| |
|
Webster.com
defines 'Scam' as a fraudulent or deceptive act or
operation. How can you avoid common scams? How can You recognize the
difference between a failed service and a service made to scam you?
Below you will find some resources we found as we scanned the internet.
No matter who you decide to use to help you with your dream remember to
ask yourself the hard questions.
According to modelingscams.org "Most modeling scams happen before
the aspiring model gets work. Probably 99% of the scams are from up
front fees which do not lead to modeling jobs. These include payments
for registration, modeling photos, modeling schools, and modeling
conventions. The 1% of the scams which happen after the model
works are, for example, when the agency does not pay the model
the amount due according to the model contract or pays very late."
Legitimate
agencies make their money by taking a percentage from models and
clients off the work they book. As a standard - many agencies take 20%
from the model (commission) and another 20% from the client (agency
fee). Meaning, if they book you for a full day for $1,000, they
actually will bill the client $1,200. When the model gets his/her
check, it will be for $800 and the agency's profit is $400. That is how
an agency makes their money!
First and foremost, realize that
agencies are a Monday-Friday, 9-5pm business. If you are contacted to
attend an "Open Call" or "Talent Review" make sure it's between these
hours. Be very suspicious if they ask you to come in later in the
evening or a weekend. Legitimate agencies don't do weekends!
Top 10 Warning Signs
- Unsatisfactory record at the Better Business Bureau
- Up front fees
- Guaranteed work
- No website / Bad Website
- Online portfolio not free
- Late payments for completed work
- Claimed/implied affiliation with celebrities or started the career(s)of supermodel(s)
- Office not professional or address is only a PO Box number, not a street address
- Company makes profit even if models get no work
- Most work the agency gets is for events ("promotional"), not print, not editorial, not commercial, not fashion
Other Resources - The United States Federal Trade Commission offers some great advice. Download their guide here.
- The Better Business Bureau Offers some great advice here.
Our
advice is to always question something you don't understand and never
put yourself in a situation where you feel forced to do or pay
something you don't want to. |
|
|
|
|
Agency News 