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.

* "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.

* "Earn high salaries." Only experienced, top models can expect to

receive large salaries.

* "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.

* "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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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?

* If you cannot verify the agency's credentials and the agency is

asking for money in advance, you are better off saying no.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

Facts for Consumers from the Federal Trade Commission