Medium riskMarketplace Scams

Wedding Vendor Scam

Planning a wedding often means booking several vendors months ahead, which is exactly what makes this scam work. A fake or fraudulent photographer, venue, planner, or caterer advertises online with an attractive portfolio and a competitive price. They ask for a deposit by bank transfer to 'secure the date', then go quiet, never deliver, or disappear entirely. Some use stolen portfolio photos and fabricated reviews to look established, and the loss is often only noticed close to the wedding.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Service deposit scam
Main red flag
You are pushed to pay a deposit by bank transfer to a vendor you have not been able to verify in person or by video.
What to do first
Slow down and confirm the vendor is real and bookable before sending any deposit, using methods that offer some buyer protection.

What this scam usually looks like

Planning a wedding often means booking several vendors months ahead, which is exactly what makes this scam work. A fake or fraudulent photographer, venue, planner, or caterer advertises online with an attractive portfolio and a competitive price. They ask for a deposit by bank transfer to 'secure the date', then go quiet, never deliver, or disappear entirely. Some use stolen portfolio photos and fabricated reviews to look established, and the loss is often only noticed close to the wedding.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'We'd love to capture your big day! Your date is in high demand, so to hold it we just need a 50% deposit by bank transfer today. Please don't book through the platform, it's cheaper if you pay me directly. Send to the details here: [unfamiliar link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • You are urged to pay a large deposit immediately because the date is 'almost gone'.
  • The vendor wants payment by bank transfer and asks you to avoid the booking platform's own payment system.
  • Portfolio images, reviews, or testimonials cannot be traced back to this specific business.
  • Contact stays limited to messages or email, and they avoid a phone or video call or an in-person meeting.
  • Prices are noticeably lower than comparable vendors, paired with pressure to commit quickly.

What to do

  • Search the business name, phone number, and a few portfolio images to check they are not used elsewhere.
  • Ask to speak by video call and request references or a signed contract before paying anything.
  • Where possible, pay by a method that offers some protection rather than a direct bank transfer.
  • Verify the venue or business address independently, and be cautious if you cannot confirm it exists.

If you already clicked or replied

  • Avoid entering card or banking details on a payment link you cannot verify and close the page.
  • If you have paid, contact your bank or card provider quickly to ask about your options.
  • Save all messages, the advert, the contract, and payment records in one place.
  • Report the listing to the platform or social site where you found the vendor.

What not to do

  • Do not move off a booking platform to pay 'directly' just because it is described as cheaper.
  • Do not send a deposit before confirming the vendor is genuine and reachable.
  • Do not rely on portfolio photos or glowing reviews alone as proof the business is real.

Similar scams

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Fake Supplier Scam

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.
High risk Rental

Vacation Rental Scam

This scam uses a fake or hijacked holiday rental listing, often with copied photos and a below-market price, to pressure you into paying a deposit off-platform by bank transfer for a property that is not actually available.
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Concert Ticket Scam

Scammers advertise resale tickets for sold-out or popular events on social media and marketplaces. After you pay, often by a method that is hard to reverse, you receive no valid ticket, or a duplicate that will not scan at the door.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for wedding vendors to ask for a deposit?
Yes, deposits are standard for popular dates. The concern is not the deposit itself but being pushed to pay by transfer to an unverified vendor who avoids calls, contracts, or the platform's protected payment options.
How can I tell if a portfolio is stolen?
Try a reverse image search on a few sample photos. If the same images appear under other names or studios, that is a warning sign. Genuine vendors can usually show consistent, watermarked work and discuss past events in detail.
Why do they want to avoid the booking platform?
Booking platforms often hold payments and offer some buyer protection. A vendor steering you to pay directly by transfer removes that safety net, which is a tactic commonly seen in deposit scams.
What if the wedding is soon and I feel rushed?
Scammers rely on that pressure. Even with a tight timeline, a short verification call and a written contract are worth the delay. A genuine vendor will understand the need to confirm details before payment.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.