The Other Side of the Scam: When Clients Take Advantage of Photographers.

There’s a lot of conversation in the photography industry around clients getting scammed by unprofessional photographers—missed appointments, poor quality images, or even disappearing after receiving payment. And while those concerns are very real, there’s a side of the story that rarely gets talked about: photographers getting scammed by clients.

It doesn’t happen every day, but it happens enough that we should start talking about it. As headshot photographers, we often put our energy into creating art, building trust, and delivering an excellent experience. But unfortunately, not everyone who contacts us does so with good intentions.

Let’s shed some light on this lesser-discussed issue and talk about the red flags to watch for—and how to protect ourselves, our businesses, and our art.

The Most Common Ways Photographers Get Scammed

1. Overpayment Scams (With a Twist)

One of the most common scams photographers encounter involves a client who sends a payment—usually by check or through a suspicious third-party service—over the agreed amount. They then ask you to refund the difference.

Here’s the trick: the original payment is fake or gets reversed days later, and you’re left covering the refunded amount out of your own pocket. If someone wants to “overpay,” that’s your cue to step back.

2. Chargebacks After Delivery

A client books a session, pays by credit card, and everything seems fine. You deliver the final edited images. Then days—or even weeks—later, you find out they filed a dispute, claiming they never received the service. The credit card company reverses the charge, and you’re not only out the money, but you also lose the work you delivered.

3. Fake Urgent Bookings

Sometimes you get that frantic email: “Hi! I need professional headshots tomorrow. It’s really urgent!” They offer to pay upfront—usually a red flag—and communication is vague at best. These fake bookings are often designed to either grab your personal information, get you to process suspicious payments, or waste your time.

4. Ghosting After the Session

You agree on a price, shoot the session, deliver watermarked proofs or previews—and suddenly, silence. The client ghosts you and never pays the remainder. Or worse, they take screenshots of the previews and use them anyway.

5. Content Theft and Misuse

Even after a legitimate session, some clients violate usage agreements—editing your work, cropping out watermarks, or using your photos commercially without paying for licensing. It’s subtle, but it’s theft.

Red Flags to Watch For

Knowing what to look for can be your best defense. Here are some common warning signs:

• Vague or evasive communication – When a client avoids phone calls or gives unclear answers about what they want, take notice.
• Unusual payment methods – Checks, wire transfers, or anything that seems off from standard business practice is cause for concern.
• No online footprint – In today’s digital world, most professionals have some form of presence. A total blank slate can be a red flag.
• Too urgent and pushy – Rushing the booking process without clarity often points to something shady.
• Overly generous offers – If someone’s offering to pay more than your rate before even meeting or seeing your work, trust your gut. Something’s not right.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Work

This is where we shift from reactive to proactive. A few simple systems can save you a lot of pain down the road.

• Use contracts—always
  It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, a corporate client, or a referral. A clear, signed agreement sets expectations and protects you legally.
• Collect a non-refundable deposit
  It not only confirms the client is serious but also protects your time if they cancel or ghost.
• Stick to secure payment methods
  Use reputable platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or Square that offer buyer and seller protection. Avoid checks or sketchy bank transfers.
• Watermark and restrict previews
  Only deliver low-resolution, watermarked previews until full payment is received. It reduces the risk of unauthorized use.
• Keep all communication in writing
  Email trails and saved messages are essential if you ever need to prove the details of your agreement.
• License your images properly
  Use clear usage rights in your contract. If a client wants to use your images commercially or beyond the original agreement, there should be a separate fee.

Final Thoughts

Most clients are amazing. They value your time, respect your craft, and are a pleasure to work with. But like in every profession, there are exceptions—and as creatives who often work solo and directly with the public, we’re especially vulnerable.

This isn’t about becoming cynical. It’s about being prepared. We spend years mastering our craft, investing in gear, and building a reputation. Protecting that investment is not just smart—it’s essential.

If you’ve experienced something similar or have tips to add, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going—because when we share knowledge, we all get stronger.