Your Guide to Staying Safe in Modelling - Industry News| Premier Model Management
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Your Guide to Staying Safe in Modelling

BLOG - INDUSTRY NEWS

13/08/2025


How to Stay Safe & Spot Modelling Scams

Stepping into the modelling world is exciting, eye-opening and fast-paced, and should be a safe, welcoming space for growth, development and confidence. However, in the mix of photoshoots, castings, and exciting new opportunities, it’s important to know how to spot potential dangers & scams that could trip you up.
In this guide we’ll outline the common signs of a scam, how to check if an opportunity is real, and the simple steps you can take to stay safe whilst approaching new opportunities. 

With the rise of social media and the internet, unfortunately scams within the modelling industry are becoming more and more common and we’d like to give aspiring models some awareness and information on what scams look like and how to avoid them. 

1. WHY SCAMS ARE SO COMMON IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY:

  • Passion Meets Pressure - Many aspiring models are young, driven, and ready to take risks to get noticed. That same enthusiasm can make it easier to overlook red flags, especially when faced with scams promising “exclusive” offers or urgent deadlines designed to create panic decisions.
  • The Knowledge Gap - Starting out often means not knowing the industry rulebook. Scammers exploit this by posing as professionals, using slick jargon and demanding fees - even though reputable agencies never charge just to sign you.
  • Scams in Your Feed - With a few clicks, anyone can launch a fake Instagram, Telegram, Whatsapp or Facebook page, website, or casting call. By stealing real photographers’ work or an agency's logo, they can look convincing. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook also give scammers direct access to your inbox, making their approach feel personal — and persuasive.

 2. Red Flags to look out for: 

  • Upfront Payment Requests – A legitimate agency will never ask for upfront payments — whether for signing, test shoots, or a portfolio. If money is requested before a contract is in place or any work has begun, consider it a clear red flag.
  • No Proof of Presence – No website, poor reviews, or zero trace of real jobs? That’s a sign to dig deeper — or walk away.
  • Sloppy Communication – Emails riddled with grammar mistakes, rushed wording, or suspicious addresses are a common sign of a scam. Legitimate emails typically match the organisation they represent and can be verified on its official website. Be cautious of messages sent from generic free services like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or Outlook.
  • No Face-to-Face Contact Before Payment – If someone’s pushing for money before you’ve even met them in person or on video, it’s a sign they want your cash, not your career.
  • Promises That Sound Like a Movie Script – “You’ll be on the cover of Vogue in 3 weeks!” If it feels unrealistically glamorous, it probably is.
  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Casting Calls – Vague social media posts with no clear details, dates, or requirements should always be treated with caution.
  • Requests for Nude or Lingerie Images, or a Full Portfolio – A legitimate agency will never ask for these. If they do, stop all communication immediately. Legitimate agencies will only ask for fully-clothed portraits, side profile & full body images. 
  • Email Switching Tactics – They contact you from a verified agency address, then tell you to reply to a Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, or social media message. This bait-and-switch is a common scam tactic.

3. HOW TO VERIFY IF AN OPPORTUNITY IS LEGITIMATE: 

  • Research the Agency/Photographer – Use Google, check Instagram, LinkedIn, industry directories such as Models.com.
  • Check Contracts Carefully – Always read the fine print before signing.
  • Use Trusted Platforms – Established industry websites, official model boards, or well-known agencies.
  • At Premier, the “reply to” email address will end with premiermodelmanagement.com and will come from a named individual, rather than “info or safety.”

4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A SCAM: 

  • Stop all communication immediately
  • Do not send money or personal documents/information. 
  • Talk to a trusted person: Parent, Guardian, or Friend. 
  • If you're already signed, always talk to your agent. Our agent's are always here to help!
  • Report to: Local authorities, The social media platform, Modelling watchdog sites or unions
  • Warn others in the Modelling Community

5. How Premier Protects their models:

  • Clear Contracts, and Transparent Communication with yourself and your parent/guardian.
  • No upfront fees before any contract have been signed.
  • Proper vetting of clients & jobs
  • Ongoing support and guidance

Read our 'Stay Safe' page before applying! 

6. FINAL TIPS: 

  • Trust your gut - if something feels wrong, it probably is
  • Always bring someone with you to new meetings or castings - Here at Premier, we welcome bringing a parent, guardian, or trusted friend with you, regardless of age.
  • Keep copies of all communication & contracts

We hope this guide has given you the clarity and confidence to navigate opportunities with care. Modelling is an inspiring, creative, and vibrant community - and we want to help keep it that way. Stay curious, stay diligent, and above all, stay safe as you step into this exciting new chapter of your career.