Actors are facing increasingly complex scams, often involving individuals pretending to be casting directors, fake casting calls or false promises of roles for payment. With casting and submissions now almost entirely digital, a rise in scams has also come with it.
Scammers may reach out via social media, email or unofficial websites and pose as reputable professionals, asking for personal information, money or even self-tape submissions for nonexistent projects. Here are ways you can identify and avoid casting scams.
Insights: How to Spot and Avoid Casting Scams
- Using secure platforms and adhering to best practices can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and scams.
- Actors should remain proactive in safeguarding their personal information throughout their careers.
- CSA and Casting Networks are dedicated to promoting legitimate casting and protecting actors online.
- Report suspicious activity directly to CSA.
Common Casting Scams
Watch out for common casting scam red flags, such as being asked to pay to audition, receiving vague project details or receiving unsolicited messages via social media. Never share sensitive info—like your Social Security number or bank details—before signing a contract.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?
If you come across a casting notice or interaction that raises suspicions, the best thing you can do is pause. Please don’t respond with additional information or send anything they’ve asked for. Instead, take screenshots of the conversation, the profile or the listing. Then, report it to both Casting Networks and the Casting Society (CSA), who have processes in place to investigate and address these incidents.
It’s also helpful to share information with your peers—actors often hear about scams from each other before any official warning is issued. By sharing information, you’re helping strengthen the safety net for the entire community.
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How Are CSA and Casting Networks Helping to Keep Actors Safe?
Both the Casting Society and Casting Networks are actively involved in building a safer casting environment. CSA, the leading professional organization for casting directors, requires all of its members to follow a strict Code of Conduct.
This includes clear expectations around transparency, professionalism and actor safety. They also issue regular scam alerts and allow actors to report any suspicious activity directly to them.
Casting Networks vets every project posted to the platform before it’s visible to users. Verification helps confirm that listings are legitimate, allowing actors to submit materials with confidence. For security, all communication on the site is channeled through the platform, preventing the exchange of personal emails or phone numbers.
On Casting Networks, you can control what information is visible on your profile and who is allowed to see it. These protections are critical when your headshots, reels and resumes contain personal identifiers.
What Steps Can Actors Take to Stay Protected?
Safety is a shared responsibility, ultimately falling on platforms, organizations and individuals alike. You can avoid the most common scams by being proactive.
To be safe, submit applications solely through trusted sites like Casting Networks and ignore any communication originating from elsewhere. Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you’re working through a verified, contracted booking.
If something feels off, trust that instinct. Report what you’re seeing, and don’t assume that the opportunity is legitimate just because a name or logo looks familiar. Scammers frequently impersonate well-known casting directors and even fake company websites.
Why Does This Matter to Your Acting Career?
Your acting career should be focused on your craft, not on dodging scams.
The collaboration between CSA and Casting Networks reflects a broader commitment to actor safety, professionalism and legitimacy in the casting process. Maintain peace of mind and career focus by partnering with trusted sources and educating yourself on potential threats to your personal information.
Final Takeaways
Staying alert and informed is essential for actors navigating the digital casting landscape, where sophisticated scams are on the rise. With reputable organizations like CSA and Casting Networks working to protect talent, actors can reduce their risks by sticking to trusted platforms and following best practices. Here are some key takeaways to help you spot and avoid casting scams:
- Never pay to audition or share sensitive personal information like your Social Security number or bank details before a signed contract is in place.
- Be wary of vague project details, unsolicited messages or requests for self-tapes from unknown contacts.
- Always use secure, vetted casting platforms (like Casting Networks) and report suspicious activity to the CSA or Casting Networks immediately.
- Share scam alerts and experiences with fellow actors to help keep the community informed and safe.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, pause and investigate before taking further action.
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