Comments on: Modeling “Agency”? 5 Warning Signs You Are Being Scammed!

By: jill

jill — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:26:04 +0000

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?

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:04:29 +0000

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?

By: jill

jill — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 13:31:31 +0000

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.

By: mcmommy7

mcmommy7 — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 11:25:58 +0000

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.

By: jill

jill — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 04:11:43 +0000

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/

By: Lauren

Lauren — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:35:49 +0000

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?

By: jill

jill — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 20:05:32 +0000

Try DWKing Talent in CT! https://www.dwkingtalent.com/home.html

By: jill

jill — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 20:00:54 +0000

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?

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 17:02:29 +0000

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??

By: jill

jill — Mon, 30 May 2016 15:06:05 +0000

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!