Scam artists have many opportunities to prey on new, unsuspecting models—people who are naïve about the modeling industry. A legitimate modeling agency should have knowledge of the market place and honestly evaluate models for their market. They will have contacts with photographers, graphic designers, and printers to prepare a model's marketing materials.

In the United States, the Better Business Bureau registers complaints against agencies that conduct dishonest business practices and scams.

Scam artists and untrustworthy agencies generally demand long-term contracts, upfront fees, and use high-pressure tactics to con models into committing to high-commission percentages.

An example of a modeling scam is when an agency claims to have work for a model, but what they are really trying to do is sell photo shoots and modeling courses to aspiring models. A legitimate agency should only make profit off agency commissions.