We’ve recently encountered a web design scam email that is being sent to unsuspecting web designers and developers, and we want to help others recognize and avoid it. Below is the exact wording from the email, along with key red flags to look out for.
Exact Email Wording:
Hello, I just opened a new Spanish restaurant, which I run now and I need a website for my business to grow, so I need you to go through this example https://trescazuelas.com/ but I need something more perfect than this if possible. I would like you to get back to me with an estimate and the estimate should include hosting. The estimate should include the price for a year update and I want you to understand I want the same page as the example site I gave you to check and I want only the English language and I want you to know you will be updating the site for me. I want the site up and running before the end of February and I don’t want a shopping cart on my reservation page. Also, I don’t have a domain name yet and I will prefer LevanteRestaurant&Bar.Net. My budget is $5000-$20000 for the web design. I have a private project consultant; she has the text content and the logos for the site with the image artwork, so please go ahead and check the example site and get back to me with an estimate.
Why This is a Scam:
If you’ve received an email like this or one with similar wording, you might be dealing with a fraudulent web design scam. Here’s how to recognize it:
- Fake Business Claim: The sender claims to run a new restaurant and needs a website, but their email is filled with vague details and red flags.
- Unrealistic Budget: The email offers an extremely broad budget of $5,000 – $20,000 for a website design, which seems generous but is part of the scam to lure you in.
- Suspicious Domain Name: The scammer requests a specific domain name (LevanteRestaurant&Bar.Net) but has no proof of ownership or prior registration.
- Urgency and Lack of Clarity: They want the website done quickly (before February) without providing clear specifications or details about the project. This is often a tactic to rush you into starting work without proper vetting.
- Lack of Professional Communication: The email is poorly written, with grammar mistakes and vague instructions like “I want only English language,” which is a red flag for a scam attempt.
What Should You Do If You Receive an Email Like This?
- Do Not Respond: If you receive a similar email, do not reply. The sender is likely trying to scam you.
- Report the Email: Mark the email as spam or phishing with your email provider, and share the warning with others, especially in web design or freelance communities.
- Verify the Business: Look up the business or website mentioned. Chances are, it won’t be a legitimate business, and you won’t find a credible online presence.
- Be Cautious of Large Budgets: While high-paying clients are possible, scammers often promise large budgets to make the deal seem legitimate. Once you engage, they’ll either disappear or continue to change the terms of the project.
Similar Scams:
We found an entire forum dedicated to warnings about similarly worded scams, such as the LevanteRestaurant&Bar.Net scam. A quick search led us to a post on Team Treehouse, where multiple designers have reported similar emails with the exact same structure and phrasing.
Key Phrases You Should Look For:
- “I want you to check this example: https://trescazuelas.com/”
- “LevanteRestaurant&Bar.Net”
- “My budget is $5000-$20000 for web design.”
- “I want the website up before the end of February.”
- “I don’t have a domain name yet.”
Stay Safe and Protect Your Business
If a potential client seems too good to be true or uses vague language with a lot of urgency, take a step back and evaluate the situation. A legitimate client will have a professional approach, clear communication, and a detailed scope for the project.
Always Verify: Research the business, and be cautious when high budgets or specific requests are made without a clear business foundation. Protect your time and reputation from these kinds of scams.
