Caller never actually called, but made contact through text messages only.  "James" wanted to hire a 5-piece band to play "rocking jazz" for an upcoming 20 year anniversary to be held at a local venue in my vicinity.  The time frame given was rather narrow, but I was able to provide two options.  That's when it hit me, that he was a scammer.  Wanted me to pay for his photographer/videographer and add to my bill; wanted me to accept his credit card payment for all of this (roughly $2,900+/- (including his 'generous' $60 tip for myself!)) and as soon as his payment hits my bank account, I will have helped him.  (No kidding!)  I replied I only accept bank drawn money orders (no checks or cash,) 48 hours prior to the event and no refunds since his request arrived after the typical cancellation period.  Well, surprise, he said he can only do credit card payments.  The 'deal' I then unceremoniously canceled.  Now, two days later he texts me a simple "Hello".  This "James" is clearly a scammer, seeking to deceive and rob good musicians making an honest living through their craft. The word among my fellow musicians is that these sort of scams are now becoming increasingly more popular, but so far, no one in my large circle of musicians have actually fallen for these schemes.

Same thing James wants to book bands only available via  text called the number it is a text only number.  Don't do business with this scammer

I received a text message - from James...   ...The text said >>> there would be a 20 year anniversary party in "the city" and would like to hire a full band...  ...he also asks if I take credit card payments... ...Many bells in my head went off signaling BS and a scam... ...for one - I am a solo musician - another...   ....he says - 4 hours >>> from 1 - 4pm... ...hmm...   ...not very good at math when paying good money.

I had the same experience of a SMS message from James inquiring about cost of full band to play 1pm-4pm, but asked for a 4hr quote. He wanted to know if I accepted credit cards and which he could use. He didn't shrug at the price but never responded to my inquiries about what city we would be performing; how he located me; or a discussion about travel and lodging should it be in another state. He told me create a contract and send it to james_sco@aol.com. I figured it couldn't be real due to serious request don't play out this way.

I received a text from James about his anniversary and now am Woking for him today  and i also paid the photo/video guy and he also came, James is legitimate customer to me now and his a deaf man and nice.