It's the "Are You Available" E-mail You Don't Reply Too!

TV, FILM & PRODUCTION CREWS...Learn How to Read Between the Lines!

10 RED Flags to Identify a Potential E-mail Scam or Fake Job Offer

With our digital age, the advancement of technology and scammer's continuous pursuits to trick people into sharing their personal and financial information; it's not surprising to see an increase in e-mail and text scams as well as fake job offers. Scammers are getting creative, refining their approaches and looking more legit than ever in targeting freelancers in the commercial, film and TV industries. From producers to makeup artists, stylists and production assistants; all roles and positions seem to be fair targets. The scammers pose as actual professionals and companies who are working within the industry and many names you may know. A quick Google search will even lead you straight to their credentials! So what can you do to distinguish whether this email or text is legit or not?

First off, if you haven't heard about this story previously, familiarize yourself with it so you are informed of just how far a scammer will take the scam as well as how far the innocent industry professionals wanting an opportunity to get their foot in the door of the industry will go for their career. Take a peek at an episode of "The Con-Hollywood" narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. It features a real life elaborate scheme preying on those freelancers wanting to work in the movie industry. Here is a link to the show . Educate yourself, know your industry and listen to your gut so you don't fall victim to any type of scheme like this.

Secondly, know the potential risks of these scams:

• Identity theft

• Virus infections to your computer

• Loss of personal data

• Compromising institutional information

• Putting friends and family at risk

And thirdly, read on to identify key red flags that may signal potential scam e-mails and fake job offers, learn all the right questions to ask and see what an actual real job offer email looks like!