The Press Release Resource

• Tweet

• Tweet

There’s no doubt social networking websites can be a great way too keep in touch with friends and family, but there is also a more sinister side. Often with lots of personal information, profiles on these websites can make you a direct target for scammers, modelling scams included.

It’s not only these social networking sites that aspiring models should be wary of using to build their careers, as the internet has become more popular and a part of most people’s everyday life, the number of scam modelling agencies has increased. Email and forum scams are also common.

There are plenty of stories about models, especially teenage girls, being lured into modelling scams either for their money or something worse. On the internet, anyone can create a profile or email account without providing identification. It is therefore possible for people to lie about who they really are; they could create a completely new persona or imitate someone who works at a reputable agency. Be cautious of people who contact you, claiming to work for a modelling or talent agency but using an easily obtainable email address, e.g. from Hotmail, Yahoo, Google or similar.

Aspiring models contacted directly through social networking sites, by email or on a forum may forget the danger that could face them when someone tells them they could make their dreams come true. Scammers will often promise them a flourishing modelling career with the opportunity to earn lots of money and travel the world. Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it isn’t true.

Models should also be cautious of sites that encourage them to post photos and biographies on websites that anyone can access. A great way to showcase yourself or just a way of attracting the wrong people? Legitimate model agents receive many applications daily from models who have gone directly through the agency and so they rarely, if at all, look at this type of website.

Some final words of advice…

As said earlier, social networking sites are a great way to keep in touch with people. Just remember that anyone can sign up to them under any name and so may not be who they say they are. It is the same for email addresses, forums and chat rooms. Check security settings for who can view your profile, don’t reveal too much personal information (e.g. address, telephone number etc) and be careful if you’re talking to someone you don’t know. If you’re trying to kick-start your modelling career, why not do it the more professional way and apply to agencies directly with real photos, to real people, in a real office!