REPORT A MODEL SCAM

Independent Modeling Florida Model Scam Analysis Database

HOW TO REPORT A MODEL SCAM

So, you've been scammed or know of a model scam. Now what? Well, there are many legal ways of helping to shut down model scams, and this is what this page is about. The current page here, made on November 1, 2003, is only a small preview of what is to come with the new Independent Modeling site coming soon.

Model Agency Scams

To see Florida state laws applying to Model and Talent Agencies, go HERE. To search for an agency TA license, go HERE.

It is against state law for a model agency to operate without a license (In Florida, a TA#), and the license MUST be posted in their registered place of business. Agencies work for the model, and the model does not work for the agency. If any single person or organization refers a model to a job and collects commission from the model, then they are operating as an agency, and if they are unlicensed they are breaking the law (a Felony in Florida). If a licensed agency also provides additional services such as portfolio photography services OR mandatory instructions to have a portfolio done by a certain photographer, then it is a conflict of interest as defined by state law, and they can lose their license like an agency in Tampa called Model 2000 did, as well as get fined up to $5,000.00 per infraction.

To report a model agency scam, go HERE, which is on the web site for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Deceptive Trade Practices: False Advertising and Model Job Bait and Switch Scams

Casting scams and fraudulent model go sees are set up to sell services to models, using the promise of a booking or a job to bait them. Model scams that are set up for a bait and switch get around agency laws because they do not "make money" by referring models like an agency is supposed to do. They advertise themselves as a model school or casting company that helps businesses cast or book models, and are paid by the business a flat fee for booking. That would be fine, but they actually don't make money that way. For example, a recent case that we investigated over in Clearwater had a so called casting director who told models and actors that he could cast them in major movies and the like. What happened is he cast them in jobs that did not pay a dime to the talent, or extra roles that anyone who reads the newspaper or watches the news could have easily landed. Where they make their money is by getting actors and models to sign up for workshops and classes on the promise of jobs that never materialize (actually, it's still unethical even IF they actually were casting jobs). Some of these scams might think that this is safe and perfectly legal, when in fact it is fraud. Models who are ripped off can sue the scam in civil court for their money back as well as have a government agency such as the FTC investigate and prosecute them criminally. Often, the FTC can fine them heavily, bankrupting them and forcing them out of business so they cannot scam any more models. You can also notify the police so that they can document the fraud. A final tip for models, actors, and other talent who have been scammed by these criminals: It is smart to make friends and exchange phone numbers with other models who are enrolled with you in one of these scam workshops. As you all begin to figure out you were scammed, you can each INDIVIDUALLY report the fraud to the FTC to escalate their investigation, and THEN all of you as a GROUP retain the same attorney for a class action lawsuit. Attorneys love cases when there are several plaintiffs, as it strengthens their case and pays off a lot more- in fact, it's easier to get an attorney in these cases!

If you discover a scam, and avoid it, by all means be professionally responsible and report it the FTC. Don't allow yourself to be scammed to set the model scam up for a lawsuit, either, as that would be both unethical and more trouble than it is worth. By all means, though, if you know of models who are being scammed, send them to Independent Modeling so they can take action!

Investigated by the Federal Trade Commission, also called the FTC. To report a scam, go HERE. For information on getting an attorney, read on.

Recovering Your Money- How To Get An Attorney Inexpensively

Some models may not want to consider filing civil charges in a court of law because they think that attorneys are too expensive. Well, just like anything in life, it all depends on how you research and start the case. It's well known to those of us that go up against scams that most of them are low rent operations with little or no legal muscle. Once threatened with a lawsuit, they fall apart and settle. Some scams, too, don't know when to quit. With a lot of scams twisting the law to protect themselves and attack anyone who tries to shut them down, a good attorney may be just the ticket. The Florida Bar has a referral program where they can help set up an appointment between you and an attorney for the consultation cost of around $25.00 . For more on this, visit the Florida Bar by going HERE.

The full version of this section coming in the coming weeks will have much more, such as local newspaper and media contacts, as well as new anti scam contracts for models to use at no cost.

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The agency way is no longer the only way of having a professional career as a model. There is no arguing against common-sense and proven business practices. Modern professional models think for themselves, network, and book work both as independent models and by using agencies as one of many sources of jobs. This is the future of the modeling industry.

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