over a check in the full amount. They also would have much more interest in the type of flowers, style, and vendors booked. So, I googled the phone number (01144-704-579-8736) and sure enough it was a scam. The idea is that he sends over the “cashiers check” and then asks you to wire some of the money back. He then has your bank account number and hacks away, stealing all of your money!
Hopefully, nobody falls for this scam!
Related posts:
- Yikes, Planning a Wedding Is Tough! Did you know that 43 businesses are involved in the...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Posted under 
17 Comments
Hello,
Thanks for the info about the Woodgate Scam… He has contacted our catering company here in New Orleans, and thanks to your blog, our company did not fall for it!! I will spread the story to all event planners in the New Orleans area.
Many Thanks, and God Bless,
C.G.
Another Scam – I just received this email this morning. As the email is filled with incomplete and confusing sentences, it is obvious this individual is sending a template. This persons supposed name is Owen Wright and his email reads as follows:
Hi,
My Name is Owen Wright, I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.we would be arriving seven days before the wedding day.
The wedding is expected to hold first week of October, guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks.
You are to arrange for a Videography,Music Entertainment, Photography,Officiant,cake,flowers and hall.If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.Payment Option is Credit card If you have a credit card Machine.
Best Regards,
Owen Wright
I received this yesterday:-
My Name is Dr Eric Lichtenheld, I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.The wedding is expected to hold on the 20th November,2009 and 35 to 60 guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by you.
All checks and balances will be made with you on 20th November which is the final day of the booking, You are to arrange for a Videography ,Music Entertainment,Photography,Officiant/Priest & Church,cake,flowers and hall.If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and
us.
Best Regards,
Dr Eric Lichtenheld.
Here is another email to be aware of
Hello,
I’m looking for an experienced wedding planner or coordinator that can handle my wedding as i have promised my fiancee that it will be a memorable one and i have budgeted $25,000 for the wedding so, What can your establishment offer with regards to the request above?
I would like to know what is required cost implication and any other thing that will be require for a successful wedding for the month of October 10th 2009 is the date for the wedding.
Kindly get back with your budget via this email (atkins111@yahoo.com)with details.
Best Regards,
Paul Atkinson
+447045782803
Hi Elaine,
I received the same email on the 9th of August from Dr Eric Lichtenheld , i replied him saying we do not plan our client’s wedding without having atleast an intial consultation with them in person.
He replied me this morning with the email below.
Hello,
Good to read from you, this shows that you really know wedding planning too well.I am glad to tell you that we have concluded all payment arrangements for the wedding and will need you to kindly note the following information before we proceed with the wedding arrangement.
I will send to you my credit card details that will cover the cost of our booking,and the necessary arrangement for me and my guests.Moreover, i also made an arrangement with a logistics agent who will take care of all our traveling logistics to include.
1) Flights
2) International Airport transfer
3)Transportation logistics during our stay
However,because of security reasons and confidentiality reposed on you and because they do not have credit card facility,we have decided that only YOU will have to handle the credit card information.So,once you receive my visa card information,you are required to charge the total amount of {10,000.00Pounds} then deduct your deposit which is {2,500.00 pounds} and send the balance of {7,500.00 pounds) to the logistics whose information will be forwarded to you once this is confirmed So confirm this and provide me with your
1. YOUR FULL NAME
2. ADDRESS
3. PHONE NUMBERS for records and card payment
You are also to deduct the card fees and taxes involved in processing this amount.
PLEASE CONFIRM IF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS OK AND REPLY PROMPTLY TO ENABLE US PROCEED.
NOTE:THAT I WILL SENDING YOU THE OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY REQUIRE.THEY WILL BE SENT AS SOON AS I GET YOUR REPLY TO THE PAYMENT/WEDDING ARRANGEMENT
Regards,
Eric & Donna
They’ve made there way to Canada Too!
My Name is David Banks, I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony. we would be arriving seven days before the wedding day.
The wedding is scheduled to hold on last week of October 2009, guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks. You are to arrange for a Videographer, Music Entertainment, Photography, Officiating clergyman/Priest & Church, cake, flowers and hall. If there is any of this items that is beyond your capacity, you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Payment Option Credit card? I hope you accept credit card payment.
The above is subject to adjustment. If there is any other thing that could be added to make the wedding unique, it will be welcome.
