If you have a website or public contact information out there, you might see messages like these.

First one: forwarded from a dance community to me.

"
Hello, My name is Mary I got your information online for dance classes. I'm organizing a surprise dance (like flashmob) for my daughter's wedding, So i want you to teach the Bridesmaids choreography. Let me know if you can do this?"


I sent a request for more info, and got the hook message:


"Thanks for the response am only available via  email or text  due to my hearing problem okay. Wedding is on the 24th of JUNE. The ladies are local. There are 10 Bridesmaids(all ladies) and i want them to choreograph a song by "John Legend" titled "All of me". I want lessons to be at your studio. I'll prefer Tues&Thurs 11-1pm, if that's okay with your schedule. Though the ladies are fully committed to this training, so their timing is pretty flexible. They are not professionals and have no experience in dancing. What is the total cost for 2 hour rehearsals twice a week for 3 weeks? Actually I don't have a particular style in mind so i want you to help me choose a suitable one. I trust your judgement on that considering it being your field of expertise. I was thinking of this version https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=D2CYedstsiY if the original won't work. Point is my daughter loves the song so i'm doing this for her. Does the total cost include studio rental fee?  What is your full-name, your cell phone and studio address for the private transport driver i'm organizing to locate your place when they are coming. Can i make reservation with my credit card? Cause i won't be coming in with the ladies due to my current health status. I'm currently under intensive care in preparation for my surgery. I'm doing the booking since the whole surprise is my idea and i will be responsible for all payment. 

Regard,
Mary"

A friend who actually does choreograph dance routines says, "It is the exact same scam as my friend ran into in his computer business. Including the intensive care thing. Word for word"
 
Be careful out there.

--Karen D.
don't have a dance studio