Rogue model agencies accused of exploiting catwalk dreams
Rogue agencies that prey on would-be models are facing a crackdown under new rules to prevent them from making millions of pounds from empty promises of celebrity.
Enticed by the Big Brother culture of instant fame, thousands of women every year are falling victim to a burgeoning industry in hotel-based casting sessions and websites offering photo shoots for aspiring models.
Victims of the scams are paying up to £200 for promises of work which never materialise and up to £1,000 for unnecessary portfolios of photographs. It is estimated that the trade is worth £30m a year.
Under proposals announced yesterday by the Department for Trade and Industry, the so-called talent agencies will be banned from asking for up-front fees and a week-long "cooling off" period will be imposed on all contracts. The measures follow an 11-year campaign by a former model to tighten regulations in the industry after the previous Conservative government abolished a register of legitimate agencies.
Independent
