The Scam: How Photographers Became Targets

Scams targeting freelance photographers are becoming more elaborate, sometimes making even the savviest professionals vulnerable. This story, shared firsthand by someone who narrowly avoided being caught in this scheme, exposes just how easily these scams can ensnare even experienced photographers.

Coming to you from Justin Mott, this compelling video details the story of a high-level scam orchestrated by Hargobind Tahilramani, known as the “Con Queen.” The setup is elaborate: Tahilramani would pose as a wealthy Singaporean art promoter, luring in photographers with the promise of high-paying assignments in Indonesia. Tahilramani even used real editor names from major magazines, which he’d find in photo bylines, to add credibility. For the photographers, everything looked legitimate—especially when these projects offered commercial-level pay for work that often pays much less.

What’s most alarming is how detailed the impersonations were. He would call photographers with promises of exclusive access, local guides, and extensive support for the projects. To add realism, he’d speak with assistants in the background, create complex layers of “staff,” and use jargon that’s familiar in editorial and commercial photography. The scam would go unnoticed until the photographer arrived in Indonesia, where Tahilramani would suddenly demand that they cover additional fees—such as taxes, permits, and even a driver’s payment upfront, which usually signaled that things weren’t quite right.

Another important part of the video is Mott’s reflection on the psychological manipulation used in the scam. Tahilramani would maintain near-constant communication with his targets, often calling repeatedly and even creating anxiety or urgency, keeping photographers committed to the assignment. This combination of real industry details and high-touch engagement left many victims trusting that the assignment was legitimate even as unexpected costs started piling up. According to Mott, the scam’s precision went far beyond financial theft—it used psychological pressure and even crossed into intimidation when photographers began questioning the unusual demands.

The video also examines how easily freelance photographers, often juggling different job structures and payment terms, can become susceptible to such scams. The freelance industry relies heavily on trust, and it’s common to front expenses for travel and accommodations with the expectation of later reimbursement. This scam preyed on that practice, targeting photographers with large, promising assignments and then manipulating them once they’d already committed financially and emotionally. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mott.