• Beware of any newspaper classified or display ad looking for any kind of model or talent. Modeling agencies have plenty of hopefuls coming to them so they don't have to advertise for models.
• To avoid being ripped off, aspiring models should look for and attend “open calls” at reputable modeling agencies. Well-known agencies in large cities usually have open calls on a weekly basis.
• Do not respond to subway, bus or classified ads that promise modeling and acting jobs to people with no experience, or of all ages and sizes, etc. They are come-ons.
• If an agency has to charge money up front it usually means they do not have enough modeling work for either the agency or the model to survive on.
• You should be free to go to any photographer you want to. Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you could go to.
• All photographs may be shot in one session by one photographer, but you should still look different in all your photographs by wearing a variety of cosmetics, clothes, and hairstyles. Beware if it's the salesman snapping off a few shots like for a passport photo.
• Modeling agencies are not employers. So, while they may try to get you work while representing you, there is no way a legitimate agency can guarantee you work.
• The hours of a model are uneven and sporadic. You will not have the flexibility to choose your own hours, so beware of claims that you will be able to "Work full or part time."
• Be sure to get all verbal promises in writing.
• Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order.
• Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.
• Often, what you thought was a legitimate job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Any professional casting director, agent, or manager has an office and regular business hours. There is no reason to discuss employment opportunities or negotiate contracts late at night or in someone’s apartment.

Listen carefully to read between their lines:

"We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act." - I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

"Your deposit is totally refundable." - Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

"You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program." - We take everyone with money.

"There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program." - Everyone's accepted so you can forget the refund.

"You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you." - We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

"Commissions from our clients are our major source of income." - Our income comes from the fees we charge suckers like you.