Stranger asked me to video/photograph kids at school
I am a pet sitter and run my own business. Today I received and inquiry from a woman on my website, we will call her Cathy. I have removed personal details for reasons that will become obvious. Cathy writes,
"Hi, I'm trying to find someone interested in going to [School Name] events and record them, or live stream them, or even just take photos at them. I have 3 grand daughters that live in [town name], I live in [a different state] and never get to see any of their concerts, talent shows, etc. I'm not sure how far away you are from the school or other places they hold events, but if this is something you'd be interested in discussing, please let me know. Thanks!"
This is clearly out of my scope and something that raised so many red flags immediately.
A few red flags: ● Why don't they have the parents send them videos/photos/etc? ● Why not contact a videographer? ● Why are you asking a pet sitter? ● Why do you think that a random adult (I'm 32F) visiting a children's school to visit children they don't know is okay? ● Do the parents know you're doing this?
I decided to look up her name on FB and I found a profile in the state she said she lives in. In the profile caption, it says,
"Oct 2019, blocked unfriended & denied all contact. Now part of the Grandparent Alienation Epidemic."
DING DING DING We have an answer!
So it makes sense now why Cathy is asking for this however, if the parents cut contact then there is probably a very good reason. And with Cathy reaching out to me, a stranger, to record CHILDREN, it's making me lean towards the option that parents are right.
Now for the advice, what should I do with this? Contact authorities? Contact the school? Post on social media telling others to be careful (we are a close knit community)? Email her back and tell her how disgusting her behavior is (hesitant on that in case she chooses to retaliate and target my business)?
I'm truly baffled at this request and feel disgusted and stunned. I feel like my mind is going blank. Any suggestions are welcome!