| So you want to be the America's Next Top Model? | | | | 1. "We're searching people with your 'look' to model |
| Do you have a modeling agency in mind? The TV | | | | and act." These people are out looking for models |
| show "America's Next Top Model" is a legitimate | | | | because their income is based on commissions. |
| agency/TV show where many models desire to be | | | | Therefore, the more people they convince to stop by |
| on, but if you have other agencies in mind, pay | | | | the office the better their chance of earning |
| attention. Some modeling agencies are nothing more | | | | commissions. This is a very generic line used on |
| than crooked companies that are designed to swindle | | | | aspiring models. Whenever you hear this, watch out. |
| models out of their money. | | | | 2. "Your deposit is refundable." Of course it is...NOT! |
| Crooked modeling agencies often advertise in | | | | Consider it odd that you have to put down a deposit in |
| newspapers to locate potential models, both men and | | | | the first place. |
| women, to meet company executives for group | | | | 3. "You must be specially chosen for this program. Our |
| screenings. The ads usually state, "no fees | | | | talent professionals will carefully screen your chances |
| whatsoever." At subsequent interviews, however, | | | | at success in the field and will only accept a few |
| "chosen" applicants are asked to sign a contract | | | | people into the program." Again, these recruiters are |
| agreeing to partake in classes and to pay more than | | | | paid commissions to get your foot in the door. The |
| $1000 in advance for the photographs that are needed | | | | idea here is to swindle you out of as much money as |
| before they can work as models. A variation on this | | | | they possibly can with modeling classes that are full of |
| scam is where the crooked modeling agency states | | | | B.S. |
| that they will pay for all expenses except for the | | | | 4. "There is a money back guarantee if you are not |
| make-up artist which will cost $500.00 for the day. In | | | | accepted into the program." Everybody with money to |
| the end, most of the aspiring models receive no | | | | spend is accepted into the program since the money is |
| photographs and no job leads. The companies simply | | | | foremost on their mind. If you are accepted, a refund is |
| pack up their troubles and skip town before everything | | | | not going to happen. |
| hits the fan. | | | | 5. "You can't afford our fees? No problem. We will find |
| How to determine if a modeling agency is crooked | | | | you good-paying jobs so that you can work to pay |
| Recognizing a modeling agency scam may be difficult. | | | | them off." They do not care if you have a job as a |
| Many of the advertisements sound promising. When | | | | model or not. They just want your money. |
| you meet with them, their practices may be similar to | | | | 6. "Our major source of income is derived from |
| those used by legitimate modeling agencies. Whenever | | | | commissions from our clients." They earn their money |
| you see a modeling agency advertisement, keep in | | | | by charging you fees. Please sign up for another B.S. |
| mind that most modeling and acting agencies do not | | | | class. |
| advertise. You should be very suspicious if you even | | | | There are lots of consumer fraud schemes out there. |
| see a modeling agency's advertisement. The following | | | | It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself to |
| advice will assist you in determining if a modeling | | | | recognize what is and is not legitimate. Hopefully our |
| agency is a scam. | | | | advice will help you minimize becoming a victim to the |
| Warning Signs of a Crooked Modeling Agency | | | | crime of theft by deception. |
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