Great Regards
David Banks
43 Wimpole Street London
W1G 9SR,
LONDON. UK.
+447045721602
The most recent scammer:
Hello,
My Name is Michael Sandler i need an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange the reception dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.
The wedding is expected to hold on the 16th of Febuary 2010 and 50 to 70 guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by you. You are to arrange for a a venue for the wedding a place for the reception ,Videography, Music Entertainment,Photography,cake and flowers.
If there is any these items that is beyond your capability, you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Pleas get back to me via my personal email which is michaelsandlermail@ymail.com
Best Regards,
Michael Sandler
michaelsandlermails@ymail.com
ive had three this week all different names and types but all scams
the names were
kenneth smith
David mark
Dr Melvin Hughes tel +447011147797
they just dont stop!
My budget was to be $70,000.00! I could really tell that the ‘tone’ of the two emails was “Next Stop Identity Theft”. Thanks to everyone on this site for helping.
—–Original Message—–
From: Mr M. Smith [mailto:m.smith231@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 6:03 AM
To: undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Planner needed
My Name is Mr Smith Kenneth, I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.The wedding is expected to hold on the 22nd May,2010 and 50 to 70 guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by you.
All checks and balances will be made with you on 22nd May which is the final day of the booking, You are to arrange for a Videography ,Music Entertainment,Photography,Officiant/Priest & Church,cake,flowers and hall.If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it.
Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Best Regards,
Smith Kenneth
Second email:
Hi,
Thanks for your email,
The Budget of the entire wedding arrangement is $70,000.00 and the wedding would be taking place in one of the hotel within your Location
Good to read from you, this shows that you really know wedding planning too well. I am glad to tell you that we have concluded all payment arrangements for the wedding and will need you to kindly note the following information before we proceed with the wedding arrangement.
I will send to you my credit card details that will cover the cost of our booking, and the necessary arrangement for me and my guests. Moreover, I also made an arrangement with a logistics agent who will take care of all our traveling logistics to include.
1) Flights
2) International Airport transfer
3)Transportation logistics during our stay
However, because of security reasons and confidentiality reposed on you and because they do not have credit card facility, we have decided that only YOU will have to handle the credit card information.So,once you receive my visa card information, you are required to charge the total amount of {$10,000.00} then deduct your deposit which is {$3,000.00} and send the balance of {$7,000.00) to the logistics whose information will be forwarded to you once this is confirmed So confirm this and provide me with
1. YOUR FULL NAME
2. ADDRESS
3. PHONE NUMBERS for records and card payment
You are also to deduct the card fees and taxes involved in processing this amount.
PLEASE CONFIRM IF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS OK AND REPLY PROMPTLY TO ENABLE US PROCEED.
we are presently in offshore oil work in the Ocean between UK and Norway and would find it very difficult to receive or make call.
Here is our address.
Smith M Kenneth
39 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
United states of America
Joyce Trimberger
200 Montgomery St.
San Francisco,
CA 94104-2902
United states of America
Best Regards,
Smith Kenneth
1st Contact with (Mr. Smith M Kenneth
From: Mr M. Smith [mailto:m.smith231@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 5:37 PM
To: undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Planner needed
My Name is Mr Smith Kenneth, I am looking for an experienced wedding
planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of
people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.The wedding is expected to hold on the 22nd May,2010 and 50 to 70 guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by you.
All checks and balances will be made with you on 22nd May which is the final day of the booking, You are to arrange for a Videography ,Music Entertainment,Photography,Officiant/Priest & Church,cake,flowers and hall.If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Best Regards,
Smith Kenneth
2nd Contact by e-mail
From: Mr M. Smith [mailto:m.smith231@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 1:33 PM
To: Info Center EE
Subject: Let me know
Hi
Thanks for your email,
I will be needing the following for my wedding
Accommodation: 20 double rooms for my guest
Food and beverage at your reception: 4 course menu for
Music: Piano, Organ, Strings, Harp, Recorded for the ceremony
Alcohol: champagne
Rehearsal and a rehearsal dinner on Friday 21st
Number of Guest: 60
Wedding colors: Blue
bridesmaid gowns colors: Green or pink
Tuxes colors: Black
Bridal gown colors: White
I budgeted $60,000.00 for the entire wedding arrangements both my Guest Fight ticket that would be coming from UK, Germany, Australia and USA. Get back to me so that I can conclude with my sponsors before payment is sent to you for immediate commencement of your services to us.
