So ive been applying to jobs lately. I got this response back for a gig out of town. While ive done many gigs similar to this, this one is sending me tons of red flags for reasons that are quite obvious if you read on. So here is the communication between me and the "client" so far. Let me know your thoughts.

<b>ORIGINAL MESSAGE FROM "CLIENT"
Jeff,

Thanks for your response to our job ad. You have been invited to a fashion show to cover the various aspect of photo-shoot that will be expected of you. The event will be held from 11-10-14 to 11-15-14 in Austin, TX and i hope that you will be willing to travel. You will be opportune the number of days that you will be able to cover as there are two sessions a day (mornings and evenings) and each sessions are for 4 hours pending on the director in charge.
I want you to know that this is not a full time position or a part-time to full time position but a freelance position with Dna Events. After your photo-shoot with the company in Texas, we will be seeking your services from time to time when new photo-shoots present itself.
You will be paid $800 for a days job of photography as you will be scheduled at the time when your photo-shoot will be carried out. The fashion show is a runway for different cultural and fashion exhibition, where the morning session is for shoots that will cover what the various models are doing backstage and the evening session is carried out on the runway stage. Please come along with your photo camera, some lenses and other equipment, such as lighting and other crew members will be provided by the company at the shoot.
Task & Company profile: This job is a freelance photo-shoot with Dna Events as we continue to promote our image. Below are basic tips we will be looking out for during the fashion show photo-shoot: Creativity with light, Urban landscape, night sky photos, more on image stacking and multiple exposures of the models imagery.
Instruction: Please respond with your contact information where a check will be mailed out to and will be used for all traveling and lodging expenses via a designated travel agent (more information will be provided as we progress). You will also be provided with more information regarding the fashion show, and other itinerary information will be provided.
Please note that you will get updates via email as time goes and we will be calling you when the need arises, our major means of communication will be done via email and that is why we have made everything as simple as possible in the email. If you have any concerns feel free to email back anytime and i will respond to your emails almost immediately. You will be called by the the traveling agent when your booking is about to be made, this is strictly our policy.
Regards,
Anthony SIRDOUCEHBAGLIAR
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My Reply
Hi anthony,

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for taking an interest in my work. I'm absolutely interested in the gig. what is the best number i can reach you at? there are a few questions i have and id like to clarify a few things and come to an agreement before i formally accept this job. if we could meet in person that would be ideal. thanks again for your time and consideration

Jeff wayne
blahblahblahblah
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His response
Jeff,

Thanks for your email. Yes all expenses will be covered by the company. Read my previous emails and know what it says about phone calls. I also tried calling and a female voice was picking your call and couldn't make out what she was saying. This e-mail outlines the entire process before the fashion show photo-shoot and also how to proceed.

Please note that during the photo-shoot you will have to put your skills and art of imagery to perfect professionalism in order to produce a profound photos for the show that when seen will be a good pictograph of your work.

*You will also receive a check for $2450 in the following days via FedEx and this check will cover your personal expenses, and travel/lodging expenses which will be handled via a designated travel agent. The amount of $500 out of the check is allocated as down payment to show our keen interest in your services while the remaining balance will be transferred to the travel agent who will make all the necessary hotel and travel arrangement on your behalf to Austin, TX (more information on the travel agent will be provided to you ASAP).

During the course of the coming days we will provide all necessary information momentarily but for now we only seek that you reassure us of your availability during the week of 11-10-14 to 11-15-14 and also your utmost commitment regarding this project.

NB: It is important you respond to this e-mail confirming your commitment before we send the check and make other arrangement. More details that you will need to know will be told to you during the seminar before the main shoot. Please respond to this email with your full name, contact address and phone number where the check will be mailed to.


Thanks,
Anthony Mc'doucher

Total horse shit...am i wrong?

Please see this video and read the articles: 
Avoiding scams: The basics

Watch the video and read the article.

lol or how about i just offer to do the shoot for free. would love to see the nigerians face when he reads somethign like that

Here is the key --
The check will include the added accommodation & travel expenses to be booked by their "designated agent".
You will be expected to send a check to this agent.
The check you received bounces sometime after your check to the mysterious designated agent is cashed, That's why it's to be sent by Fedex - to control the arrival timing and avoid postal inspector jurisdiction. There would probably be a shipping label packed with their check to you.


Suggest they wire the cash to you via Western Union and you arrange your own hotel. 
See how fast they back off.

If you think it's a scam, its a scam.

Obvious scam. If you're bored, string them along. I once had a scammer send me bogus money orders 5 times, even feigning anger about not getting 'my' money, before he realized I was just messing with him. He was super not happy. I was super amused.

Insist on being paid in Simoleans from the Credit Card Account of the Church of What is Happening Now.

you will just have to go with your gut feelings. Don't ignore the RED  flags.

"You will also receive a check for $2450 in the following days via FedEx and this check will cover your personal expenses, and travel/lodging expenses which will be handled via a designated travel agent. The amount of $500 out of the check is allocated as down payment to show our keen interest in your services while the remaining balance will be transferred to the travel agent who will make all the necessary hotel and travel arrangement on your behalf to Austin, TX (more information on the travel agent will be provided to you ASAP)."

The above says it all! A reputable job and company will NEVER work this way! At a minimum, know that a company will almost never send you a check prior to you completing the job, and will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER send you a check for more then they will pay you and ask you to send part of it to someone else. If you just know this as a minimum, you will never be scammed!

Scam at sentence two, 'what will be expected of you'
Sentence one 'you are invited'

Play with Mr. Bung Whole for as long as you can just for entertainment purposes.