We recently posted an email from a scammer who claimed to be a representative of a modeling agency called Agency Ghost Inc. Here are a few excepts from the email he's been distributing:
"I am Frederick N Dawson a representative of a modeling company situated in Bristol, United Kingdom. Your picture hads been selected for a billboard advertisment/and local advert here at heathrow airport.Your pictures had been accepted by the Agency Ghost Inc
You will receive a check payment for the contract.You will deduct 15% of the check payment for using your gorgeous pictures for billboard advert; and proceed to sending the balance over to your appointed Agent via western union Money Tranfer for Legal Documentation of the deal and "Comp card".This payment will also be used as "Sign up fee" with the agent
We awaiting to receive four picture of you.The photos required is basically for a Coca cola advertisment bill board at Heathrow airport in london..Let us know your decision ASAP."
There are several elements in this email that alerted members that this was a scam:
- It is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that an agency would use one of your personal photos for an advertising campaign - no matter how great you look in it.
- A reputable agency would not appoint you to send funds to a third party from your earnings.
- Reputable agents do not require sign up fees.
I bet you're really excited to get your career underway in 2008. Maybe you're determined to get an agent this year, or maybe you want to book your first gig. But whatever your goals are, be sure that you don't sacrifice good judgment in an effort to seize an opportunity that may not be authentic.
If you have questions this year about the validity of any of the emails that you receive, be sure to post them to the community forum so that you can get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members. Also be sure to log in everyday to your ECN account at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and check out our Scam Watch to stay informed about the latest entertainment industry scams.
2 comments:
i know someone who has received this email from Ghost Inc. They also received a bankers draft for £4900, of which he could keep 20% and he had to pay an agent the other 80%, which included a sign up fee. I dont understand how this is a scam when he hasnt had to pay out any money, and he has already received a payment for his photo's.
I just received this message yesterday and am soooo glad I googled and found this info! Thanks for the heads up!
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