If you've got the look, look out! Avoid modeling scams

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says, "You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

Here's the scam. If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model hopefuls. Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a modeling agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling classes, or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

It's true that some of the most successful models have been discovered in everyday places (see Super Models) like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of wannabe models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.

Man, woman, or child it makes no difference to bogus model scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing only "your money" and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.

What they say vs. what they mean

Unscrupulous model scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines.

• (We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model.)
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

• (Your deposit is totally refundable.)
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

• (You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people.)
We take almost everyone.

• (There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted.)
Everyone's accepted. Forget the refund.

• (You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you.)
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

• (Commissions from our clients are our major source of income.)
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

How to avoid modeling scams and rip-offs

• Ask yourself, "why me?" Don't let your emotions, and the company's flattery, take control. Think carefully and critically about how you were approached. If it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have been approached.

• Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading and understanding it first. Ask for a blank copy of the contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.

• Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.

• Be wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in small markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work is irregular.

• Steer clear of modeling companies that require you to use a specific photographer. Compare fees and the work quality of several photographers.

• Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured successful work recently.

• Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they've hired models from the agency.

• Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the "biggest" agency or a "major player" in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city or town.

• Be suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your agent.

• Be cautious if a modeling school has a special referral relationship with a specific modeling agency. The two could be splitting your fees, or the agency may not be suited to your needs.

• Ask if the agency or school is licensed or bonded. Verify this information with the appropriate authorities, such as your local consumer protection agency. Make sure the license is current.

• Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made orally.

• Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract and company literature, in a safe place.

Modeling scam ads

("Models - Earn $100 per hour or $500 per day as a fashion or commercial model. Full or part time. No experience necessary. Real people types, such as children, grandmothers, college students, and construction workers welcome. No fee." )

If you have dreams of becoming a model, this ad may be tempting. But before you sign a contract, learn how to sort out the legitimate modeling agencies from the scams.

How the scam works

Recently action was taken against two modeling agencies that placed ads in newspapers to encourage potential models, both men and women, to interview with the agency. Many of the ads stated "No fee." However, the models who were "selected" by these agencies were asked to sign a contract agreeing to pay several hundred dollars for classes or photographs that the agency required before they could work as models. In the end, most of these would-be models received no job assistance from the agencies, no job leads, and no modeling employment. In numerous instances, the potential models did not even receive the photographs they had paid for. The companies simply packed up and left town.

How to spot the scam

It may not be easy to recognize a modeling scam because many of the advertising claims and practices may resemble those used by legitimate modeling agencies. However, listed below are some common advertising claims that should make you suspicious.

• "No fee." If a modeling agency advertises that there is no fee for its services, you should be wary any time you are asked to pay. Most legitimate agencies make money only by taking a commission from their models' work. An exception, however, is that you may be charged for your picture to be in an agency book that they send to clients who hire models. Make sure you pay only your portion of the printing costs. But before you pay any money, ask to see a copy of the agency's previous books and the list of clients to whom they were sent. Most legitimate agencies will provide you with this information. It is a good idea to check with some of the agency's clients to determine whether they have hired any of the company's models.

• "Earn high salaries." Only experienced models can expect to receive large salaries.

• "Work full or part time." The hours of a model are uneven and sporadic. You will not have the flexibility to choose your own hours.

• "Real people types should apply." Some ads encourage people of all shapes, sizes, and ages to apply for commercial modeling work that involves the sale of a product. Remember, these modeling opportunities are limited even in large cities.

Because it may be difficult to recognize a modeling agency scam only from advertising claims, watch if agencies use any of the following tactics.

• Charge you money to take their classes, before you are eligible for modeling work. A legitimate modeling agency may provide instruction on applying makeup or walking, but most do not charge you for classes. An exception to this is when a modeling agency also serves as a modeling school. A modeling school does charge for classes, but that is a separate function from finding you work as a model.

• Conduct an unprofessional photo shoot. Once a modeling agency agrees to represent you, you will need photographs for your portfolio. In the larger modeling markets the photographs typically are taken in separate photo sessions, each using different clothes, makeup, and hairstyles. And often a model's portfolio is put together with photographs from more than one photographer. In smaller markets, all photographs may be shot in one session by one photographer, but you should still look different in all your photographs by wearing a variety of cosmetics, clothes, and hairstyles. You may want to shop around for a photographer that best suits your portfolio needs.

• Require a particular photographer. If the modeling agency requires you to work with a particular photographer, chances are the photographer is working with the modeling agency, and they are splitting the fee. A legitimate modeling agency may recommend that you work with a certain photographer, but be skeptical if they are insistent.

Parents of infants and toddlers

Think your child is model material? Bogus talents scouts do. And they'll gladly set up a professional photo shoot to allegedly help you get modeling jobs for your child. Of course, they don't tell you that the market for infant models and actors is very small. What's more, because an infant's looks change quickly, the photos soon become outdated. In fact, few infants are marketed with professional photos. Legitimate agents, advertising agencies, casting directors and producers generally ask for casual snapshots of infants that have been taken by family members or friends.