How To Avoid Casting Scams

Whether you're a singer, dancer, actor or model, landing your dream job is the moment you live for. So of course any opportunity that comes your way that might get you closer to your dreams is exciting. But it's important not to let your excitement fuel your decisions. Unfortunately there are many individuals and companies who are waiting to capitalize on your excitement and vulnerability. Casting scams are on the rise in record numbers, which means you have to be even more careful when making decisions that will affect your career.

We list recent scams in the forums section of the Star Search Casting website ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) to alert our members of fraudulent activities on the web affecting singers, dancers, actors and models. In addition to providing you updated information on scams on our website, I also wanted to provide a few tips on how to avoid casting scams:

1. Go with your instincts. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, seek advice or assistance from a parent or peer.

2. Beware of emails or other correspondence that does not appear to be professionally written, ex. filled with grammatical errors and misspellings.

3. Never sign anything without reading it and making sure you fully understand it.

4. Beware of companies who only take cash or money orders.

5. Claims of unusually high compensation are often a huge red flag. Carefully consider these opportunities.

6. Watch out for people telling you that you will be paid money before you have performed the job.

7. If you're unsure about an agency or individual that has contacted you, ask them to provide several references that you can follow up with.

8. Thoroughly research any company that contacts you before signing anything or paying any money. Check the company's reputation by doing a Google search, check with the Better Business Bureau and look in our forums to see if other people have had problems with the company.

9. Watch for companies that have temporary websites or sites hosted for free at places like Tripod, WebSpawner, Bravenet, Freewebs, GeoCities, etc.

10. If a company claims to be largest, number one, biggest, or most popular be sure to check their website traffic at Alexa.com, & Netcraft.com and the history of their domain at WayBackMachine.

11. If you are contacted by a company that you know is real like Elite Models or Ford Models but the person who says they work there uses an email address like ford_models@hotmail.com it is a scam! Anyone who really worked for the company would contact you through a corporate email account like info@fordmodels.com.

12. If you are contacted by someone from another country telling you to travel there and they will pay your travel expenses this almost always is a scam.

I'll continue to post all of the new scams that I'm aware of in the entertainment scam watch area of our forums. I don't want this trend to discourage you in your search for your dream Hollywood job. I just want to help you make sure that your pursuit is a safe one.

Be sure to log on to the site to stay on top of the latest scams and how to spot them.