This is an example of a real life scam, and we’ve deleted the Company Name, and the individual who was scammed: This also came from www.dailynewsonline.net, and Easy Background Check!

I just thought I’d share my experience with a new agency in the DC metro area called XXXXXX.

I am a professional model who has been looking for a respectable local agency. XXXXXXXXX claims to put on runway shows for Guess, Gucci, Versace, and BEBE, so thought I’d give them a try.

I went to their interview where they talked about all the bookings they’ve gotten their models and the many runway shows.

Then you schedule a second interview to “determine” your modeling potential.

In my interview, I was told that I would be perfect for their runway shows, but I needed to take their professional choreographer classes, which were about $250 for a two-week session.

Then, if I wanted to get print work, I needed their comp cards, which were another $400.

They then suggested that since I have not received any tear sheets, I would need proper modeling training.

This was all even after I showed up with a professional book from some respected professional photographers I’ve worked with in NYC, and then explained to them that I’ve been in previous runway shows with real designers.

Needless to say, I’ve been modeling for two years and have been doing pretty well, and received a lot of paying work just by freelancing and sending my photos in myself.

As it turns out, the designer fashion shows happen at dance clubs with clothing they’ve bought themselves from the company stores. Their professional trained runway models are also all under 5′6. Every professional model knows that the minimum for runway is 5′8.

I’ve once again been disappointed with the DC modeling agency scene. I wouldn’t recommend anyone wasting their time with this wannabe top model agency.

** We’d like to thank DailyNewsOnline.net & Easy Backround Check for providing this clear definition ** From the State of Oregon **

 Make sure your agency has paid the employment agency bond if it is a talent agency and meets the legal definition of an employment agency:

“Employment agency” or “agency” means a business, service, bureau or club operated by a person, firm, organization, limited liability company or corporation engaged in procuring for a fee, employment for others and employees for employers. . . . Each employment agency shall maintain a corporate surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008 of $5,000 . . . No employment agency shall charge an applicant a charge for services when help is furnished to an employer, an agent, any employee of an employer, a member or person who has a financial interest in such employment agency.” http://landru.leg.state.or.us/ors/658.html [Aug. 5, 2004].

This information was pulled directly from Dailynewsonline.net — a tremendous resource that we’re utilizing to spread the word about popular scams!

Nina Blanchard, who used to own the top modeling agency in Los Angeles, The Nina Blanchard Agency, which represented famous faces such as Cheryl Tiegs, and was bought by the Ford Modeling Agency, was “the most famous model agent in Hollywood,” and wrote a book for aspiring models, How to Break Into Motion Pictures, Television Commercials and Modeling.

Blanchard has said, “Do not get a portfolio before getting an agent.” [Cited in Erik Joseph, The Glam Scam (Los Angeles: Lone Eagle, 1994), p. 81.]

Blanchard also said, “The agent should not recommend one photographer, and you do not pay the agency, you deal directly with the photographer.”

There are basic reasons for her comments:

1) you don’t need professional photos to get an agent.

2) agents typically don’t want professional photos, just snapshots.

3) if you get comp cards, they won’t have the agency’s name printed on them, so you won’t be able to use them if you do get signed by the agency.

4) even if you can get the slides, the photography may not be at a standard high enough, or of a style suitable for, the agency to promote you effectively.

5) when you pay the photographer directly, it can prevent the price of the photos or prints or portfolio from being jacked up without you knowing. (That’s why, through MODELS OF MIAMI, we are regulating this portion of the transfer — we handle this for you, to prevent prices from being jacked up)

Call any of the licensed talent agencies in Hollywood to discuss these issues further. Ask them what type of photos you should get, when you should get them, when you should get comp cards, and how much you should pay.

Bottom line — be careful when pursuing your portfolio. We believe in protecting the model from scammers, so again, buyer beware!