MODELING SCAMS

1. "No fee." Sound good? Then there should be NO FEE! The minute anyone tries to shake you down for dough, run the other way. Legitimate agencies make money only by taking a commission from the fees the model actually earns.
   


2. "Earn High Salaries." You betcha. Unless your name is Cindy, Claudia or Christie, I wouldn't count on take home any substantial checks for a long time, if ever. It's an incredibly competitive business and a fraction of those that try it ever really "make it."
   


3. "Work full or part time." Huh? Since when did you think you'd have a choice to pick your own hours. ANY work is great work...you work on their schedule, not yours.
   


4. "Our models are always busy!" Doing what, working their other part or full time jobs? Remeber unless you're in the upper echelon, plan on looking for work more than actually working, at least in the early days. Be extremely wary of claims that guarantee to keep you busy with modeling jobs.
   


5. "Real people and kids wanted." Sure, they're wanted because they're the biggest suckers! Many of these come-ons encourage all shapes, sizes and ages to apply for commercial modeling jobs that involve the sale of a product. Remember, modeling opportunities are rare, regardless of the marketplace,

1. If they try to charge you money up front to take their modeling classes before you are eligible to work. A legitimate modeling agency may provide instruction on applying make-up or walkmg, but not charge you for classes. An exception is when a modeling agency also serves as a modeling school; modeling schools do charge for classes, but this is a separate function from finding you work as a modeL
   


2. If they ever conduct on unprofessional photo shoot. Negotiate a flat fee up front if you do decide to do a shoot, always avoid an hourly rate. Hourly rates open you up for slow crew and potential abuse of your naivete. Photo sessions should position you for a variety of different looks/differed shots. This means make-up will need to be altered along the way, as well as clothes and many times, hair.
   


3. If they require you to use a particular photographer. If the modeling agency is adamant about this, there's a good chance they're splitting the fees. Although many agencies have photographers 're familiar with or comfortable working with because they know the quality of their work, be skeptical if it's an "all or nothing" ultimatum.

1. What really are your chances of having success as a model?
   


2. If you can't verify the agency's credentials and they're asking you for money in advance, do you think all they really want is your money?
   


3. Check out all claims made in advertisements, literature, sales presentations; are they really the largest modeling agency in the state-the country-the world? Check 'em out...call other agencies, and our friends at the BBB or your s 's Consumer Affairs/Protection Office.
   


4. Check their references! Ask for the names and addresses and plum numbers of models who currently work for/through their agency. Call them and verify, hut remember Dover's Rule: "Doyou really think they'll give you bad references to verify?"
   


5. Ask if the agency is bonded or licensed by your state, it it's required by your state. Then verify that their bond/license is current.
   


6. Keep copies of all important papers, such as your agency contract and any agency literature. Don't sign anything on the spot!!! Always take it home with you and review it at your leisure, and not under the stresses of the pitch in offices. Be sure all verbal claims or promises are reduced to writing and included in your contract. It's always a good idea to let an attorney look at the contract first; at the very least, an older friend or relative is the bare minimum.
   


7. You know what to do if the agency requires its models to pay fees by cash or money order only. This is a warning signal that the agency is only interested in taking your money.