Deposit demands
The most common scam is a request for money up front. You agree a booking, then you're asked to pay a deposit by bank transfer, gift card, voucher codes or cryptocurrency, often with a story about security or past no-shows. Once you pay, the profile disappears or asks for more.
Some genuine businesses do ask for a deposit, particularly for long or out-of-town bookings, but be very careful. Never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, never pay a stranger's personal account in a hurry, and never send more after the first payment.
Stolen and edited photos
Scammers often use photos taken from other websites or social media. Warning signs include pictures that look like professional modelling shots, images that appear on several profiles under different names, and pictures that look heavily edited.
On AskedFor, only Verified listings can show photos, and verification means the business has proved its link to its own website. Unverified listings show an illustration instead. Our guide to Verified listings and reviews explains more.
You can do a simple check yourself. A reverse image search on a photo will often show whether it's been used elsewhere. If the same face turns up on a modelling site, a social media account and three different profiles, you've got your answer.
Pressure and inconsistency
Be cautious if someone rushes you, changes the price or details after you have agreed, refuses to answer simple questions, or switches you from one phone number or app to another. Threats, such as saying they'll contact your family or employer unless you pay, are a form of blackmail. Don't pay, keep the messages and report it to the police.
Also look out for profiles with very low prices, vague locations, copy-and-paste replies and no reviews or history at all.
Trust your gut. If the chat feels scripted, the answers don't match the profile, or you're being hurried towards paying, step back. A genuine business will still be there tomorrow. A scammer usually won't.
What to do if you're targeted
Stop replying. Don't send any more money, and keep screenshots of the profile and messages. If you have paid, contact your bank straight away, as they may be able to help. You can also report fraud to the police, either online or by calling 101.
If the scam involved an AskedFor listing, please tell us through our report form so we can investigate and protect other visitors.
Don't be embarrassed. These scams are built to catch sensible people, and they work because they play on trust and nerves. Reporting it helps stop the same thing happening to someone else.
Your questions, answered
Is it ever normal to pay a deposit?
Sometimes, for long or travelling bookings with established businesses. Never pay by gift card or cryptocurrency, and walk away if you feel rushed.
Someone is threatening to expose me unless I pay. What should I do?
Don't pay. Stop all contact, keep the evidence and report it to the police. Blackmail is a serious crime.