About
Community
Bad Ideas
Guns & Weapons
Irresponsible Activities
KA-FUCKING-BOOM!
Locks and Security
Scams and Rip-offs
Drugs
Ego
Erotica
Fringe
Society
Technology
register | bbs | search | rss | faq | about
meet up | add to del.icio.us | digg it

Modeling Agency Scams


NOTICE: TO ALL CONCERNED Certain text files and messages contained on this site deal with activities and devices which would be in violation of various Federal, State, and local laws if actually carried out or constructed. The webmasters of this site do not advocate the breaking of any law. Our text files and message bases are for informational purposes only. We recommend that you contact your local law enforcement officials before undertaking any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site. We do not guarantee that any of the information contained on this system is correct, workable, or factual. We are not responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use of any information on this site.

Facts for Consumers from the Federal Trade Commission

Modeling Agency Scams -- January 1993

****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.

This brochure will give you tips on how to detect and avoid
fraudulent modeling schemes and tell you where you can go for
help if you become a victim of a scam.

How the Scam Works

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently took action 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 that 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.

l "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.

l "Earn high salaries." Only experienced, top models can
expect to receive large salaries.

l "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.

l "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, modeling
opportunities are limited even in large cities. Opportunities do
exist for "real people" models, but they are rare.
Because it may be difficult to recognize a modeling agency scam
only from advertising claims, watch if agencies use any of the
following tactics.

l 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.

l 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, such as New York
or Los Angeles, 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.

l 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.

How to Protect Yourself

The best protection against losing money to a phony modeling
agency is to take precautions. The following list may help you
reduce your chances of losing money.

l Realistically assess your chances for being a model. Ask
yourself: was I chosen by the agency because they believe I can
make money for them _ or just because I can afford to pay money
to them?

l If you cannot verify the agency's credentials and the agency
is asking for money in advance, you are better off saying no.

l Check out all claims made in agency advertisements, sales
presentations, and literature. For example, if they say they are
the largest modeling agency in the country, contact other
modeling agencies and ask if this is true.

l Ask for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of models
who work through the agency and clients who have used its models.
Contact the models and clients to verify the information.

l Ask if the agency is licensed or bonded as an employment
agency, if that is required by your state. Your local consumer
protection agency can answer this question or direct you to the
proper agency to get an answer.

l Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract
and agency literature. Be sure to get all verbal promises in
writing. You may need these if you have a dispute with the
agency.

l Be suspicious of agencies that require models to pay fees,
including fees for agency books, by cash or money order only.
This is a strong signal that the agency is interested in taking
your money not in representing you as a model.

Where to Go For Help

If you have paid money to a modeling agency, and believe they are
involved in a scam, first contact the company and request a
refund. If you are not satisfied, register a complaint with your
local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, and
state Attorney General's office. Also, contact the advertising
manager of the newspaper that ran the ad you answered. For
ethical and practical reasons, the advertising manager may be
interested to learn about any problems you have had with the
agency.

You also should write to : Correspondence Branch, Federal Trade
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. Although the FTC cannot
represent you directly in a dispute with a company, if the
Commission finds evidence of a pattern of deceptive or unfair
practices, it can take action.

7/90

(Downloaded from CompuServe's Consumer Forum (go SAVE) )






 
To the best of our knowledge, the text on this page may be freely reproduced and distributed.
If you have any questions about this, please check out our Copyright Policy.

 

totse.com certificate signatures
 
 
About | Advertise | Bad Ideas | Community | Contact Us | Copyright Policy | Drugs | Ego | Erotica
FAQ | Fringe | Link to totse.com | Search | Society | Submissions | Technology
Hot Topics
Free Logitech Products Wihtout Owning
Urban Exploration
graffiti on google earth.
joining the military.
Cutting the gas line
How do I get rid of my roommate?
The Xbox 360 switch
How to Really Succeed at Bad Ideas
 
Sponsored Links
 
Ads presented by the
AdBrite Ad Network

 

TSHIRT HELL T-SHIRTS