Could you ever be a model or an actor? Perhaps it's your
children who have the right look? If a talent scout says you have a future in
the industry, you might be flattered β and interested. However, you could be
the victim of a modelling scam.
Modelling Agencies as opposed to Modelling Schools and Programs
Modelling and talent agencies help both experienced and
aspiring models and actors find work. They are compensated when you are
compensated. Some agencies will only allow you to register with them, while
others will allow you to register with other agencies as well.
Modelling schools and programs teach you the skills you'll
need to start a modelling career, such as how to apply makeup and hair, use
proper diction, and walk down a runway. Enrolment usually requires payment in
advance.
Do your research before signing up with an agency or school,
and make sure you have details in writing about what they'll do for you and any
promises they make.
Modelling Scam Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for phony talent scouts if you're pursuing
your child's modelling career. These con artists offer to set up a photo shoot
or classes to assist you in finding modelling or acting jobs for your child.
What they don't tell you is that the market for child models
and actors is very small because a child's appearance changes quickly, and
legitimate agents, advertising agencies, casting directors, and producers
typically request casual snapshots rather than professional photos.
Although casting calls for the "next child star"
are real, the ads are frequently used to entice parents to enrol their
children in expensive acting classes.
So, whether you meet a talent scout on the street, see an ad
for a modelling agency online, or learn about a modelling school or program, here
are some red flags:
The agency would like you to pay them. Real modelling
agencies will not charge you for a test shoot, photographs, or to "secure
your spot" in a modelling job. They'll find you work and pay you after the
client does. The contract you sign with the agency should specify what
percentage of any money you make on assignments goes to the agency.
They guarantee you will be hired. Even for successful
models, modelling assignments can be irregular. There are no guarantees in life.
And, depending on where you live, the job market for those positions may be
very limited.
They promise high pay. What models can earn, like modelling
assignments, is highly erratic. Walk away if an agency or program makes these
guarantees.
They claim you must use a specific photographer. While some
agencies have regular photographers, they should not make using their
photographers a requirement for getting assignments.
They press you into signing a contract. You need to
investigate a company before giving them money or personal information. If an
offer is valid today, it should be valid tomorrow as well.
They boast about their
achievements...but no one has heard of them. Unless the agency is new, they
should be able to demonstrate that they have had success in finding work for
models. If an agency boasts about its track record, challenge them to
demonstrate it. Request a list of clients, models, and actors who have
previously worked with the agency. It's also suspicious if the agency doesn't
have a website. Even if they do, any promises or "guarantees" they
make about modelling jobs and earnings, or any requests for money up front, make
it a scam.
Avoiding a Modelling Scam
Investigate the company. Try Googling the name of the
modelling school or agency plus words like "scam," "review,"
or "complaint."
Never pay an agency in advance. Any agency that requests
payment to represent you is a scam.
Do not work with a modelling program that tells you how much
you must pay. If a modelling program or school requires specific types of
payments β cash, money order, gift cards, wire transfers through companies like
MoneyGram or Western Union, or cryptocurrency β it's a dead giveaway that it's
only interested in your money and not your modelling career.
Do not work with an agency that requires you to use its
staff for photo shoots or auditions. Do not work with an agency if they require
you to use their photographer or makeup artist. You have the option of hiring
your own makeup artist and photographer.
If your state requires it, inquire whether the company or
school is licensed or bonded. Check with your local consumer protection agency
or the state attorney general for more information. Check that the license is
up to date.
Obtain references. Get the names and contact information of
any models or actors who have recently landed work through the agency. Scam
agencies may display photos of successful models they did not represent on
their walls or websites. They also use the names of well-known companies that
have allegedly hired the models they represent in order to obtain contact
information for the companies where the agency claims to have placed models and
actors.
Make a written record of everything. This includes verbal
promises and assurances.
Keep duplicates of important documents. Keep your contract
and other important documents safe.