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Modeling “Agency”? 5 Warning Signs You Are Being Scammed!
There are some great, reputable agencies, like New York Model Management and Next Management…
New York Models’ Tear Sheets
Their walls are covered with proof of amazing talent and clients.
Next Models’ Tear Sheets
But there are far more “agencies” that are really just scams. Shysters love to prey on aspiring models. People with stars in their eyes are easy targets!
Here are some signs that a so-called agency is not on the up and up:
1. They require a fee along with your photo submission to consider representing you.
2. They charge a fee for you to sign with their “agency.”
3. They charge a set monthly fee to represent you (this is not the same as charging you for expenses they incur to rep you, like postage, FedEx, courier fees etc.—and often a fee to maintain your photo on their website. Legit agencies do deduct these costs from their models’ earnings).
4. They found your photo on the Internet, and even though their agency is located nowhere near you (several states away, or even overseas), they claim they will get you work, as long as you provide…yes, some kind of fee.
5. They require you to take any photos that make you uncomfortable (e.g. in skimpy clothing, or, worse, pressure you to take your clothes off) or require you shoot with a particular photographer and pay exorbitant prices for photos (I’ll get into what “exorbitant” is in an upcoming post).
Have you been the victim of any of these scams? Comment and fill us in.
There are many more scams out there; I’ll have to do a part 2 to this post. Getting informed is your best defense against scam artists. For now, read all the model posts on this blog and all the Model Articles on my site. Also, check out this great info from the Federal Trade Commission on avoiding model scams.
Don’t forget to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search if you haven’t yet (of course there is no fee!). And sign up for my Free Monthly Modeling Newsletter.
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Thank you for exposing the fraudsters out there. I find it disgusting that there are people that want to take advantage of young girls that have a dream to be a model.
I have been a victim of this! I am currently signed with a small agency and they make me pay a monthly fee to be on their website!!! (also they hardly even get work for me!) But it is “apart of my contract”. Jill, any tips to get out of business with this agency? Also, what are some agencies that you would recommend in LA?
I would think you could get out of that contract. Suggest that you will report them to the Better Business Bureau. Some reputable agencies in L.A.: Wilhelmina, L.A. Models, Next, Click, Elite, Ford.
I recently put up a pic and applied to this website in london, I am from ireland, I received a text message off cole from ukmodels.co.uk saying they saw my application and would like me to ring them on a number he had sent me in the text, I did and he said they would like to see me in three weeks as my pic shows modelling potential. They sent me an email and would like to see me to asses me. They need 50pounds deposit and I will get it back if I show up
I would steer clear of any “modeling” related service that asks for money up front. You can submit your photos to legit agencies, like Next, Elite, and IMG in London, and they’ll tell you if they think you have modeling potential. It won’t cost you a penny (submit via email). Here is a link to the top London agencies: http://models.com/agencies/top/London/Women
Go to their sites and you’ll find info on how to submit.
Good luck!
1. They require a fee along with your photo submission to consider representing you.
2. They charge a fee for you to sign with their “agency.”
The old bromide, “If it costs money, it’s a scam.”
The cost of Manchester United’s Two Week Soccer Camp for kid’s is $3,795–plus airfare and hotel. And what do they guarantee for this pittance?
“The experience of a lifetime” is how many of MUSS students have described their English and Soccer camp. MUSS intensive two week camps are crammed full of activity and education, providing a spring or summer study break in England that will be remembered forever.
“In the morning students receive soccer coaching from the world-famous Manchester United Soccer Schools. No matter what their ability, they undergo a comprehensive course covering technique, tactics, physical, mental and social elements of the game, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. MUSS students never forget learning to play the United way!”
“No matter what their ability”.
In effect, a kid could have no shot at playing at the pro level or university level and for almost $4,000 “MAKE NEW FRIENDS, LEARN ENGLISH AT UK’S LEADING SCHOOLS, AND LEARN TO PLAY “THE UNITED WAY”!”
No guarantee of anything but it does cost money so it must be a scam.
The three-week-game changer IMGacademy football camp “Total Athlete” program(non-refundable) costs $7,815. And what do you get for this?
“World renowned sports academy IMG Academy offers the chance to improve your athletic performance and play the game as never before.”
I don’t see a guarantee these kids will be scouted by someone from Texas Tech or Oklahoma State or even have a leg up on applying for scholorships to these schools.
Must be a scam.
And how at admission to USC’s film school as an analagous situation: Annually about 4,800 high school students apply for fewer than 300 admission slots that’s 1:150). The cost–which can imply tutoring at $100 an hour (SAT tutoring), photographic equiptment for your portfolio.
If you want to go on the cheap side, you’ll invest in a SLR (Canon T2i or 60D) and a fast lens like the cheap canon 50mm 1.8. It shouldn’t run you more than $1500. Than you can start shooting 10-minute shorts.
Here’s a quote from a grad:
“Undergraduate is about $60,000 a year for tuition ($41,000+), fees, room & board, for 9 months (academic year). Only about 50 are admitted into film production, and about 26 into screenwriting, and thousands apply. It’s extremely competitive — more so than being admitted to Harvard which has a 6% admit rate. First you have to be admitted into USC, and then later you find out if you are also admitted into Cinematic Arts. To be competitive you need a GPA of 4.0 and SAT of 2100, USC has a high admission rate from private schools that are far more rigorous than public schools.”
