Signs of a Crooked America's Next Top Model Agency

So you want to be the America's Next Top Model? Do you have a modeling agency in mind? The TV show "America's Next Top Model" is a legitimate agency/TV show where many models desire to be on, but if you have other agencies in mind, pay attention. Some modeling agencies are nothing more than crooked companies that are designed to swindle models out of their money.

Crooked modeling agencies often advertise in newspapers to locate potential models, both men and women, to meet company executives for group screenings. The ads usually state, "no fees whatsoever." At subsequent interviews, however, "chosen" applicants are asked to sign a contract agreeing to partake in classes and to pay more than $1000 in advance for the photographs that are needed before they can work as models. A variation on this scam is where the crooked modeling agency states that they will pay for all expenses except for the make-up artist which will cost $500.00 for the day. In the end, most of the aspiring models receive no photographs and no job leads. The companies simply pack up their troubles and skip town before everything hits the fan.
How to determine if a modeling agency is crooked

Recognizing a modeling agency scam may be difficult. Many of the advertisements sound promising. When you meet with them, their practices may be similar to those used by legitimate modeling agencies. Whenever you see a modeling agency advertisement, keep in mind that most modeling and acting agencies do not advertise. You should be very suspicious if you even see a modeling agency's advertisement. The following advice will assist you in determining if a modeling agency is a scam.
Warning Signs of a Crooked Modeling Agency

"We're searching people with your 'look' to model and act."

These people are out looking for models because their income is based on commissions. Therefore, the more people they convince to stop by the office the better their chance of earning commissions. This is a very generic line used on aspiring models. Whenever you hear this, watch out.

"Your deposit is refundable."

Of course it is...NOT! Consider it odd that you have to put down a deposit in the first place.

"You must be specially chosen for this program. Our talent professionals will carefully screen your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into the program."

Again, these recruiters are paid commissions to get your foot in the door. The idea here is to swindle you out of as much money as they possibly can with modeling classes that are full of B.S.

"There is a money back guarantee if you are not accepted into the program."

Everybody with money to spend is accepted into the program since the money is foremost on their mind. If you are accepted, a refund is not going to happen.

"You can't afford our fees? No problem. We will find you good-paying jobs so that you can work to pay them off."

They do not care if you have a job as a model or not. They just want your money.

"Our major source of income is derived from commissions from our clients."

They earn their money by charging you fees. Please sign up for another B.S. class.

There are lots of consumer fraud schemes out there. It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself to recognize what is and is not legitimate. Hopefully our advice will help you minimize becoming a victim to the crime of theft by deception.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS.com. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy pepper spray, kubaton keychains, wireless hidden cameras, cheap stun guns, nunchaku tricks videos, telescopic steel batons, and many other home security products.