Facts for Consumers from the Federal Trade Commission

Modeling Agency Scams -- January 1993

     	****MODELS****
Earn $100 per hour or $500 per day
as a fashion or commercial model. 
Full or part time.  No experience
necessary.  Real people types, such
as children, grandmothers, college
students, and construction workers
welcome.  No fee.


If you have dreams of becoming a model, this ad may be tempting. 
But before you sign a contract, learn how to sort out the 
legitimate modeling agencies from the scams.

This brochure will give you tips on how to detect and avoid 
fraudulent modeling schemes and tell you where you can go for 
help if you become a victim of a scam.

How the Scam Works

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently took action against 
two modeling agencies that placed ads in newspapers to encourage 
potential models, both men and women, to interview with the 
agency. Many of the ads stated "No fee." However, the models who 
were "selected" by these agencies were asked to sign a contract 
agreeing to pay several hundred dollars for classes or 
photographs that the agency required before they could work as 
models. In the end, most of these would-be models received no job 
assistance from the agencies, no job leads, and no modeling 
employment. In numerous instances, the potential models did not 
even receive the photographs that had paid for. The companies 
simply packed up and left town.   

How To Spot the Scam

It may not be easy to recognize a modeling scam because many of 
the advertising claims and practices may resemble those used by 
legitimate modeling agencies. However, listed below are some 
common advertising claims that should make you suspicious.

l	"No fee." If a modeling agency advertises that there is no 
fee for its services, you should be wary any time you are asked 
to pay. Most legitimate agencies make money only by taking a 
commission from their models' work. An exception, however, is 
that you may be charged for your picture to be in an agency book 
that they send to clients who hire models. Make sure you pay only 
your portion of the printing costs. But before you pay any money, 
ask to see a copy of the agency's previous books and the list of 
clients to whom they were sent. Most legitimate agencies will 
provide you with this information. It is a good idea to check 
with some of the agency's clients to determine whether they have 
hired any of the company's models.

l	"Earn high salaries." Only experienced, top models can 
expect to receive large salaries. 

l	"Work full or part time." The hours of a model are uneven 
and sporadic. You will not have the flexibility to choose your 
own hours.

l	"Real people types should apply."Some ads encourage people 
of all shapes, sizes, and ages to apply for commercial modeling 
work that involves the sale of a product. Remember, modeling 
opportunities are limited even in large cities. Opportunities do 
exist for "real people" models, but they are rare.
Because it may be difficult to recognize a modeling agency scam 
only from advertising claims, watch if agencies use any of  the 
following tactics. 

l 	Charge you money to take their classes, before you are 
eligible for modeling work. A legitimate modeling agency may 
provide instruction on applying makeup or walking, but most do 
not charge you for classes. An exception to this is when a 
modeling agency also serves as a modeling school. A modeling 
school does charge for classes, but that is a separate function 
from finding you work as a model.

l 	Conduct an unprofessional photo shoot. Once a modeling 
agency agrees to represent you, you will need photographs for 
your portfolio. In the larger modeling markets, such as New York 
or Los Angeles, the photographs typically are taken in separate 
photo sessions, each using different clothes, makeup, and 
hairstyles. And often a model's portfolio is put together with 
photographs from more than one photographer. In smaller markets, 
all photographs may be shot in one session by one photographer, 
but you should still look different in all your photographs by 
wearing a variety of cosmetics, clothes, and hairstyles. You may 
want to shop around for a photographer that best suits your 
portfolio needs.

l 	Require a particular photographer. If the modeling agency 
requires you to work with a particular photographer, chances are 
the photographer is working with the modeling agency and they are 
splitting the fee. A legitimate modeling agency may recommend 
that you work with a certain photographer, but be skeptical if 
they are insistent.

How to Protect Yourself

The best protection against losing money to a phony modeling 
agency is to take precautions. The following list may help you 
reduce your chances of losing money.

l 	Realistically assess your chances for being a model. Ask 
yourself: was I chosen by the agency because they believe I can 
make money for them _ or just because I can afford to pay money 
to them?

l 	If you cannot verify the agency's credentials and the agency 
is asking for money in advance, you are better off saying no. 

l 	Check out all claims made in agency advertisements, sales 
presentations, and literature. For example, if they say they are 
the largest modeling agency in the country, contact other 
modeling agencies and ask if this is true. 

l 	Ask for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of models 
who work through the agency and clients who have used its models. 
Contact the models and clients to verify the information.

l 	Ask if the agency is licensed or bonded as an employment 
agency, if that is required by your state. Your local consumer 
protection agency can answer this question or direct you to the 
proper agency to get an answer.

l 	Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract 
and agency literature. Be sure to get all verbal promises in 
writing. You may need these if you have a dispute with the 
agency.

l	Be suspicious of agencies that require models to pay fees, 
including fees for agency books, by cash or money order only. 
This is a strong signal that the agency is interested in taking 
your money not in representing you as a model.

Where to Go For Help

If you have paid money to a modeling agency, and believe they are 
involved in a scam, first contact the company and request a 
refund. If you are not satisfied, register a complaint with your 
local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, and 
state Attorney General's office. Also, contact the advertising 
manager of the newspaper that ran the ad you answered. For 
ethical and practical reasons, the advertising manager may be 
interested to learn about any problems you have had with the 
agency.

You also should write to : Correspondence Branch, Federal Trade 
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. Although the FTC cannot 
represent you directly in a dispute with a company, if the 
Commission finds evidence of a pattern of deceptive or unfair 
practices, it can take action.

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