How do you know what modeling agency to trust and pick?

[FishOutofWater]

I recently got head-shots to apply and become a modeling, but i always hear about crazy stories when the agencies are scams or that they never work, or that they just want your money. How do i know which to trust? Any suggestions in the Orange County-L.A areas?!!! Please! Thanks.
I'm 13 and 5'6'' with brown hair and eyes

[Jake]

3 out of 4 agencies are scams. Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity & reputation, & if the scam agent is a sexual predator - it will save you. An easy (but not exclusive) search is to Google the model agency name followed by the word 'scam' and/or 'review' & read the results. Be aware, some scammers will write positive feedback on their negative reviews.

Genuine agents make money by taking a percentage of a model`s fees. They do not have handling fees, signing fees, agency fees (outside of their cut - as noted above) or any other kind of up front 'before-you-can-be-signed' fee. Bogus agencies may insist you pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted.

Genuine agencies do not ask you to pay for test shoots or for the development of portfolios but may arrange specific photoshoots with a reputable or in-house photographer.

Genuine agencies do not expect payment up front for your Z card or website profile. Some may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these.

Legitimate modelling agencies give a 30 day cooling off period for photographic and audio visual services when these are provided as an additional service.

Legitimate modelling agencies are, by law, registered as employment agencies.

No legitimate modelling agency will ask you for nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. No legitimate agency will ask you to audition via webcam.

Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Any attending 'scouts' are part of the scam team.

Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time.

Legitimate model agencies have bona fide offices & employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Beware, anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number so further research will also be needed.

Genuine agencies DO NOT ADVERTISE ON GUMTREE, GOOGLE ADS, YAHOO ADS, FACEBOOK OR ANY SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (other than casting calls on bona fide model networking sites) Agencies receive hundreds of applications direct to their offices and have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models. To make this clear, when making an internet search relating to modelling ALL the modelling adverts on the right of the screen & in the pink or blue boxes at the top of the results list are ALL scams.

Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising.

Under 18s need written parental permission to model & adult chaperones to all photoshoots, agency interviews & casting calls. Parents must ensure work is within government guidelines with regard to hours, pay etc. If applicable a youth work permit will be needed. The law states that only parents can make model agency applications on behalf of anyone under the age of 18. Get your mum or dad to research the agencies with you or for you.

Avoid modelling schools, their remit is to make themselves money not to make models. They accept anybody willing to pay their high fees but give no guarantee of your being accepted by an agency. You are making them money - they won`t pass you on to make money for someone else. You are better off applying to the agencies & if you are accepted they will give you training for free & you know you are not wasting your time or money.