How to spot a casting scam

• They ask you to pay to audition

  Legit casting never charges you to be seen. Fees for 'registration', 'portfolio' or 'processing' are the oldest scam in the business.

• You got the role without auditioning

  Real offers come after an audition or a known track record. A surprise booking from a stranger is a hook.

• The check is bigger than the fee

  Overpayment scams send a check and ask you to wire back the difference. The check bounces days later; your money is gone.

• They move you to a private app fast

  Pressure to switch to WhatsApp, Telegram or a personal email so there is no record.

• Vague production, no company

  No production company name, no director, no website, a free email address, or names you can't find anywhere.

• Unsafe or sexual requests

  Asks for nudity, lingerie photos, hotel rooms or night meetings outside a professional set, especially for minors. Leave and report.

• They want your ID or bank details early

  Nobody needs your Social Security number or bank login before a contract exists.

• Search their name on the Casting Society (CSA) member directory and IMDbPro.
• Find the production company's own website and phone number, then call it yourself.
• Check union notices: SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity publish do-not-work and scam alerts.
• Bring a friend to any in-person meeting and keep everything in writing.

Stop all payments, contact your bank, save every message, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the site where you found the notice.