Many modelling agencies are ramping up their advisory sections in the wake of many scams directed towards aspiring models.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/24/2010 -- A number of modelling agencies throughout the UK and continental Europe are taking steps to warn any would be models and their families of the increasing number of scams within the industry.

Scams have always been prevalent within the modelling industry but as the scams become more sophisticated the harder it becomes to differentiate between genuine opportunities and agencies that are little more than con artists.

An industry insider who declined to be named says, 'These sham agencies that promise aspiring models the world and fleece them out of their money are a total disgrace and put the whole industry in a negative light. This is something as professionals we are keen to eradicate and we have taken the time and effort to add pages and advisories to our website warning would be models of the scams. The problem is that these individuals are very convincing but with a little research people will be able to identify the signs that set alarm bells ringing.'

A good way to separate genuine modelling agencies and those that prey on the ambitions and hopes of prospective models is to check online. By simply entering a search term such as 'UK Modelling Scam' will bring the browser a plethora of information where warnings and case studies can be found.

Our industry insider goes onto say, 'Another reason for the rise in modelling related scams could perhaps be attributed to rise of the social networking phenomenon.

Social Networking sites such as Facebook have revolutionised the way people interact and communicate but there is a potential dark side as they are open to abuse.

Literally anyone can start a group on Facebook and claim to be a legitimate enterprise and unfortunately many people, usually the young are taken in. Independent research is the key and by taking some of the precautionary steps outlined on established modelling agencies websites the risk of heartbreak and financial loss can be diminished somewhat.'

According to the advisories placed on many modelling agencies websites no reputable agency will ask for any money to sign a model or attend castings or promise the aspiring model riches and fame beyond their wildest dreams. According to our industry insider the more these sham agencies promise the less they deliver.

Models Connect
http://www.modelsconnect.net/modelling_agencies/scams.html

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Reputable modelling agencies are joining forces in an industry wide initiative to lower the number of prospective models falling victim to bogus agencies.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2010 -- Leading Modelling agencies from around the UK highlight sham business practices in order to safeguard prospective models and also distance themselves from agencies that place a dark cloud over the industry as a whole.

Although a lot has been done to clean up the image of modelling agencies there are still a number of unscrupulous, some might say even fraudulent agencies out there whose main intention is commercial gain above anything else.

A spokeswoman from a leading modelling agency sums up the industry's concerns and says,' Although the internet has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for consumers and business alike it is also true that it has led to more opportunities for the more unscrupulous operators. From an industry perspective these scams are potentially damaging to the whole industry which is why we are highlighting the working practices of these con men and providing advice to prospective models on how to avoid them.'

Aside from the internet, another common advertising medium used by those facilitating unscrupulous business practices and UK modelling scams are newspapers and magazines. Advertisements for extras, models and actors are generally the most common type of advert and applicants are often asked for an admin or marketing fee ranging from £25-£250.

Our spokeswoman goes onto say, 'A problem that has blighted our industry for many years and is still common today are bogus model & casting agents or companies.

These agencies are typically very convincing and will often go to the trouble of hiring an exclusive conference room or hotel suite in order to reinforce their credibility in front of their victims. These agencies perform their casting seminars throughout the countries and we have numerous reports of people being conned of anything from £50 to £200 per person.'

There have also been reports of people being duped via social networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook. The message from the reputable modelling agencies seems to be the same, research the agency meticulously before parting with any money and even then seek independent verification.

Our spokeswoman concludes by saying, 'Although we are not legally obliged to provide advice on the scams perpetrated by unscrupulous operators we do feel morally obliged to highlight the crooks in our midst, if only one prospective model reads our advice and acts upon it we will feel that this initiative is worthwhile.

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