Scam?
 

This letter arrived yesterday from the USA, ( see images ) I am a bit worried as I sent the
photo "let it flow" (see Champagne shot ) to the Amateur Photography
competition. And I can't work out how this company got hold of the photo!
I can't work out if it is a scam or not and if I should respond to it?:confused:
They have put the photo on their website ( picture.com ) I had to search under my name to find it, I was wandering if anybody has heard of this company?

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pic...ient=firefox-a

HTH

I must add the the competition was in Amateur Photography magazine.

I thought so:(

Well you seem to have your question answered.
I was going to add, as Long as somebody finds your work extra-ordinary and wants to reward you for that you may as well enjoy the it as appropriate but like always here the key word is "And. although we must charge a nominal fee for this service,..." that change the whole concept.
I am surprise as to how commonly people fall for this and these smarty pants drain money out of Innocent people.
I would probably write a certified letter back to them, informing them that the work is copy righted and owner did not entered it for any contest etc and unauthorized publication could be legally followed as copyright infringement or as needed.
Your work was an excellent one and no one even for free should not publish it for their own benefit unless first you have given your implied consent.

Thanks for comment Sassan,
I really can't be bothered to write back to them (Don't want to waste a stamp) :). I just Can't imagine Amateur Photography magazine letting them have the photo, so I wander they got it from! But never mind as I really don't care any more as I know it's a scam.

I am wary of any competition in magazines. They just seem a scam to collect addresses and telephone numbers to pester you with unwanted spam.

I think you're right there Rob

Report them to Amateur Photographer, they particularly don't like scams like this and will do something about it. It may be too late for you Lello and others who have been duped like this, but it may prevent people being taken in in the future.

nirofo.

Thanks Nirofo,
I will send Amateur Photographer magazine a quick e-mail to let them know and see if I receive any feedback from them, (watch this space)