So, you’re talking about almosty owing $500,000 when you graduate, if you’re among the 2% who get into film production or screenwriting.
You think the admissions people don’t know most of these kids aren’t going to make the cut and what happens after you have the cherished degree?
Here’s Loyola Marymount’s School of Film and Television, Stephen Ujlaki, a new dean:
“The “majority of students majoring in film and television will not be having careers in those professions,” Mr. Ujlaki wrote in an e-mail. “How about creating an environment which encourages creativity and risk-taking if you’re educating someone in the arts?”
Read that again. Kids are going DEEPLY into debt with almost no chance of working in the industry they spent between $200,000 and $500,000
training for.
The idea that one can have a realistic shot as a career in modeling, football, film, or theater, without having to invest al least a few thousand dollars doesn’t pass the laugh test and anyone touting the “legitimate agencies” who as the way to circumnavigate that reality is peddling false hope.
IMG was exposed for peddling tennis and golf camps for $10,000 to kids with no realistic shot at becoming models. The history of Elite reads like a sordid, trashy pulp novel with subplots of drug use and the victimization of under-aged models. And Ford? It’s New York office alone gets more than 1,000,000 inquiries a year and they sign no more than 12 girls–who have to be at least 5’8″ and no older than 21.
Even if only one of 100 applicants meet those criteria and you’re one, the odds that you’ll make the cut are 1:10,000.
Admittedly some “pay to play” organizations like IMTA charge anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 to get in the game and you make it to one of their two competitions annually, the odds of being signed are about 2%–or 1:50. As a writer I wouldn’t think twice about going to the Waldorff, for example, if hundreds of publishers, were in one building–reputable houses–and I could show the first five or 10 pages of a novel, screenplay, or drama to 20 agents in four days. It would be a no brainer, particularly if in the previous three months I had industry pros helping me work on my plot, characters, and structure.
I’m not touting these alternate routes ut, again, the idea that some beautiful girl vcould send a few head shots to Ford or IMG and expect to get a call back doesn’t pass the laugh test. Like film, like football, and like writing, more than 99% of all dreamers are not going to cut it by going the conventional route. Brad Pitt and Steve Jobs did not graduate college and Katie Holmes and Jennifer Biele did not make the cut at Ford.
When the power-brokers say “You’re not young enough, slim enough, too short, or just don’t have what we’re looking for you can take their word for it or try slipping through a window someplace else.
Hmmm, no I don’t think this argument applies. If you are five-two (or three or four or five or six) and an “agency” says that for $3,000 in classes and $1,000 in photos, they can make you a model, it’s a scam. Modeling has certain physical requirements that don’t apply in other fields, where training is key (or at least helpful). There are plenty of modeling schools, “agencies,” and scouting companies willing to prey on aspiring models who have zero chance of making it. Zero. Sometimes the big agents and scouts are wrong: eg. me. I was turned down by all the major players in New York at 17. At 24, I had no problem getting an agent there. However, I did not work my way up to that position by paying an agent to rep me or by taking classes. I worked my way up through the ranks of legitimate agencies in smaller markets: Denver, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Milan, Hamburg, Madrid… I built up my book shooting with legitimate photographers (generally not paying them but sometimes, yes). It takes money to make money to an extent, but the money spent should be on good photos, a comp card, a stylish wardrobe, high quality makeup, and travel to appropriate markets.
Acting (Katie Holmes) and commercial modeling is of course a different story, as the physical requirements are not as stringent and more skills than walking a catwalk and posing are required: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/category/commercial-modeling/
More on Modeling Schools and Scouting Conventions: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-modeling-schools-and-scouting-conventions-scams-or-not/
A so called modelling agency by the name of: Interface,from connecticut: contacted me when I was 15(currently 16) i was so excited they said i had great potencial because Iam Hispanic, and they told me thats what people are looking for. So I convinced my mom to pay them about 2,000 dollars. When it was time for the photoshoot every thing was fine and then they wanted more money to put me up in their website so we did and that was that. They told me in a few days or weeks I would start getting jobs, but we have not heard from them since. I feel so guilty for making my mom spend her hard earned money, and stupid for not having looked up more information about them.
If you could please recommend legit modelling agencies in Connecticut I would be really greatful.
