Avoid Being Duped by Some Common Modeling Agency Scams
The modeling world is teeming with aspiring wannabe models looking to make a mark in the glamour world. Taking advantage of this rush of new talent are scammers posing as modeling agencies. Due to their sophisticated modus operandi and the vulnerability of these newcomers, it is often quite difficult to tell these fake agencies from the real ones. However, there are a few clues to look out for and if one exercises precaution, he or she can definitely avoid falling into their trap.
A most common trick used by these conmen to dupe unsuspecting young men and women is what is known as a spotter scam. You are led into believing that you have managed to attract the attention of some high profile modeling agency and they’d like to offer you an assignment with a fat paycheck. In reality though, that gentleman claiming to represent a modeling agency is a conman who’s only interested in fleecing you of your hard earned money. To make it look real, the person may even produce a genuine looking ID card and invite you to pay a visit to their offices located in some posh upscale area of town.
These conmen usually hunt for unsuspecting targets in busy markets and streets where they’re likely to come across young boys and girls exposed to the glamour and stardom of the modeling world and are susceptible to such fleecing. They will ask you whether you have heard of their agency and will express disbelief if you answer in the negative. They’re also usually equipped with a camera and would want to shoot a picture of you on the pretext of showing it to their superiors.
But this trick of theirs is usually what gives them away. A person representing a genuine modeling agency would never insist on shooting a picture of yours in a random public place. The proper thing to do is to present a business card of the agency and then invite you to come over to their office. In case you happen to be under age, he or she would insist on you coming with an adult accompanying you. Once at their office, a genuine agency won’t try to convince you with exorbitant promises or lure you with the promise of helping you succeed in the glamour world. They might even warn you about the pressures associated with the profession and would advise you to carefully make your decision.
Fraudsters and swindlers usually make up outrageous stories about their past and present clients and even their staff. The supposed cameraman employed by these so called modeling agencies are claimed to have worked for some top notch celebrities in the past and are being paid unmentionable sums for their services for the agency.
A scammer first tries to bedazzle you with stories about the glamour world and how he sees potential in you to make it to the top. He’s even likely to rattle off names of some celebrities, claiming to have represented them in the past. Once he’s convinced he’s got your attention, he will bring up the small matter of signing a contract and preparing a portfolio, at your own cost. A genuine agent who’s really interested in you would always pay for your portfolio and bear all other costs until he gets you an assignment. He makes money from the commission he earns by getting you assignments, so naturally he’d want to get you as many assignments as possible. A real agency would therefore never want you to sit idle at home since it’s a loss for them as well. The agent’s commission is also decided upon in advance and is mentioned clearly in the contract. Real modeling agencies also know that it is not sufficient for a person to look attractive in person to land good assignments. You should also be photogenic. A genuine agency would therefore want to take some test shots of you before signing you on and preparing your portfolio, all at their own cost.
Often, youngsters eager to join the modeling world get frustrated by not getting a favourable response from a big modeling agency and in their eagerness sign up with these seedy organizations and more often than not end up regretting their decision, after wasting some precious time, effort and of course money. There are a number of smaller genuine modeling agencies that are trustworthy and with some real clients on their list. To succeed in your search for a good agency that can provide you with decent representation and exposure, it is imperative that you do your homework and carry out a bit of a research about the agency before signing up with them. A good way to do this is to contact the companies that they claim to service and also some of the past and present models on their rolls.