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Modelling Scam?

12 replies

NotQuiteKhaleesi · 25/07/2014 15:29

Hi, I was hoping to get some information as I know nothing about this at all! DD (18) saw an ad on Facebook for an agency calling itself TMP Agency looking for models of all body types, so she looked at it and saw that it didn't want any unusual information, just email address etc. So she sent them a photo of herself, as per the ad.

The agency has got in touch with her saying that they like her look, asked her height. We assumed that would be the end of it as she is very small! However they got back to us again saying that height is good for beauty and commercial modelling, and they would like her to come in for an assessment. They say his would normally be £90, but because they like her they'd do it for £50. This would include hair and make up touch up, statistical assessment and a test shoot.

Now I know if an agency asks you for money to be on their books, it's most likely a scam, but it's not a ridiculous amount, and TMP is a legitimate agency. How do I know for certain we are talking to that company and it isn't a scam? I can't tell... The website looks fine, and I haven't found anything online saying there is a scam or people pretending to be this company. But being charged, and then them changing the price on the basis of one photo? I just can't tell.

DD does not have her heart set on this, she thought it would be funny as she is so short and curvy! No hearts will be broken over this. Can anyone enlighten us? Smile Ooft that was longer than I meant it to be, sorry!

OP posts:
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gerbiltamer · 25/07/2014 15:40

I've no experience of modelling because I have always been too lardy. However recalling my teenage years I seem to recall various pieces of advice in magazines urging girls not to part with any money as reputable agencies don't charge for portfolio shots. I'm pretty sure thst they take a percentage of a model's earnings once he/she gets shoots etc. Good luck, but don't pay a penny.

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sooperdooper · 25/07/2014 15:43

I've always read that any reputable modelling agency won't charge you to be on their books, I wouldn't pay

What's the website?

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 25/07/2014 15:49

No reputable agency will charge you.

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orangepudding · 25/07/2014 15:50

Adult agencies don't charge.

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LIZS · 25/07/2014 15:52

If that is for professional head and full length shots which you can take away and use elsewhere then maybe, otherwise unlikely given her height.

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angelos02 · 25/07/2014 15:52

yy to this No reputable agency will charge you

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 25/07/2014 15:52

I've just googled and read an appalling review of the photo shot. Took literally seconds to find. I'd link but I'm on my phone and it's too fiddly. Don't waste your money.

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ZaraW · 25/07/2014 16:43

Yes no modelling agency which is reputable will charge. I always remember when living in London in my 20's my flat mate wanted to be a model and had an appointment with them all she needed was a face and body photo and they took a couple of Polaroids took about two minutes before they politely said she wasn't what they were looking for.

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AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 25/07/2014 16:46

One of my friends is a scout. Yep they can use a snap and if they call you in they say yes or no after a couple of Polaroids/iPhone pics!

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Capitola · 25/07/2014 16:53

No, don't do it. Any legitimate agency will not charge a penny. And proper agencies to not need to advertise.

I modelled when I was younger and I did not pay for any test shots, portfolio or my card. The agency invests in you because any jobs you get will make them money.

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MorphineDreams · 25/07/2014 16:59

They usually want natural photos too, not ones where they've had hair and makeup done.

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mda04na123 · 20/09/2015 19:40

As everyone suggested before, yup this is a scam. I think the way they get around the legitimacy issue is they have a "studios" department and an "agency" department. Where they play their tricks on you is that the "agency" arm are the ones who rope you in so you think you have what it takes to be a model, pay your upfront fee of £50 (reduced from the already mentioned amounts) and then get sent to the "studio" arm to have your Polaroids taken. My little sister got taken into this, paid the fee, and then when she got to the "studio" they said "Yup, we think you have what it takes, but you will need a portfolio done that will cost £100".....
SCAM and another avenue to take advantage of youngsters. Terrible. I've included the email from the "Agency" my little sister received.
Anyway, I've reported them. Let's hope something gets done about it.

Modelling Scam?
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