Do Modeling Agencies Really Scout Models on Social Media?

Every day we receive emails and phone calls from models wondering if the person who contacted them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or through other social media sites is a legitimate modeling agent or scout.

The person who contacted the model may say they are from a top model agency such as Ford Models, Elite Models, IMG Models, Wilhelmina and even ModelScouts.com, and ask the model to send them photos.

How can a model discern between what’s fake and what’s real? Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and know how to separate the real agents from the fakes.

1. Real Agents & Scouts NEVER Scout Through Social Media

Ok, maybe “never” is too strong a word, but the chances that a real agent or scout has randomly found you and then taken the time to contact you through social media is about 1 in a billion – that’s right, 1 in a BILLION!

Real agents and scouts are much too busy managing their existing models and scouting on established modeling websites like ModelScouts.com where they know that the models they find are serious about a modeling career. They rarely, if ever, have time to search millions of photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media sites looking for potential models. It just doesn’t happen!

But, let’s say you’ve been contacted – what should you do?

2. Contact the Agency or ModelScouts.com Directly

One of the tricks the fakers will use is to give you the real contact information for the companies they claim to represent. They are hoping that when you see that information in their email or post that you will take their word for it and won’t check them out. ALWAYS contact the company directly to verify that the person who contacted you actually works for the company, then go a step further and ask to speak to that person directly.

Don’t be afraid to verify the identity of the person who has contacted you. Real agents and scouts don’t mind if you check them out, and will actually respect you more if you do.

3. The Email Address Should Match The Company

When a real agent or scout contacts you by email their email address should match the company exactly. For example, when we contact a model it will only be from email addresses in the form of: “prefix”@modelscouts.com. If the email does not end with “modelscouts.com” then it is not from our company.

Real agents almost NEVER use email addresses from Yahoo, Hotmail, GMail accounts. If the person is using an email address that ends with gmail.com, hotmail.com, yahoo.com, etc. and not the company’s actual domain name, then they are not from the agency.

4. NEVER Send Underwear or Nude Shots

When a new model is contacted by a potential agent or scout they are often so excited that all common sense goes out the window. Don’t let your excitement get the better of you.

Fakers often start out by asking you to send regular modeling shots, then they will ask for shots of you in your bikini or underwear. Once they know you are willing to do that, the next thing you know they are asking you for nude shots or to pose naked on a webcam. OMG! Don’t ever do this!

If someone contacts you through Facebook or other social media sites and asks you to send underwear or nude photos, or pose naked on a webcam they are not legitimate agents.

5. NEVER Meet an Agent Alone or Outside Their OFFice

If an agent or scout wants to meet you in person make sure that a) you take someone with you and b) meet them at their known office address or in a public place.

Having said that, it is not unusual for international model scouts to meet new models in a hotel lobby or hotel room. But, NEVER go to a hotel room to meet an agent without your modeling mother agent or without your mother agent’s approval.

6. Only Work With Reputable Scouting Companies

Finding a reputable modeling company to work with can be a daunting task for a new model. Sending photos directly to modeling agencies can be very confusing and time-consuming and models often find that their choices are limited to taking expensive and unnecessary photos or modeling classes. Working with an experienced and established scouting company like ModelScouts.com is a great way for new models to get their start.

At ModelScouts.com our agents have over 35 years experience and have scouted, developed and signed 100’s of new models to the very best modeling agencies worldwide. The safety of our models is extremely important to us and we take great steps to insure our models are only being seen and represented by the most important and legitimate modeling agencies.

ModelScouts.com is a Member of the Better Business Bureau, The New York Chamber of Commerce, The Managers and Models Association and supports the Models Alliance.