Information is key to avoiding modeling scams.

The following page should give you all the information you need to protect yourself from fraudulent agencies and scamming photographers.

• Upfront Fees

This is the easiest way to get hold of your money.  There is no reason to pay an upfront fee, actually, it's against the law in most states.  Any legitimate modeling company will not charge an upfront fee for screen tests, photographs, acting or modeling lessons or other services.  You may have to pay a photographer to get a portfolio together, but agencies should be getting a cut of your pay once you start working in the industry.  The common denominator in law suites against modeling companies is the demand for the return of the upfront fee.

• Registration Fees

• Promo Material Fee

Advertising and promotion is the financial responsibility of the agency.  You should never pay to have an agency advertise your face.  With the introduction of the online modeling sites, you can upload your portfolio and contact potential clients for no charge.  Let the agency work for you, they will make enough profit from all your hard work once you get going.

For more info on your rights in the State of California, CLICK HERE to view the Labor Code Section 1701.12

• Scouts

If someone approaches you and says, "You have a great look for modeling" or "I can get you work in the industry", you're about to get scammed.  Even though you may have had people all you life telling you how great you look and how you should get into modeling, there is no reason for a modeling company to scout for models.  A legitimate modeling company is busy enough with the enormous amount of submissions they receive every day.  There are legitimate scouts out there, but unlike the scammers, the real scouts get paid only after you get paid.  So, the best thing to do is grab their business card and do some research on the agency they work for.

The scouts to stay away from get paid commission for every body they bring into the agency office.  Scouts have a quota to meet which makes the entire process unfair and a conflict of interest.  You will most likely end up in an office with a bunch of other hopeful models paying an upfront fee (they will tell you it's refundable, but you may need to go through a very difficult process to get your money back).  These agencies survive on your fees not the work they promise you.

• Model Search

Just follow the basic rules and you can save your money and time.  Don't pay anything upfront, don't use the agencies photographer and get everything in writing.  Upfront fees are illegal.  A model company with an in-house photographer is making a cut from that photographer.  Do some research and find the photographer for you.  If it's on paper, it can be used in court, so always get all your paperwork with all their promises in writing.

• Modeling Schools

This one's easy.  You have to pay to get the benefits of what the school has to offer.   Don't expect to get work out of a modeling school.  You will learn to pose correctly, apply make-up and everything you need to know as a working model.  But, that does not mean you will get work.  You will just be better prepared.  Also, you will not me turned down because you're paying for the service.  Modeling schools are not required and sometimes they may even be distracting.

Keep the above information in your head at all times and always remember you never work for the agency, the agency works for you.