Shadows and Mirrors are what you will see if you fall for an entertainment scam in Des Moines, Iowa. Do not think it can't happen to you, even some of the most veteran actors and models fall prey to these con men in the entertainment industry. Just by thinking it won’t happen to you means you are already open to being scammed as you get your start in Des Moines, Iowa. Scammers tend to prey on those that seem like they are going to be gullible and sometimes they will even target those that have been in the business for a while too. It is purely about the money, they don’t want to help you advance your career or get you work; they just want to see how much money they can get out of you and what they can do to forward their scams in Des Moines, Iowa. They just want a slice of the entertainment industry pie.
Scammers are in the business of scams so they tend to be pretty good at what they do and ultimately they can compromise your safety and peace of mind in Des Moines, Iowa. Con artists will hone their own skills, just like an actor does with their skill set, just so they can get to where they can take your money without you being none the wiser. That's why you should be aware of them so you can get the jump on them first as you begin your career. They really like to attack those that are just graduating out of acting or modeling school in Des Moines, Iowa. They target graduates because of their lack of experience in the field. You will have a much easier time in Des Moines, Iowa if you understand how to spot these con artists before they take you for your worth in Des Moines, Iowa.
Scams and cons of all sorts are on the rise around the country. That is why it is important that you know who you are talking to in the entertainment industry in Des Moines, Iowa. Any scam can be horrible, not just the ones that you can see in the entertainment industry. As you start making a name for yourself, you may find yourself even targeted by romance scammers; they are relentless in their tactics. If you are just starting out or it’s early in your career, you need to be careful about upfront fees, guarantees of employment and really anything that looks too good to be true as you start your career in Des Moines, Iowa.
The senior counselor and national director at SAG-AFTRA, said once that it is highly important for those that are new in the field of acting to talk to others that have more experience in the entertainment industry. Articles online about scams in the entertainment industry can be really helpful in gaining more knowledge however on the ground experience is really invaluable. So you should find yourself a trusted mentor in Des Moines, Iowa that can help point out the less than reputable companies and individuals hoping to exploit you.
When you start looking to find yourself a good agency to work with or even just looking for auditions in Des Moines, Iowa, you should know that knowing the warning signs is half the battle when it comes to not falling victim to a scam in the entertainment industry. In any actor or entertainment career, there are bad actors. You can spot them by noticing if they have upfront fees. Talent service companies or talent agencies are not allowed to charge upfront fees to their clients in exchange for the promise of securing employment. There are numerous services in places like Des Moines, Iowa that market themselves as casting agencies and promise auditions and employment opportunities, offering to promote new actors on their websites.
One sure fire thing you can do as you come around to working with a talent agency before even going to meet them is to check with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement to ensure the business holds the appropriate licenses and permits. Once you have clarified that they are a real agency with clients in Des Moines, Iowa, that’s one step done and you can breathe a little easier. You should also ask for references and research online reviews of the business to see if other talent or models have complained about their services. Get everything...contracts, promises in writing and keep copies.
Because of the general optimism of actors and models trying to get started in the entertainment business, this can make these scams a really sad affair. This hurdle can be so vast, the hurdle is also high, but it can make even the more seasoned actor a little gullible. Though if you are talking to someone in Des Moines, Iowa that seems to have “unearned bravado”, they are saying that they are “a big Hollywood manager,” or “Big Hollywood agent,” that is clearly a scam. Also be skeptical if you receive an unsolicited offer. It is a bit of a myth, that actors and models can be discovered anywhere...gas stations, the mall. If you find that someone is approaching you unprompted, do your research.
