Independent city business loses thousands to international scammer.
By Katie Seller (bottom picture)
Hello Lincoln Intern
Not Quite North is a staple for the Lincoln film photography community. Owners Alex Hall and Ross Cameron tell their story of how a customer friendship turned into a ‘wild ride’ of fraud.
Becoming victims of ‘Scami Sami’ was shattering for Alex, Ross and their business, but their tale is all too common to the police who became involved in their case. However, it is also one of hope as the pair believe Not Quite North will survive and thrive with help from the public.
Sami Alsard (real name, Sameer Ismail), originally came into Not Quite North as a customer. In a short space of time, he became friendly with the team, spending hours sitting in the shop and helping make social media content. This friendship then turned into a potential investment into the business as he offered to buy two new scanners.
Alex and Ross were grateful to have met someone so generous. As the business is still in its early stages, money is tight, so this seemed like a great opportunity to grow.
As a token of thanks for Sami’s kindness, they gave him cameras to use and free development as collateral, valued at thousands of pounds.
Sami found a scanner in Birmingham, and all seemed fine, but when the scanner was due to be delivered nothing happened – it was a scenario that was to be repeated three times. Scanners were supposedly ordered from across the world but each time delivery fell through. Sami’s excuses ranged from having a burst appendix to being in a car crash and he falsified proof of payment documents to allay Alex and Ross’ suspicions.
When the final scanner was due to arrive, there was no communication from Sami. Alex called the seller to confirm the delivery but was told Sami had not paid. The penny dropped - Alex and Ross realise Sami has sent them on what they describe as a ‘wild ride’.
The mask had fallen away, and their potential investor and former friend had earned the name Scami Sami.
“Sami spent the better part of six months forging receipts that showed he had kept up his side of the bargain and spun one lie after another when in reality Sameer never paid a penny for anything, and we lost thousands in the process,” said Ross.
All the places that Sami said he travelled to were false, he had never left the UK but was sitting in his flat in Birmingham.
Alex and Ross discovered Sameer Ismail is a convicted fraudster with multiple victims and is currently on bail for another offence scheduled to appear before a court in September.
Sami’s modus operandi is to find people in need of financial help, offer them a deal in exchange for physical, expensive items, and then disappear with those goods.
Alex and Ross want to ensure more people don’t become victims of the conman.
“Sammy always wanted to be famous so we can help to make him famous,” added Ross encouraging people who have been in contact or defrauded by Sameer to get in touch with police or Report Fraud (see below).
“Alex and I are just a couple of regular people trying to make film cheaper and more accessible for everyone, and to make an honest living while we do it. Sami has unfortunately left us with no choice but to ask for your help.”
Alex and Ross want to raise £15,000 for new lab equipment to carry on running their shop, sharing their love for photography and being a hub for the community.
“This will ensure we can go toe–to–toe with the big labs and will make sure that we can provide for all your film needs for years to come.
From my personal experience Not Quite North is a place for all, with customers ranging from three to 100 years old. Whether you have a love for photography or would like to discover a new analogue experience, Not Quite North is the place to go.
To donate head to https://www.not-quite-north.co.uk/donate-2
You can also follow Not Quite North on Instagram: @notquitenorth_
If you have been a victim of Sami or any scam contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
