As a professional wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve built my business on trust, creativity, and clear communication. But over the years, I’ve also encountered a growing threat—scammers targeting photographers and service providers in the wedding industry.
Whether you’re new to the business or a seasoned professional, protecting your photography brand from online scams is critical to keeping your bookings (and your peace of mind) safe.
Here are the top ways to identify and prevent scams as a wedding photographer, based on real experiences—including one I recently had.
1. Watch for Vague or Suspicious Inquiries
(Keywords: “fake wedding photography inquiries”, “how to identify scam leads”)
Be on alert if someone contacts you saying:
“I need a photographer for my daughter’s wedding” with no date or venue
They’re in a rush and want to book right now
They insist on using their own payment method or links
🔒 Real Story: Recently, a lead reached out to book a Zoom consultation. I sent my secure meeting link, but they claimed it “wasn’t working” and asked me to join their Zoom link instead. This is a known phishing scam tactic. I refused, and they disappeared. That confirmed my suspicions.
💡 Tip: Always use your own communication tools (Zoom, Calendly, HoneyBook, etc.). Never click links from unknown sources.
2. Use Secure Contracts and Require a Deposit
(Keywords: “photography contract protection”, “secure wedding booking process”)
Protect your bookings with a professional contract that clearly outlines:
Wedding day coverage
Payment schedule
Cancellation policy
Delivery timeline
Never hold a wedding date without a signed contract and deposit. Scammers often try to pay with fake checks, overpayments, or ask you to refund money after sending more than required.
💬 Link this section to your contact or pricing page to guide real couples to book you the right way.
3. Avoid Untraceable Payments
(Keywords: “safe payment methods for photographers”, “how to avoid overpayment scams”)
Only accept payments through trusted platforms like:
PayPal Business
Stripe
Zelle (with verified clients)
Bank transfers
🚫 Avoid gift cards, money orders, or personal check payments—these are often used in scams.
4. Protect Your Online Accounts and Information
(Keywords: “secure photography website”, “online safety for photographers”)
As photographers, our websites and Instagram accounts are our storefronts. But they can also be entry points for scammers. Take these steps:
Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication
Keep personal details (like your home address) off public pages
Set up a business email and phone number for all client communication
Monitor your website traffic and links regularly for suspicious activity
If you’re using a CRM like HoneyBook, Studio Ninja, or Pixifi—stick to those tools to keep client interactions secure and streamlined.
5. Trust Your Instincts — And Talk About It
(Keywords: “wedding photographer safety tips”, “photography community support”)
If a lead feels off, don’t ignore that feeling. Ask clarifying questions or simply decline. Scammers thrive on silence—by talking about suspicious activity, we can help others in the photography community stay safe.