Let’s get one thing clear: You deserve to feel safe, respected and empowered in your acting journey. But in the age of inbox overload and too-good-to-be-true opportunities floating around every corner of the internet, it’s time we talk about the one thing no actor likes to admit they’ve encountered: scam casting calls.
Yep. They’re out there. But don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Whether you’re fresh out of drama school or you’ve been auditioning for years, you need to know how to separate legitimate casting calls from scams. So let’s break down the red flags, the subtle cues, and the “run-don’t-walk” warning signs that a casting call might not be legit.
Insights: Quick Tips for Spotting Scams
- Legit casting calls never ask for money upfront—fees for auditions are a major red flag.
- Lack of project transparency, vague details, or a push to move off trusted platforms often signals a scam.
- Trust your gut—if a casting opportunity feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
1. They Ask for Money Upfront
Let me say this louder for the people in the back: Legit casting calls never, ever ask you to pay to audition. Not for headshots, not for “registration” and definitely not for some mysterious “admin fee.”
If someone’s saying, “You’ve been pre-selected! Just Venmo us $50 to lock in your slot” — no. Close the tab. Block the sender. Burn some sage if you need to.
The only thing you should be paying for in this business is your own professional development — headshots, classes, maybe a subscription to a reputable casting platform (hi, Casting Networks!). But never to be considered for a role.
2. Vague Project Details
Scammers love to keep things vague. If the casting call doesn’t include specific details like the production company, director, union status, filming dates or compensation — start asking questions.
Look for words like “experimental,” “new media” or “confidential” being used as a cover for lack of transparency. It’s one thing to keep plot details under wraps; it’s another to withhold basic info that any actor needs to make an informed decision.
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3. They Want to Take Things Off-Platform
If someone reaches out to you through a legitimate site like Casting Networks and then asks you to move to private email, WhatsApp or (worse) DM’s you on Instagram — pause. If someone’s pushing you to text them or send “private audition videos” outside of the system, that’s a red flag.
4. It Feels Too Good to Be True (Because it is)
Listen to your intuition. If something sounds way too good to be true — like a $10K payday for a role you didn’t even audition for or a Netflix pilot casting from a Reddit thread — it probably is. No shade, but Netflix isn’t randomly cold-emailing people offering them series regular roles. That’s not how this works.
5. They’re Asking for Inappropriate Content
I shouldn’t even have to say this, but I will: If a casting notice or “director” asks for nudity, lingerie shots or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe — that is not a casting, it’s a scam.
Professional productions with intimate content are crystal clear about what’s required, and they follow strict protocols. Think: closed sets, consent forms and trained intimacy coordinators. You should never be pressured into sending explicit content for a role.
6. No Digital Footprint
Do your homework. Google the production company. Look up the casting director. Check IMDb, LinkedIn or their website. If you can’t find anything about the people behind the project — or worse, if what you find contradicts what you were told — that’s your cue to bow out gracefully.
What Does a Legit Casting Call Look Like?
You’ll see clear breakdowns, know what you’re submitting for, have timelines, pay info and a direct contact point. Most importantly, it’ll feel professional.
Using platforms like Casting Networks gives you an extra layer of security — because every project goes through a screening process. If you feel unsure, trust your gut and report anything sketchy.
Final Thoughts
You deserve to work with people who respect your time, your boundaries and your craft. Don’t let desperation or excitement cloud your instincts. Stay grounded. Trust your instincts.
You’ve got this.
Come back every Thursday for the month of June to see all of our Scam Awareness Series.
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