How to Spot a Scam
Avoiding common industry pitfalls
You know your child is a star and you probably aren't the only one who thinks so. And for that reason alone, it's easy to take the guy in the mall seriously when he approaches you to say that your child's face should be in magazines.
CIF members should be able to jump at any opportunity that may come their way, provided they are equipped with the tools to spot a scam.
In our article entitled, "How to Spot a Scam," we give you some no-fail tips for identifying a scam so you won't have to worry if you're being taken advantage of, putting your child at risk, or spending your hard-earned money and time on a dead-end. Proper industry education can ensure that you're going on the right auditions, open calls and talent searches and leaving the bad ones in the wake of your stardust.
What is Children In Film doing to combat scams?
All of our casting notices are evaluated before being posted. We research the companies, agencies and casting directors to make sure we know who is asking to meet your child. In addition, we make sure they intend to play by the rules. Will your child be compensated? Will the laws for that state be followed? These are all questions we ask so that you can be confident when you submit your child for the opportunity.
We regulate advertisers. All advertisers on Children In Film are pre-approved and, as of July 2012, must have a four or five-star rating on the site in order to advertise.
What can you do to help?
Talk about it! Consider it healthy gossip when you go on ChildrenInFilm.com and inform other parents of a bad experience via a recommendation. "Recommend," for example, that other parents read an article you came across. Or, when you rate a service provider who isn't playing by the rules, the rating is anonymous, and alerts us all to a potential problem. On a positive note, you can also leave useful recommendations for those who provide great services!
