Home » UpMarket

Modeling Scams-How To Avoid Being A Victim

Phillyfreeze69 by Phillyfreeze69

Trust Your Instincts...Scams Are Everywhere

Modeling agency scams are so prevalent that both the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission have released warnings about unscrupulous modeling agencies, modeling scouts, and modeling photographers. Parents or Guardians of young aspiring models must be on the look-out for scams of all types.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a report for consumers on modeling-agency rip-offs that offers some guidlines about scams. This report gives aspiring models great advice about the many potential rip-off schemes out there including the internet. (the FTC website> www.ftc.go/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.html)

Advice From The Better Business Bureau

The BBB advises caution when dealing with modeling agencies. Although ethical and legitimate agencies exists, the BBB warns that "for too often, consumers are victimized by unscrupulous talent and modeling agencies" and yes photographers too. Promising, money, exposure, and stardom.

Before becoming involved with an agency, know exactly what the agency should be doing for you. An agency should be engaged in the marketing and booking of talent. Usually a state license is required to book work for a fee. The agent's role is to promote the talent [ in this case, a model] who has contracted them for their marketing services, negotiate the most favorable contract for the talent and collect a commission from the talent.

There are ethical and legitimate talent and model agencies. You should interview your agent as throughly as you would interview your doctor, lawyer, or tax preparer. Remember, the agent will be "working for you" not vice versa. Careully review your contract with the agency/agent. This is your agreement regarding what the agent will do to earn the commission you pay.

Problems or complaints about an agency/agent may be referred to the Better Business Bureau, state Department of Licensing and Regulation or state Attorney Generals Office in the city where the company is located.

Scams Are Everywhere

Parents Beware (Do Your Homework)

Because young impressionable girls desire to become a model can cloud their judgement, Parents should be on the look out for all types of scams. A young aspiring model's desire to launch a modeling career may sometimes overshadow her logic and she find herself in a situation she is'nt equipped to handle. Or she may realize she is being ripped off. This is why it's essential for parents or guardians to stay involved on every step of their daughter's career, especially when she is starting out.

Steer clear of modeling companies that require you to use a special photographer.Compare fees and work quality of several photographers. Be suspect if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your agent. Be leery of companies that only accept payment by cash or money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.

Modeling Resources

Chanel: A woman that does'nt wear perfume...has no future!

Loading

New Guestbook

  • Ninche May 5, 2012 @ 2:00 am | delete
    Good and important advices for young models and their parents!
  • Phillyfreeze69 May 5, 2012 @ 10:47 am | delete
    Ninche, thanks for visiting and commenting on so many of my lens. I appreciate it. Although there are many legitimate modeling agencies/agents it is still a industry that requires parents using due deligence when considering launching a modeling career for their child.
  • Apr 8, 2012 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    Good advice, anyone asking for money upfront for homeworkers or modelling should ring alarm bells.
  • reasonablerobinson Apr 8, 2012 @ 2:56 am | delete
    a good subject to write about
  • dellgirl Jan 9, 2012 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing this information, this is a very helpful lens you have here.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Jan 9, 2012 @ 7:18 pm | delete
    dellgirl,
    I am glad you found the information helpful and I hope you have incorporated some type of antivirus software in your computer.

    Congratulations on being a new grandmother and best wishes for 2012!
  • jksterling Nov 6, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
    Thanks for the heads up on this.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Nov 6, 2011 @ 11:26 am | delete
    jksterling, thanks for liking and commenting. Modeling scams have been around for decades and despite warnings from the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau there still parents being victimized by unscrupulous model agencies, photographers, talent agents and so called "scouts".

    Parents have to do their homework to insure that they are dealing with legitimate companies and individuals, it is relative easy to use the technology of search engines to do a background check be handing over ones hard earned money.
  • SereneSea Nov 2, 2011 @ 11:41 am | delete
    We really have to be attentive of all scams, they are everywhere to fool people around, especially modeling scams.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Nov 2, 2011 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    SereneSea, your accessment is so correct, scams are not only prevalent in the modeling industry but are saturated in financial, educational, and home mortgages industries. The best defense for anyone doing business is to always check references, do a background check and never pay in cash for services that traditionally requires documentation.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Oct 5, 2011 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    Vitalmughal, thanks for visting and the tip. I have found out that creating valuable, unique, useful content is the best way for my lens to get vistors that are "searching" for frelevant modeling information. Have a great week!
  • vitalmughal Sep 30, 2011 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    To get more traffic add more relevant content in your lenses. Add at least two time more content than you currently have.
  • ajgodinho Sep 11, 2011 @ 4:18 pm | delete
    It's not surprising that scams have increased tremendously over the past few years, especially with the rise of the internet and social media. In these types of scams, like you said, it's easy to get one's mind to cloud good judgement and one really needs to do their homework. Good topic to cover!
  • Phillyfreeze69 Sep 12, 2011 @ 7:14 pm | delete
    ajgodinho, the same "get rich quick" schemes that permeates the internet can also be found in the modeling industry. Unfortunately for parents of aspiring models there is no such animal.
    Modeling requires dedication, persistence, determination, a positive attitude, self-discipline and a host of other attributes besides being "photogenic"

    Thanks for visiting and commenting...I appreciate it.
  • BigGirlBlue Sep 1, 2011 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    Homework is definitely essential. I've always wondered about the paper ads looking for models but asking for fees upfront.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Sep 2, 2011 @ 11:50 am | delete
    BigGirlBlue you are so right!...this is one of the oldest scams and to avoid being a victim of such unscrupulous practices is to do a little homework. Checking credentials and references can save model aspirants hundreds of dollars. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have a great week.
  • SereneSea Aug 24, 2011 @ 6:57 am | delete
    There are scams everywhere, but they remain unnoticed and the villains escape due to the absence of severe punishments. Hope the culprits of modeling scam get justice in due time.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Aug 25, 2011 @ 7:42 pm | delete
    SereneSea, one of the best ways to avoid being a victim of not only modeling scams but business scams involving homeowners, automobiles, financial institutions, etc., is to use the very old saying "consumers beware"...individuals must do their homework!

    Appreciate your visit and comment. Have a great week.
  • inezsmith Apr 11, 2011 @ 10:54 pm | delete
    Alot of supposed modeling or talent agencies have the better business bureau plaque on the wall like their legit..Like you said it's more of an instinct..I used to work in hollywood..there are 20 on every block.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Apr 12, 2011 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    Inez, it is so true. Especially in Hollywood where aspiring models and actresses come from small towns by the hundreds with "stars in their eyes" and "store front agencies" know this fact very well.

    For the young and naive these type of talent and model agencies are more interested in your money than lauching you a career in the entertainment industry. Thanks for stopping by and liking my lens.
  • d-artist Mar 3, 2011 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    I think one of the scams that comes with modeling are photo shoots were the model is promised jobs and all they want from you is money for a portfolio...Many years ago I sued a Modeling agency and photographer, they were bonded and I got my money back.
  • Phillyfreeze69 Mar 3, 2011 @ 11:08 pm | delete
    d-artist, what you experienced years ago is still prevalent today despite warnings from the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. The best way to avoid being a victim of unscrupulous photographers is to do background and reference checks. Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
Show All

This UpMarket page written by

Phillyfreeze69

Hello, I am a model consultant with over 25 years experience in the modeling and advertising industry. Lens: Hobby Modeling Jobs,Modeling For Ad Campaigns,... more »

Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?

Connect with UpMarket

This author recommends...