Regards
Smith
3rd Email Contact
From: Mr M. Smith [mailto:m.smith231@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 11:38 AM
To: Info Center EE
Subject: Get back to me
Hi,
Thanks for your email,
Good to read from you, this shows that you really know wedding planning too well.I am glad to tell you that we have concluded all payment arrangements for the wedding and will need you to kindly note the following information before we proceed with the wedding arrangement.
I will be sending our credit card details that will cover the cost of our booking,and the necessary arrangement for me and my guests.Moreover, i also made an arrangement with a logistics agent who will take care of all our traveling logistics to include.
1) Flights
2) International Airport transfer
3)Transportation logistics during our stay
However,because of security reasons and confidentiality reposed on you and because they do not have credit card facility,we have decided that only YOU will have to handle the credit card information.So,once you receive my visa card information,you are required to charge the total amount of {$10,000.00} then deduct your deposit which is {$3,000.00} and send the balance of {$7,000.00) to the logistics whose information will be forwarded to you once this is confirmed So confirm this and provide me with
1. YOUR FULL NAME
2. ADDRESS
3. PHONE NUMBERS for records and card payment
You are also to deduct the card fees and taxes involved in processing this amount.
PLEASE CONFIRM IF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS OK AND REPLY PROMPTLY TO ENABLE US PROCEED.
we are presently in offshore oil work in the Ocean between UK and Norway and would find it very difficult to receive or make call.
Here is our address.
Smith M Kenneth
39 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
United states of America
Joyce Trimberger
200 Montgomery St.
San Francisco,
CA 94104-2902
United states of America
Best Regards,
Smith Kenneth
Then I got suspect something was too good to be through and google the CA address and found this website, Thanks God and you guys to report it. Kay
So glad this is here – I was begining to become suspect of this Smith M. Kenneth when I was looking for a way to process his credit card and his “Sponsers” wouldn’t use a PayPal account for the transaction. This explains it all!! I was about to ask a friend to use her POS to do the credit card transaction, so glad I googled the girls address!! I love the internet for this reason!! Thank you so much as I have swapped emails with this Smith for about 2 weeks and I was starting to worry when he was talking about the transaction and not the $5,000 I had upped my price to from my original $1,200.00 in the binding and legal contract!! UGH, scams but so happy to know about this one before anything worse was to happen! I really have about 15 emails from this guy, if you think it may be to good it is!!
It happened to me in Walla Walla. Here is the email:
My Name is Mr Smith Kenneth, I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.The wedding is expected to hold on the 22nd May,2010 and 50 to 70 guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by you.
All checks and balances will be made with you on 22nd May which is the final day of the booking, You are to arrange for a Videography ,Music Entertainment,Photography,Officiant/Priest & Church,cake,flowers and hall.If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it.
Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Best Regards,
Smith Kenneth
SCAM! Thanks for the notes!
Thank you for disclosing this scam. Everyone shall be careful now.
Here is our letter that we received via email to our Bed and Breakfast in Savannah, GA
Hello,
I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding
and arrange dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding
ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.
The wedding is expected to hold on the 11th September,2010 and about 50
guests are expected to attend. As i do not know what the guests might
choose for their meals and drinks, i will make a prepayment as initial
deposit for this booking via credit card once availability is confirmed by
you.
All checks and balances will be made with you on 5th September which is
the final day of the booking. You are to arrange for a Videography, Music,
Entertainment,Photography, Priest & Church,cake,flowers and hall.
If there is any these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know
so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response
as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our
accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us.
Best Regards,
Floyd.
To All,
He has now “left” the US and Canada and “hit” the British Virgin Islands. We have received a number of these requests previously. From the time I read that the wedding colour is blue and the brides maids dresses are green all red lights starts flashing. However – I “played” the game for a set of emails. He very kindly gave me his address in NY as Morgan Smith and his fiancee name as Joyce Trimberger. Just for fun I googled her name and guess which is the only site that came up??? This one!!
No need for me to copy his email as it is 100% identical to most of the above, including typos and wrong punctuation.
Hello I am here in Northern Ireland and our naughty scammers are reaching out to here!! It is shocking that the mails that they sent me are almost word for word!!! i am so disappointed. Weddings are true love and happiness, romance and roses, and it is heartbreaking to see people may try and ruin it!! beware my fellow planners.