Modeling Scam

1.  An agency pushing you to use the service of a particular photographer is a scam.

2.  A good agency will not charge up-front fees, if they insist you to sign up with them, then it is a scam.

3.  Agencies that accept payment by money order or cash is a scam

4.  If they assure that you'll get work, then it is a scam because no modeling or acting job is guaranteed.

5.  Promising big money- even for some successful models the work is irregular, in that case, you'd better watch out agency that promises to make big money.

6.  You're told act now before the opportunity goes. Given a deal, it should be good today and tomorrow, so before paying check out for the company's reputation. Stay away from agencies that force you to take up things.

7.  If you're going to an audition, but the conversation is all about you buying something, then it is bait and switch technique of scam (that's how they make money, not by finding you work).

What to do?

Before providing with your personal information and paying money, take time and check out for the company's reputation.

1.  Be well-informed about the company's reputation before providing your personal information and paying money.

2.  Go online and check for the particular company's name with words like scam, rip-off, complaints

3.  Look out for a license of the acting school or company and validate it with your local consumer protection agency and check out for the expiry of the license.

4.  Ask for reference, i.e. models who have already been placed by that particular company and cross-check.

5.  Get everything in writing and make sure that all important documents are safe.