Scam Watch – Spotting Bad Business, Rip Offs, Scams & Frauds

These days aspiring models must be especially diligent when considering opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industries. Models all over the world come across tons of emails, newspaper ads, and industry professionals who make all kinds of promises on a daily basis. Eventually it can become extremely overwhelming and difficult to determine which opportunities would be beneficial to one’s career and which ones should be avoided.

There are three circumstances models must try to avoid at all costs: bad business, rip offs and scams. Let me explain the difference:

BAD BUSINESS

While it would be ideal if all agents, photographers, stylists, makeup artists and designers were top-notch professionals with a vast knowledge of the industry and a solid track record – unfortunately that’s simply not the case. You will be approached by many professionals in the industry who are inexperienced, or who simply don’t have the talent or aptitude required to help you achieve your career goals. For example, an agent who negotiates a bad deal for a client may not necessarily be trying to rip off his or her client. Sometimes it’s simply a case of an inexperienced agent who doesn’t have a good grasp of the industry. Regardless, it’s bad business. And bad business can be bad news for a model’s career. To avoid being the victim of bad business, be sure to ask for several referrals before signing contracts or paying hefty sums of money.

RIP OFFS

There are a lot of people in the industry who will try to take advantage of you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how things are done in the industry. Have you heard of photographers who charge enormous amounts of money for horrible photos or agencies that require money up front? These are some of the rip offs that models must be aware of. What’s unfortunate is that many of these scenarios are not necessarily illegal. Therefore once you’ve figured out that you’ve been ripped off, you may not have any recourse for legal action. To avoid rip offs, be sure to check with consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau to find out which businesses and agencies are reputable with no records of complaints.

SCAMS

Scams, including the counterfeit check scams that we’ve discussed recently, are not only illegal, but they can be very dangerous. Scammers are relentless when it comes to luring models, actors, dancers and singers. We uncovered a scam based in Nigeria back in August. The scammer claimed to be affiliated with Essential magazine, which was completely false. We’ve recently discovered that the same scammer is still using the same methods and aliases to target new victims. To avoid scams, do not give your personal information to anyone whose identity you’ve not verified.

For more information on the latest scams, rip offs and bad business practices, log in to www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.

Entertainment Scams, Cons, & Frauds

Many scammers claim to be agents in order to lure potential victims. Because they know that many aspiring actors, singers, dancers and models are eager for representation, they know that it’s likely to work. Here’s an example of a message that’s been sent by a scammer, pretending to be an agent:

"Hello,

I just went through your profile it was cool. We are in search of models from your nationality which will participate in a 5days photo shoot that will be held in the UK.

If you are interested please contact Pedro Soto agency for more information

Email pedro_soto_agency@yahoo.com

TEL +447045766866 "

If you receive a message from someone claiming to be an agent, there are several questions you should ask:

1. Do you have a website?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Do you have client references?
4. How many people do you represent?
5. What types of jobs have you booked for actors, singers, dancers or actors through your agency?
6. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau or any other consumer protection agencies?

An agency that’s legitimate, and really interested in working with you will be accommodating and work to gain your trust. If the agency is not willing to answer the above questions, then it’s not the agency for you.

When you find an agent, it’s important that they are reputable, responsible and trustworthy. They will be responsible for developing your career, helping you decide what jobs are best for you and negotiating the financial aspects of your career. You want to feel comfortable placing all of that responsibility in their hands.

For more information on common Internet entertainment scams targeting aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models, log on to Elite Casting Network ( http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) daily and read the Scam & Fraud Watch section for current, up-to-date information.