Because websites like bodalgo make it harder and harder for scammers to contact you directly through them, they try a different way: They scan profiles on online casting sites and then look for ways to reach you outside the platform. How? Maybe you have a personal website with a contact form. Maybe your email address is visible somewhere. That's all they need.
How the scam works
If they find a way to contact you, they will send an email similar to this:
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Lisa, and I recently came across your profile on bodalgo. I was truly impressed by your background and talent in voice-over work, and I'm reaching out to explore the possibility of working together on a new project I'm currently coordinating.
This is an exciting voice-over opportunity with a strong emphasis on clear, engaging narration, and I believe your voice could be a great fit for the tone we're aiming to achieve. If you're currently available and open to new projects, I would be delighted to consider you for the role.
If you could share a recent sample of your work or a demo reel that best represents your voice and range, that would be great.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and hear more of your wonderful work.
Warm regards
Looks professional, right? That's exactly what they want you to think. If you respond, they'll offer you a well-paid job — usually a few thousand dollars for a long script. They promise to pay once the work is delivered.
After you've sent the recording, things take a turn: before payment can be made, they'll ask you to complete some kind of bank verification or "security check." This so-called verification costs a few hundred dollars, which you need to pay first. If you do, communication ends immediately — and of course, you'll never see the payment.
What to do?
Easy! Just delete the email and move on.
It's important to remember: bodalgo cannot prevent someone from sending you a direct email. Also, bodalgo never shares your email address publicly. The scammers usually find your details elsewhere — most often by googling your name and visiting your personal website in hopes of finding contact information.
Does this mean, you should remove your contact info from your website? Of course not! You want real clients to be able to get in touch with you. Just keep your eyes open and remember the one simple rule that will protect you 100 percent of the time:
Never pay money to clients. If a client asks you for money, it is a scam. Always. There is no exception to this rule.