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Nothing can be more exciting or flattering than someone approaching you either in person or online with the statements of, "You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Give us a call/send an email with photos to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

But before you set off to that appointment or give out any information, there are some things to consider. While there are some ethical and legitimate modeling agencies in the entertainment business, for one honest company, there are five not so savory ones waiting to scam you.

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. The trap is now set-what you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

But don't let your emotions and the flattery of such companies overcome you; these scouts are out for one thing, and that is your money, no matter what they tell you otherwise. Think carefully and critically about how you were approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others in that office may have been approached in the same manner.

ModelingScams.org lists their top ten reasons why potential models tend to fall for such scams; this list was based on court documents, leadership statements, BBB complaint records, and books:

1. Ignorance about modeling industry.
2. Ignorance about modeling scams.
3. Ignorance about modeling company.
4. Lack of research.
5. Failure to shop around.
6. Failure to identify conflict of interest.
7. Quick or emotional decisions.
8. Trusting strangers with money.
9. Not being aggressive/assertive.
10. Not trusting your intuition.

You can't always trust the Internet, and as hard as many legitimate sites try to prevent these things from happening, occasionally the scam artists will sneak in with their high
tech tactics. In order to prevent being scammed in your career quest, please be safe and smart before agreeing to book deals:

1. Always research the company before making a deal. Google them, do a search in your state for licensing information, and check them with the Better Business Bureau if you can. Reading sites such as the Rip Off Reports (www.ripoffreport.com or www.badbusinessbureau.com) can also give you

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