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The scout who sells a portfolioDON'T PAY

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
IInstagram×
https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/
Nnorthstar.kids.agencyInstagram
Hi! Thanks for sending Leo's photos through our website. We'd love to meet him.9:41
Oh wonderful, thank you!9:42
Could you both come to our office at 220 King St W on Saturday at 10? There's no fee to join: we only earn a commission when he books paid work.9:42
Message northstar.kids.agency
ScamDON'T PAY
IInstagram×
https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/
Sstarkids.scoutingInstagram
Hi mama! 💫 We saw your daughter's photos and she has THE look our brand partners want for a Gap Kids campaign9:41
She's been pre-selected! To move forward she needs a professional portfolio. Our photo package is $450 by e-Transfer to hold her spot. Only 3 spots left this month9:42
Message starkids.scouting

Always check the fee.

A "scout" picks your child out of the blue, then wants $450 for photos. Real agencies earn a commission when your child books paid work, and never charge to sign up.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

A children's agency you sent photos to yourself.

A "scout" account that found your child's photos.

2What it asks you to doCheck firstDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Come meet them at their office. No fee to join.

Pay $450 by e-Transfer for a photo package.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

A Saturday meeting, nothing to pay.

"Pre-selected" for Gap Kids, and only 3 spots left.

RememberReal talent agencies are paid a commission when your child works. If they want money first, walk away.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The job that rents your WiFi and your name →