we have 5 golden rules that we believe all models should know about to help them avoid modelling scams.

1

Stay Safe all platforms and agencies will in one way or anther want to see how you are in front of the camera DO NOT go to a hotel or small back street studio it should be a professional company with a team of people, you do not want to end up in a situation where you feel uncomfortable as a general rule when there is a team of people such as photographer makeup arststs and stylist and other models around you will find its a decent company.

2

Make sure if you say a booking deposit for a test shoot that you are guaranteed to get a refund and that the company provide a recipept or invoice prior to the payments being taken. Also make sure they use a recognised payment portal such as Paypal or World Pay or if you are really unsure ask for there bank details and make a transfer to the company if a company can provide they have a bank account with a UK bank such as Barclays or Santandare you will normally find they are legit and not a scam.

3

A genuine company will allow you to bring 1 person with you to the test shoot this person is unlikely to be able to go on set however they should be able to arrive with you have a look around the studio and see what is invalid in the test shoot.

Uk modelling believe it is even more important for younger more venerable models to have support to thats why as a general rule we will ask models under 22 to bring a parent to the test hoot with this thats how you can be sure Uk Modelling is a legit modelling company and have no intention of scamming models.

4

When making an appointment for a test shoot there should always be terms and conditions attached this is normal its important that you ask the person who books you in for your shoot to provide them in an email this should happen within 24 hours of you making your booking as a general rule and should be sent to the email you used when making your application.

Route 66 Models term and condition of booking a test shoot provided you fulfil all the terms and conditions you are legally entitled to a refund of your booking deposit.

5

Finally when it comes to agencies you never ever pay to join an agency there are some scam companies around at the moment and Route 66 Models have a list of the companies we would advise you avoid that can be provided upon request.

these agencies will normally try telling you you dont need a portfolio to become a model and just to see them a cheque and they will get you work, they are most likely lying all models need a portfolio you will not be able to go to a casting without one.

The best way to be sure of this is ask yourself the following questions –

If two models go for a casting for a fashion job who is likely to get the job the person with a professional portfolio of the person who turns up without one.

Why would an agency want to take £30 for a joining fee when they could get 15% of every job you do! They woulnt if they are a good agency they could most likely get you jobs that pay £1000-£2000 per shoot if they take commission they would get £150-£300 per job.

An agency who use a portfolio to market you for jobs is more likely to get you jobs and an agency who is working on commission will be more likely to get you well paid jobs and frequent jobs as simply put the more jobs you do the more money they make.

If you think you have been the victim of a modelling scam why not contact Route 66 Models for some free guidance on how to move forward in the modelling industry.