When a seemingly professional and organised model agent contacted a local model with a job offer, she almost fell for a scam.
“A woman named Elizabeth contacted me through Facebook and said she and her company would like to use me for some photoshoots,” Clara Pensalfine said about the first encounter.
Elizabeth offered Clara large amounts of money for a photoshoot.
“She offered me R16 000 for one days’ shoot. I have done many photoshoots before, and they don’t pay you that much.”
When Clara asked the agent about meeting her and how she could register at the modelling agency, Elizabeth ignored her question and simply asked her to clarify certain details such as her weight, height and size. She then asked Clara for a R500 registration fee along with unclear banking details.
“She sent me an account number that matched the cellphone number she contacted me on through WhatsApp.”
Then Clara became suspicious.
Related articles:
• Beware of scamsters on advertising site
• ATM scamsters finally caught
• Beware of scamsters at licensing office
She said no respectable modelling agency charges a registration fee before a meeting takes place.
Clara again asked about meeting Elizabeth.
“She sent me a link to a website. The website was a real company’s site, but it was based in London.”
Not only did Elizabeth ignore the request for a meeting again, she also rudely told Clara she would cancel any potential photoshoots because of Clara’s lack of interest.
“By this time I was quite suspicious, so I went onto the site where I found a warning notice about fraudulent modelling agents. I contacted the company and asked about a woman named Elizabeth working for them.”
Within two days Clara received a response, clearly stating that Elizabeth does not work for them and that they have had numerous problems with her recently.
“Luckily I never paid the money or gave away my banking details. But I am scared for other girls who might go as far as that. She was very professional and I almost believed her.”
