The Internet is virtually loaded with scams and scam artists looking to pull the wool over the eyes of an unsuspecting victim. From phishing scams to fraudulent credit card charges and stealth dialers, there are plenty of traps out there for the unsuspecting.The Internet is virtually loaded with scams and scam artists looking to pull the wool over the eyes of an unsuspecting victim. From phishing scams to fraudulent credit card charges and stealth dialers, there are plenty of traps out there for the unsuspecting. Jennifer Leigh of TheAdultWebmaster.com talks with porn star Autumn Rayne, who was the victim of a recent scam which put her at risk of an HIV infection and cheated her out of several thousand dollars. This interview is an exclusive, must-read which points out the dangers one can face in this business when working deals with unknown entities.
JL: You recently went through one giant scare that included both fraud and a risk to your health. For those who have not kept up with recent news on what happen to you with ebonyandivory.com, could you please tell the story again to catch them up?
Autumn: Sure. I was approached by a “Steve Strong,” who claimed to represent www.ebonyonivory.com, to do a few interracial scenes; one was to be a double-penetration. All seemed good from their side; they made travel arrangements for me, and stayed in constant touch. I got to New York on April 10th and we were slated to shoot at 1pm at the LaGuardia Marriott. Steve and crew arrived and we shot the scenes. The agreed pay was $2500 and I was presented a cashier’s check that ended up being a phony. I later also learned that the HIV tests were faked as well. So, at this point I am like, “forget the money, have I been exposed?” Sharon Mitchell at AIM gladly offered a PCR-DNA test free of charge, and thankfully I have come up negative, but unless you are staring the possibility of an HIV infection in the face, you have no idea what it really feels like. It is the scariest thing I have been through, that’s for sure. After I learned that my health was not in jeopardy I went after this guy with a vengeance, and thank God for the NYPD and in particular a special detective that I will call Nick, for his dedication to my case. Steve Bonhomme, a.k.a. Steve Strong, was arrested 10 days ago. Since his arrest four other ladies have come forward with the same bogus checks. He is facing life under the persistent felony offender law in NY.
JL: You are a pro and more established than most in this business and you always check your sources. So this proves that even a seasoned veteran must be careful! What advice do you want to give girls who may be heading out to shoots so that this does not happen to them?
Autumn: Good question. I will always say to make sure you talk to other people that they have shot… other girls to make sure that these people are legitimate. Call the labs that your partner’s test papers are from and confirm the results before entering into any sexual activities. And never let anyone talk you into doing something you don’t want to.
JL: This guy is now in jail and on his way to being prosecuted in court. What charges does he face? Apparently he has done this before.
Autumn: Yes, Steve Bonhomme a.k.a. Steve Strong is in jail. He is facing two felonies from my case and two each for the other three girls that have come forward. So that totals eight. Four [of the] felonies will be Grand Larceny. Under New York law he is facing life in prison.
JL: Your husband was in contact once with the owner of Ebonyandivory.com. Apparently he first answered back in hopes of being helpful but now has gotten quiet; what has developed and does it appear he is hiding behind legal counsel?
Autumn: Here is the email Chandler, my husband, wrote to Ebony on Ivory’s legal team:
Mssr. Cheifvetz:
Thank you for your reply. At least now I know what is required to inspire a reply from your client. I do have further questions, if you would be so kind:
1. What actions did you take to “confirm” that your client has never purchased content from the perpetrator? The company name on the counterfeit check is Dynamic Entertainment. They also use the name EbonyCasting. You did not request this information, so I am curious how you can “confirm” that no content was purchased from them. Additionally, this felon has no regard for the law and has a history of using false identities, so I am also curious how you can “confirm” that your client has never purchased content from this individual under a different name.
2. Do you know the identities of all of the perpetrator’s victims? And have you compared them to all of the content ever posted on your client’s websites? If so, kudos to you! I am sure the District Attorney would appreciate receiving a list of additional victims from you. I know that your client did not request pictures or identification from my wife to determine if any content came in with her resemblance. For your information, a third victim came forward today and will also be pressing charges.
3. I understand your client’s inability to control unauthorized use of their trade names of which they are unaware. However, once made aware of such an abuse, do they not have a responsibility, or at least the common business sense, to take action to stop the unauthorized use of their company name and protect future victims? I know that this individual was still victimizing talent in your client’s company name at least a month after I notified your client of the situation.
We are not seeking a legal battle with your client. We are curious if they have the integrity to recognize the seriousness of this crime and come forward with proof that they are not involved in any way with the perpetrator. We have incurred the burden of discovering the criminal’s true identity, filing charges against him, having him arrested, and identifying other victims. It seems to me that your client, Global Intermedia, is a victim in this scam as well, only they may ultimately have the greatest liability.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Chandler Rayne
Let’s wait and see how they respond.
JL: So now that this has come to a close, or almost to a close, has this deterred you from your career path at all?
Autumn: No. I mean I will be more careful but I am ready to get back to work. Yard work and house work is just not my thing. (Laughs)
JL: What projects do you have currently going? How about your Web site? Are you offering any opportunities to Webmasters or affiliate programs for content?
Autumn: I am updating my site at www.autumnrayne.com and about to open a new site for capturing scam artists. I am also looking to get some new film work, so anyone interested, let me know.
JL: By the way, Summer Haze recently (and seemingly out of the blue) bashed you on KSEX. What was up with that? I give you the utmost respect for not bashing back; very classy move!
Autumn: Summer Haze has a beef with me. Why I don’t know. She claims I send out pics that are 10 years old. (Laughs) I wasn’t even in porn ten years ago. I think she has a lot of jealousy and hatred which is really unnecessary, seeing as we don’t even know each other. This is real life, not Jr. High.
JL: Do you have any projects or any news you want to share with us before we go?
Autumn: As I have said, I am seeking new assignments; the HIV scare (industry wide) has put a damper on a lot, as well as my own scare, so let’s get after it people and have fun!
Interview conducted by Jennifer Leigh. Jennifer is a regular contributor to The ADULTWEBMASTER Magazine, which can be found at www.theadultwebmaster.com.