Hi Mimi, I’m so sorry you went through that experience. You are not the only one! There are so many scam artists out there. You should check out Connecticut Kids and DWKTalent. Let me know if you have better luck with them. It’s always a little tricky in smaller markets like CT because it’s hard for agencies to survive on commissions alone. But those two have good reputations and get their talent bookings. You can also check out the NY agencies listed in various posts on my blog. Sign up for my free newsletter to stay in the loop: http://modelingmentor.us5.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=9ac8c2abbe1af96e0b38238cb&id=2742c18b6e
Best of luck! —Jill
Try DWKing Talent in CT! https://www.dwkingtalent.com/home.html
I had emails from the following email address:booker@newyorkmodelmgnt.com. I even had a phonecall from Mr Heinz Holba and emails. Here is one example of an email I received: It is a great pleasure to have scouted Bianca as a potential finalist for the international modeling bursary program. As discussed, New York Model management is recognised throughout the world as being legitimate and professionally established. I have also included my website for reference – <<<>>> . I am available at anytime to discuss the opportunity but I would like you to please work via the scout working for us – Candice Swanepoel who Bianca is in touch with on whatsapp.RegardsHeinz HolbaNew York Model Management – President+1 516 231 1421 (M)+1 212 539 1700 (O)<<<>>><<< Be careful, there are a lot of scams out there…..this one takes the cake though.
Someone should make some sort of list of REAL Modelung agencies so then people won’t have to go through this bullcrap.
Hi there!
I’m 17 and have been trying to get represented by a modeling agency for a few months now. I like 40 minutes outside of NYC and went to two open calls a month ago and interest was shown but I was never contacted again. A few weeks ago I tagged some Instagram photos to IMGs we love your genes tag. IMG didn’t contact me, but Social New York did. They asked for an email which I gave and want to meet with me next week, no mention of any money. They seem like a real mother agency and are even listed on models.com as a mother agency, but I don’t want to waste time and hope on a scam. Do you know of this agency? Is it reputable?
Thanks for your time!
Social New York is not an agency, but it appears they try to place new faces with agencies. Their site indicates they’ve had success placing aspiring models with top agencies, but I have not heard of them. I would read the comments here:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140606224113AAf0oS4
Proceed with caution anytime anyone contacts you through social media or asks for money. Keep me posted.
Anyone else out there know of Social New York?…
My daughter was contacted by Social NY. She met with them yesterday. Was told that there is real potential. In order to work with them, however, she must first take six classes (over the course of three weekends) that she must also pay for. Daughter is, wisely, suspicious. While it may me perfectly legit, she is being asked to put up money before anything can happen. Something tells me that more money would be requested once the classes are complete.
You and your daughter are correct in hearing alarm bells. No legitimate agency in New York will ask for money for workshops. They claim to be a “placement agency,” but you can submit to agencies or attend open calls in New York at no cost; you don’t need workshops. Also if you Google “Social NY complaint,” this pulls up: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/social-new-york/new-york-new-york/social-new-york-social-scam-artists-new-york-new-york-1278610
Yikes.
Even if the agency is legit, its agents can still be deployed to scam certain people in particular by pretending to scout you. I was scouted as such and on the first meet up, I was told I didn’t have to pay; just work the first 1 or 2 projects for free to cancel out my sponsorship fees.
However when I called her again since my agent didn’t get back to me for 3 weeks, she suddenly said I needed to pay $590 for the photoshoot. Do take note that an agency may not ask you for cash upfront, but at some point in time you’ll still be asked to pay a hefty sum. I Googled and found out an agency will NEVER do this if it genuinely wants you. But I was broke and took the risk for the chance to make fast easy cash.
So after paying the $590 I did the photoshoot. But surprise surprise – it took 3 months for me to finally have a project recommended to me (though I rejected since it’s overseas). A month later I received another offer, but this time I agreed – but guess what, NO REPLY.
Moral of the story: if a job promises fast and/or easy money (especially those that promise flexible/short working hours but with high pay) – IT’S A TRAP.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Amelyn. There are scams lurking around every corner in the modeling world! An “agency” asking you to pay a big sum of money for anything is a red light. They may advance you housing, comp cards, and maybe some test shoots, which you then have to repay from money you earn, but an agent will not demand $600 in order for you to be represented by them or for a test shoot you MUST do. It does take money to make money, but not in the form of lump sum payments to an “agency” up front.
Readers, please share your scam stories here, so others can be aware. THANKS!
So my daughter was invited to an open call by Wilhelmina Philadelphia and they called and want to represent her. They said I need to pay for photos for her portfolio and comp cards but I can do a payment plan with a deposit.
Is this legit??
How much money are we talking?
It’s expected that you might pay $100 to $200 for comp cards and you’ll pay for some test shoots, but usually you will decide which shoots you want to do and it’s not a requirement before signing (it may just be a requirement that you agree that you will need to spend some money over time to build her book). How old and tall is your daughter?
I always thought barbizon was a scam, but I see you attended it. I received a phone call many years ago to attend their academy but it just seemed odd. I remember they required students to wear pantyhose and seemed very strict and old school. What exactly is Barbizon?
Barbizon is definitely a modeling school, but at the time, Rochester’s branch also had an agency. So although modeling classes are by no means necessary to pursuing a modeling career, Barbizon did end up being a stepping stone for me. I’ve written quite a few posts regarding modeling schools. Read this one: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-modeling-schools-and-scouting-conventions-scams-or-not/
My 15 yr son was approached by a Model Agency, we live in PA. We have a meeting on Thursday, what should I beware of?
Hi Lisa, I’ve written quite a few blog posts on this subject. Check out: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-5-warning-signs-you-are-being-scammed-by-an-agency/
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/modeling-tip-scam-alert/
Where are you located and what is the agency?