Email Gig Scam Affecting Denver Musicians

The following (or similar) email messages have been received by several members of Local 20-623 - Denver, Colorado. DO NOT RESPOND to this email should you receive it as it has proven to be an attempt to draw you into a fraudulent business transaction.

Locations and identity of the venue noted in the emails:
Westside Assisted Living Inc
816 West Kiowa Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80905

and

9655 Sheridan Blvd Westminster, CO 80031

AFM Freelance Services Director Paul Sharpe called and asked if such events (80-100 people) were possible. The answer was NO! The “venue” is a converted, older single family home that now serves as a small assisted living facility. Management said there were no current residents with the first name “Sharron” or the last name “Fortune”. They further stated that no event of any kind was scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2006.

(2) The Colorado Springs Police Internet Fraud department (http://www.springsgov.com/Page.asp?NavID=1625 ) says you may lodge a complaint on their website, but they do not have the "resources" to investigate any individual case.

Please do not hesitate to contact the DMA or Paul Sharpe should you require further assistance or have any questions.

Paul Sharpe
Director, AFM Freelance Services Division
Phone: 416-391-5161
Toll-Free: 1-800-463-6333
Fax: 416-391-5165
Cell: 416-414-9264

-SAMPLE OF ORIGINAL MESSAGES:

Good day,
How is business?
I am Mr.Frank from united kingdom and i am organising a birthday party for my son that will be 25 yrs old.His name is OSHA and the party will take place at my house in 9655 Sheridan Blvd Westminster, CO 80031,USA
I found your advertistment on the website, so i will like to know if you are still available for the date which is September 23rd or 24th 2006.
Also, let me know your price for the service on that date cos you will take time for a good service and bring along your equipment .
The party will start by 12 noon and end up by 4 pm in the evening. Also let me know the cost of the service for 4 hours including travell expences so that i can arrange with my company in the US to send you a U.S Money Order or Cashier's Check as soon as we clearify with exact cost.
Payment will be cleared by your bank before the date of the event.
pls email me here only. priest_frank2001@yahoo.com
I await your email today.
Frank.J
NOTE...I just want you to understand that the maximum number of guest
should not exceed 50-80 people.Pls let me know the kind of music you perform..

----- Original Message -----
From: walker fortune

Hello,

How is Business,
My name is Walker Fortune I am presently in the UK here i work as a videographer.

The reason why i am contacting you is that my wife sharron will be Celibrating her Birthday Party soon here at our residence precisely on the 26th of August 2006 it is on a saturday,please check your avalability for this date becouse I will like you to take care of the Music aspect of the event.

I came across your advert at www.gopromusic.com and am impressed with your services and your kind of music of course is okay by me.
The venue address of the event is 816 W Kiowa St
Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

We are expecting about 80-100 guest & its going to be an indoor party.

The party starts 12pm-5pm according to our program of the event.
You are to start performing when it is 1pm till the end of the party.

There will no be any dance from guest nor familly for any reason what we only need from you is for you to just give us interesting music.
All expenses would be taken care of;Please I want the best service from you, because she is my only wife & i love her so much. So your best production is needed at this occasion.

Pls Let me know your CHARGES to work for 4 Hours on that day,1pm -5pm when the event will be ending,moreso let me know how you plan to move down here with your electronics?

I will want to put it to your notic that i will take care of your hotel only if requested from you,please let me know how many of you will be comming for this event?

I hope to read from you soon & also to have your service QUOTE which will only include your travel,feeding, and your service fee.

I look forward to your response and also your price package so that i can make quick arrangement of paying you a deposit payment so that you can book my wife event on your calendar.

Pls email me back asap.

Best Regards
Walker.