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HAVE YOU EVER been approached by a talent scout who says that you have the look to make it in

Hollywood? Flattered, you accept an invitation to audition for the person’s agency. Such “scouts” claim they can help you get cast in commercials, television shows and films, and that you can make a lot of money modeling or acting. It all sounds so exciting. You show up at their office for an interview and they pull out all the stops to get you to pay for expensive classes, screen shots, casting workshops and/or photo shoots.

Their pitch sounds good. It seems as if they know what they’re talking about and may even hold the keys to success in the entertainment industry. So you follow their lead, only to find out later, when they do not deliver on their promises, that you were the target of a scam.

If a career in the entertainment business is your goal, make sure you know the warning signs of a talent agency scam so you do not get taken.

Paying a fee to sign. Reputable talent agencies are highly selective about who they take on as clients. They do not require an upfront fee to serve as your agent. They get paid when you get paid, and it is standard that they take a commission in the form of a percentage of your earnings.

A guarantee that you will work and make money. Even for successful models and actors, no job is ever guaranteed and work is not always consistent. Do not believe the hype. There is no magic for making money as a model or actor. Just as with any other career, to be successful you have to love what you are doing enough to endure ups and downs and be a smart businessperson.

Accepting payment in cash or money order only. If you do not want strangers to take your money and run, do not pay them with cash or a money order. If a company accepts only these Avoid modeling and acting scams

CONSUMERconnection

forms of payment, it is likely a scam. Money transfers may be useful when you want to send funds to someone you know and trust, but do not send them to a stranger.

Claiming a deposit is refundable. Getting a full refund of upfront fees paid to scammers is highly unlikely. What is more likely is that they have created strict conditions for refunds that you cannot meet. They might tell you that “talent experts” evaluate your chances at success in their program and accept only a few people, and that refunds are given to those who are not selected for the program. What they do not tell you is that their program accepts virtually everyone.

Requiring a specific photographer or classes. To work in the entertainment industry, you need headshots and/or other professional photos, depending on what your goals are. And taking classes is a great way to sharpen your skills and master your craft. That said, an agency should not require you to use a particular photographer or take a particular class. A reputable agent typically gives you choices and presents you with a list of recommended photographers or coaches who support the intended purpose of getting you work.

You are told to act now. If an offer is good today, it should be good tomorrow or another day. If a company cannot respect that you need time to check them out before you give them money or personal information, you should not do business with them.

If you really want to have a career as an actor or model, learn about how the industry works. If you do not have connections who can guide you, do research by reading trade news from sources like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter or Deadline Hollywood, and books by entertainment professionals. You may also take classes at colleges or universities and attend conferences and conventions to establish a network.

The most basic way to rule out scammers is if they are selling you a dream and making it sound like a career in the industry can happen easily overnight. That should be a red flag warning that you need to walk away C

IF YOU ARE not sure
whether an offer is legit, do
the following:
• Search online for a com-
pany’s name along with
the words “scam” or
“complaint.”
• If an agency claims it has
placed models and actors
in big jobs, contact the
companies mentioned to
verify that they have
hired models and actors
from the agency.

• Get promises in writing and keep all documents provided to you.

• Ask if a company is licensed or bonded if that is required by your state. Verify information with your state attorney general or local consumer protection agency.

• If you question whether an opportunity is legitimate, contact the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists ( SAG-AFTRA; sagaftra.org) to see if it is aware of the company or opportunity in question. SAG-AFTRA is a labor union that represents performers. It has offices nationwide. Its representatives are committed to protecting performers from scams.

Report modeling or acting scams to your state attorney general’s office and the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/ complaint. C Spotting a modeling scam