HOW TO FIGURE OUT IF AN AGENCY IS LEGIT OR A SCAM
Many aspiring models who are looking for agencies to apply to are constantly asking themselves: “Is this agency a scam?” I have asked myself this question many times and continue to do so when applying to agencies. With my experience, I have laid out the steps I go through below to make sure the agency I am applying to is legit and booking paid work:
Go to the agency’s Instagram
Once you’re on their page, the first thing that will probably catch your attention and give you a feeling of reassurance is the number of followers they have. Unfortunately, this number does not prove its legitimacy-- so don’t use this as your go-to legitimacy checker.
Next, you’ll notice their photos. There are two major types of photos that agencies post:
I. Test shoot photos: These photos are unpaid work so even if they look professional, they don't completely prove the agencies legitimacy. Caption on these photos usually say something in between the lines of “Our model X photographed by Y.”
Example of a Test Shoot Photo with Caption.
II. Actual modeling work from their models: These pictures can reassure you that the agency is most likely legit. The agencies will list the brands that the models have worked for. Check the caption. It will usually say something like “Our model X modeling for brand Y.”
Example of Paid Modeling Work with Caption.
If you’re still not convinced, let us move to step 2.
2. DM their models
As I’ve said, the agency's Instagram page is a good source to check for legitimacy. The featured models will generally have their IG handle tagged, and from there you can match up their pictures with the agency you’re looking into. More importantly, you can communicate with them!
Example of two models tagged in an agency’s post.
When reaching out to the models, it’s important to be as respectful as possible and keep it brief. Ask them about their experience with the agency you’re looking into and that’ll be a sure way to find out if its legit.
I know at the beginning, it might seem hard to detect which agencies are worth applying to and which ones aren’t, but with time and experience, it will become easier and easier.