The world of modelling is rife with scams. The best way to avoid being duped by any of them is to know as much as possible about regulations, legislation and keep up to date on the lists of known scam agencies or individuals.
Charging upfront fees
Agencies are NOT permitted to charge upfront fees for finding work. This is one of the biggest scams in the industry. Many "agents" will tell you that you need to pay a registration fee, a fee for inclusion in publications and many more reasons, however an if an agent wishes to charge for finding you work hey will need to take the fee in a form of commission which is deducted from your earnings (usually around 20%). They are only able to charge you a commission if it is placed in your contract and you agree with the contract terms.
It has been illegal for employment agencies to charge up front fees for many years, however, due to pressure from groups from 1st October 2010 it has been illegal for employment agencies in the model and acting industries to charge upfront fees.
If you wish to clarify any fees you have been charged, please contact Employment Agency Standards Directorate (020 7215 5788) or Institute of Modeling
Cooling off periods
Any agent offering you a contract has to give you a 30 day cooling off period and must not insist that you sign the contract at your initial meeting. The 30 day cooling period allows you to review the terms of the contract, to ensure that no upfront fees are charged and to generally ensure you are happy to enter into the contract. If you feel pressured into signing or uncomfortable with the contract then you should seek further advice.
Many agencies try to get around this regulation by pre-dating the agreements before asking you to sign. Ensure that all dates on the agreement are current dates and if in doubt ask someone.
Age Guidelines
If you are aspiring model under the age of 18 you should be aware that you should not be asked to do topless, glamour or any form of modelling that could be seen as provocative. It is not illegal and can be a somewhat "grey" area, but it may potentially lead to future problems, so be cautious at all times. You will also need your parent or guardians consent and they should be present at photoshoots and jobs. It is also advisable that you check to see if the person you are working with is CRB registered. If a person is in regular contact with minors they may be required to have regular CRB checks undertaken.
However, remember that a CRB check only checks if someone already has a criminal record, this does not mean they are not a risk, remember to observe all safety pointers.
If at anytime you are pressured into doing something you are not comfortable with, or you feel you may have come across a potential scam then you can contact various organisations.
You should always alert the police of any person who tries to push the boundaries with a minor or any person who may have abused your person.
If you are concerned that someone is acting as a scam agent you should seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, they will be able to inform of the best route to take.
In all situations ensure you do your research thoroughly. If you are unsure about something seek further advice. Business Link can offer great advice on contracts, legislation and anything relating to who a business or organisation works.
Remember, any genuine agency will not charge any fees upfront, instead taking commission from your earnings, they will allow you time to consider your contract, they will not force you to get a professional portfolio by their own photographer, instead providing you with a list of recommended photographers but also letting you know that you can have images by any person you wish - however they should offer to get your portfolio done for free by them if they wish to offer you a contract. A legitimate agency will see you off the back of natural snap shot images. If they like your look they will invite you into meet them and then discuss your potential. They may advise you to go away and get some experience, but the above points should still apply.
Important Links
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate
Institute of Modelling www.instituteofmodelling.org
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