Modeling Scam Alert – Beware of Multiple Identities

Did you know that this year the Internet Crime Complaint Center logged its 1 millionth consumer complaint related to online fraud and cyber crimes? You might also be interested to know that as a result of these complaints, the organization has calculated that Americans have lost an estimated $647 million to Internet scammers. While we all know how serious Internet scams are, and we're becoming increasingly aware of the dangers, sometimes it's the actual statistics that make the greatest impact.

While we are doing our best to make you aware of common Internet scams, the scammers are also working hard to develop new ways to target aspiring actors, singers, models and dancers. They are ruthless and will stop at nothing to pull the wool over your eyes; even if it means pretending to be someone they're not - over and over again.

When we uncover a scam, we are diligent about posting the information on our website. Well guess what? Unfortunately scammers have access to that information too. And often when a scammer realizes that they've been identified, they will assume a new identity in order to target new victims.

We recently discovered one scammer who's been using multiple names to target models and makeup artists. The same scammer used the names Sarah Natalia, Morgan Jones, and Pedro Soto. If you've received any correspondence from any of these identities, do not respond. Also, be sure to report any suspicious activity to us.

This scammer says he is located in the United Kingdom but he is actually located in Caracas Venezuela using these IP addresses: 200.71.188.210 and 200.71.188.209.

To read more about the Pedro Soto Agency & Diego Verona Fashion Photo Shoot Scam go here: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=119449

For more information about the Beauty & Fashion Modeling Scam run by Sarah Natalia go here: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=123825

This is one of the modeling scam messages Morgan Jones is sending:

"Hello,
Are an upspring model? Or do you aspire to be a super model? Here comes a big oppurtunity for you to be a super star, Christian-Julliano clothing company a new fashion designer company in the uk requires talents for the lunching ceremony that will take place in the various places listed below.
1.The label, Christian-Julliano,will be unveiled in London on the 22nd November,2007.this Program will include runway.

2.The label will be launched in Paris on the 29th November, 2007 with runway showcase.

3.The Label will be launched in Rome on the 5th, December, 2007.

Note:sucessful talent will not only participate in this in this lunching ceremony but will be awarded a contract with Christian-Julliano clothing as a company model.

Interest talents should contact
Morgan jones talent agency for application
Email:info_mj_tagency@yaho.co.uk

Regards,
Public relation officer,
Morgan jones talent. "

To read more about that scam you can go here: http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=111376

For more information on the latest scams & fraudsters targeting actors, dancers, models and singers, login to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and check out our Scam Alert. We'll continue to help make you aware of new scams and the individuals behind them.

Entertainment Scam Watch

At Star Search Casting ( http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) we are taking every precaution to really stay on top of the latest internet scams that are targeting aspiring dancers, actors, singers and models. We’ve been posting information about these scams in our forums and we’ve developed Scam Watch, a new alert system that informs our members of the latest scams as soon as they login to their account. If you encounter a scam, or suspicious activity, be sure to post the information in our forums or let us know so that we can share the information with other members and make them aware so that they don’t fall victim to these schemes.

You may have heard of money order scams on the news, or maybe on the web. The scammer mails the victim a fake money order and asks the victim to deposit it into their bank account, withdraw some of the money and then send it back via Western Union or bank wire. However, what the victim doesn’t know is that the money order is fake. Often the banks don’t discover this until the victim has already completed the transaction. Here’s how one scammer is luring victims on the web:

I represent Phantom Inc a modelling agency in london, and we have selected your portfolio for a Coca-Cola billboard advertisment.All we need is your approval,to enable us process your payment, no commision , no overhead costs , you just get paid for your pictures right away.Email your approval to (cole_phantominc12@yahoo.com)....
Cheers, Waiting For Your Reply.....

Phillip

You can go here to read discussion about this scam in our forums: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=116553

If you receive a message like this, DO NOT RESPOND. Unfortunately, even though you’re the victim, you will still be required by your bank to repay the money that you’ve withdrawn after you’ve deposited the bogus money order.

As these scams become more common, it’s important that you remain aware of the trends in internet fraud, and read the forums and the Scam Watch alerts on the website for examples of scams and tips on how to avoid them.