Bloomberg Sources Scam

This is just a general warning about a scam that is going around and I have received this inquiry too.

The scenario is pretty simple;

• Someone contacts you from a random gmail address (not a real person). In my case, it was Lunaco Masson, but I also heard about Asher Barin. Other names and emails are likely being used as well.
• They ask you for a guest post cost and potential link insertion. This is the message I have received:

To my dear

I hope this communication reaches you in good health.

I work as a freelancer in the SEO industry, representing clients. I was quite pleased by your website's continually interesting and educational information while browsing it.

I'm curious to know if you're amenable to incorporating contextual links into your current articles and posting sponsored posts on your website.

How much does a guest post cost?
How much does it cost to insert a link?
The cost of the casino?

I would appreciate it if you could let me know your most affordable rates for posting and links, if such chances are available.

I appreciate your thought and time.

I explain what is possible and what is not. Then, five days later, I have received another message:

Business Proposal for Banner Advertising

I'm talking to BRAD STONE from BLOOMBERG (Bloomberg.com)

We're launching a new website (bloombergsources.com) where we'll share business ideas. We'd like to add a banner to your website. If you're interested, you can contact us via this Gmail or my professional email (bradstone@bloombergsources.com
You can also visit our new website (bloombergsources.com)

Terms of the Proposal

Banner Placement 
Our banner will be live on your website for 4 months

Payment
We'll pay you $2100 for the 4-month period

Payment Terms
Payment will be made within 7 working days

Removal 
If we need to remove the ad, you'll remove it.

Next Steps
If you're interested, please get in touch with us via email to discuss further

Thanks

and another one:

Hi,
I have sent you the link anchor and paragraph, You have to add the paragraph to the sidebar of your website
Link
Bloombergsources.com
Anchor
Bloomberg Sources
You can choose any of the paragraphs and add them to the sidebar of your website.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global customers rely Bloomberg Sources to deliver accurate, real-time business and market-moving information that helps them make critical financial decisions please contact: michael@bloombergsources.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global customers rely Bloomberg Sources to deliver accurate, real-time business and market-moving information that helps them make critical financial decisions please contact
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please add our company details and mention that this ad will be for four months.
PayPal ID: michael@bloombergsources.com
Registered Address: 3 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TQ UK
Vat Number: 718787092
I'm Waiting
Thanksa 

Funny thing is that they are sending VAT Number (not existing anymore for GB since they are out of EU) but you can easily find a Bloomberg L.P. is behind this VAT ID, which makes it seem legitimate. But it's not.

This scam goes like this: you publish their backlink, you receive no payment and eventually they will try to make you pay them for an article publishing services on "their" website (bloomberg.com and their other real online assets). But do not expect your article to show up there.

Just a heads up for other webmaster out there.