Avoiding Modeling Scams

ABC.com reported Tyra Banks' warning call to young women: modeling scams are out there and anyone can become a victim. The supermodel even set up an undercover investigation to help young girls learn a lesson...

I know that girls are really, really hungry to be in the modeling industry," she told "Good Morning America" anchor Diane Sawyer today. "And they feel that this industry is going to give them this esteem. … A lot of them will go to any expense to achieve this dream.

Banks goes on to discuss the importance of safety among young girls in the modeling agency. She reported that one girl took off her clothes in less than three minutes for the fake photographer during the undercover investigation.

Scammers are everywhere, especially to take advantage of young women trying to get a break in the industry. Banks says the reason why girls are so quick to undress for the camera is they were told they were beautiful.

How do you know who to trust?

To sport themselves as legitimate photographers, a model should ask to see published work. This does not mean they should the model a couple of JPEGs off their hard drive. This means actual, published work in an established portfolio.

References are key- no matter how small the job, the model's safety should come first. At least three references should be called and confirmed before a meeting is agreed upon.

It only takes a few minutes, and it could save your life.