Models are probably a more popular target for predators than celebrities. Thats right, pretty, vulnerable females dreaming of making it big can be a little naive and fall oh so easily.

Scams are the other big area to be aware of. With the ease of Googling legitimate agencies and grabbing all details necessary for the next instalment of what should be some fiction series, aspiring and often younger models are getting hooked and led astray regularly. 

Being listed on social media or public model casting websites means you are a potential target. To include your mobile phone number or email address will increase your chances of not getting that big offer, but becoming a victim.  DO NOT send your photos to people unless you have a legitimate email address and business details check out. ie: (someoneagency)@gmail.com may not be legit, and fake names are very common. So call the agency office number to confirm details first.

SKYPE SCAMS are also popular with many girls getting conned to undress in front of camera for claimed professionals, but then embarrassed or blackmailed. No one credible uses Skype to do this!

Offers of big money from random people generally means potential scam too. What if some stranger on the street approached you with an offer of money or asked to send pictures and undress? The same applies online, so you should be just as sceptical and careful.

Other ways to be scammed are via some model searches charging fees, and even joining TALENT/MODEL AGENCIES that charge big joining fees or for a test shoot. When reputable agencies sign you they get a commission after finding you work, so dont pay any more than a small fee for comp cards or a portfolio shoot, and only if required.

IT IS ILLEGAL FOR AGENCIES TO CHARGE A JOINING FEE. 

Agencies also cannot charge more than 10% commission without a signed 'Managerial Agreement'. This means their job is then to manage and help develop you as a model.

Generally you are agreeing to give them an additional 10%, so its now 20% of your total income gone for their support services. Pretty good if its a quality agency getting you high paying jobs! Sadly we have heard of a smaller agency charging 50% commission and claiming that its the industry standard. Fail!!

Looking for a good legitimate agency? See our regularly updated list HERE.

BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING!

Training and tools of your trade, like comp cards or professional portfolio shoots can cost extra, but  they do become your property too. Many agencies who lack integrity will talk big, then charge hundreds of dollars to join, or thousands for development, and rarely or never give you work... thats how they make money. There are some legitimate agencies offering worthwile training programs, just be aware of what you are signing up for.

SEE MORE ON THIS TOPIC VIDEO - http://www.aussieelite.com/news/model-scams-predators-and-safety-advice