Model Agency scams

In the rush to set foot in the modelling world and get work,many models are answering adverts that promise "top end client work" for stores such as Top Shop, Next etc. Usually on sites such as Gumtree.Why cant Next recruit models via model agencies who don't need to advertise such as Storm?!
So let's look at one "agency" and point out the tricks to lure unsuspecting models. This is the Ad http://www.gumtree.com/p/jobs/ever-thought-of-doing-modelling-in-your-spare-time-and-earning-extra-money/1042659489
Sure to entice the naive starter models for certain no website details,just empty promises.I know of a friend who applied and they wanted her to travel to the agency in London(at her own expense) pay £50 "deposit" for a "free" shoot with hair and make-up provided. Now comes the catch,she would have to pay for her images from the photoshoot! Which is likely to be in the hundreds! Some casting eh?!
Here's more spiel from their company to the model
"Like any reputable agency, we do not charge any fees whatsoever to have models on our books"
Which is the law fair but they wont accept you without attending their own photoshoot and spending almost a thousand pound!

"As for your current crop of images, we are unable to use these due to the fact (that of the professional looking images youve sent), they are not bad images but instead are neither strong or relevant enough Laura."

Quelle suprise! Check out the images on their own website(linked at end)hardly amazing!

 "We need fashion images with range and we do not accept TFPs which it seems your images are also."

TFP =Time for Prints, a trade where neither photographer or model pay and bth get images without restriction. How the agency tell whether girl paid for her shots by just looking is a skill indeed! Why would they not accept them? I think we know why! £££££!

http://24-7models.co.uk/About_Us

Whilst these companies such as 24-7,Diesel Models,Blue Room Photography,Models Direct etc. may well  get models work,they are making their money from misleading advertising and charging large fees for photo shoots.

 Any model agencies worth anything will not charge you for a photoshoot, nor will they insist you need a portfolio.The best models have been hired from polaroids or snapshots! 

Don't be lured by false promises from flashy websites in London,they only want your cash,and generally will do anything to keep you there until you spend.