Is this for real or a joke?

I'm a photographer and recently (about 3 months ago) set up my own website. When I first launched it, I had a lot of people fill out the contact/inquire form and put ridiculous things as a joke. All of which came from friends who thought it would be funny to spam my inquiry form. This ended about a week after I launched the site. Three days ago, I received another inquiry; my first since my friends stopped spamming it. However, this one sounded pretty legit...except for a few minor things. I will post the message sent, but delete the name for privacy reasons. Yes, there is a mistake in the model of Ferrari...that's what's causing me to be skeptical. Here's the message:

"Hi, my name is ***** *******.

I am looking to get some photos taken of my Ferrari 358 Italia. I Live in Mountain View, CA.

I was perusing through some of the photos on your site and really like your style and would like some photos of my cars to be blown up and framed to hang in my garage, could you help me with that?

Now, I am aware that Mountain View is far. But I would be willing to fly you out here for a photo shoot.

What would be your rates for a shoot?

Thanks for your time,
*****"

As you probably noticed, there is no such thing as a "358" Italia. Could it be a simple typo or another one of my friends who thought that was the correct model? I asked for a phone number and I tracked it. It did belong to a person in Mountain View, CA. Now, I have a friend who moved here for college. He's told me many times about pranks he has done to his friends back in Illinois, where he will gain access to a real phone number and be able to use that number through his phone. When he calls people, it'll show the number that he "stole" and he has various voice changers so that he can remain anonymous. I wouldn't put it past him to do something like this. I've talked to him about it numerous times and he repeatedly says it isn't him, but I'm just not buying it. I don't want to get sucked into some B.S. prank, but I also don't want to miss out on this if it IS real. Any suggestions as to how I can find out if it's real or a scam?

Thanks,
-G.B.

 

Thanks for the tip! I'm horrible with computers as far as IP addresses and stuff. How do I find the IP address of the sender if he used my contact form?

Thanks,

-G.B.

 

That's what I'm hoping for.

-G.B.

 

Thanks Peter! I called the guy today. He sounds legit. I asked him what options were on the car (my friend wouldn't have a clue as to how to answer that), but he said he had to get to work. I'll call him some time tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens.

-G.B.

 

I've been in contact with him and everything seemed legit; shoot would be set for June 4th. However, I requested a list of options on his car as well as a photo. I thought I'd be able to tell if it was a scam or not because he wouldn't know anything about the options if he wasn't an owner. Here's the email I sent him earlier in the week and the reply he sent me this morning:

My email:
"*****,

Sorry I wasn't really able to talk when you called the other day; I had just gotten out of bed.

Anyway, early June works well for me and I am thinking of taking you up on the offer of flying down there; it'd be faster. If I fly Southwest, I can take all my camera gear as a carry on for no extra charge. Should we plan a date for the shoot?

Also, what were you looking for as far as the photos. Did you want the shoot done at your house? Was there a different location you had in mind? I'm open to anything. What options are on the car? Do you have any photos of it that I can see?

I look forward to hearing back form you.

All the best,
-Gil"

His reply:
"Hello Mr. Folk,

No problem. I am glad to hear you were just tired as I thought I had upset you.

After looking at my schedule it appears that around June 4th would work. I was planning on flying you through United as I have all of my miles through them and it would be more convenient for me. With all of your equipment I imagine that would constitute more than a single carry on though.

I am not exactly sure where I wanted the shoot done, I was hoping you would be able to scout out a local place that would suit your lighting setup. I figured you probably have a couple soft boxes or a couple reflectors that would need to be set up.

My car is a 2010 Ferrari 458 Ialia
Rosso Corsa
Super Carbon Fiber Racing Seats
Carbon Fiber Central Console
Full Electric Seats
HiFi Sound System
iPod Installation
Cruise Control
Rosso Corsa Brake Calipers
Rear Parking Camera

Thanks,
*****"

He also attached this photo of the car...anyone else notice it's in London (RHD)??? :angry:


I then replied:
"*****,

I couldn't help but notice the photo you sent me was taken in London and is a Right-Hand drive...something seems a bit fishy?

I use all natural lighting; no artificial lighting is used."

He just snapped back saying this:
"Do you have a problem or something? Considering the attachment says "carinlondon" don't you think I would realize that the picture was taken in London? I also use the car as a show car, so as far as I know there isn't a problem having an RHD vehicle that is a show car.

Do you have some sort of problem with me?

I thought artificial lighting was standard in automotive photography. So, why are you questioning my authenticity when artificial lighting is the standard?"

This guy is really starting to piss me off.

So does this constitute as a scam?

-G.B.
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Not a problem and no offense taken.

I appreciate all the insight from you and others who have posted. I DO want people to contact me, but it was just difficult to decide whether or not this was legit. If it was, I would've put more effort into it.

Thanks again.

-G.B.