Is the AMMS (American mall model search) a scam?

Is AMMS (American Mall Model Search) reliable?

• I did what they told me to do, say a script and walk on the runway. They were nice people. I was chosen as a finalist i guess and will do a photo shoot for $150 and after that the talent and fashion show. I've never heard of them so I'm wondering if they are doing a scam. I don't want my parents to waste that money for nothing. Please Help!!

• Answer:

  I don't know them so I can't comment on them specifically but will talk about model searches in general If you are a finalist you have to ask why are YOU paying for a photo shoot? That makes no sense. You should not need a photo shoot to participate and a FREE photo shoot should be part of the winning package. I have never heard of any legitimate model search asking for participants to pay for a photo shoot - that should be part of your prize if you are a finalist. If you are not a winner then why do you need professional photos?That's only needed if you get signed to an agency, and there will only be one winner Second, before you do anything further, you need to find out WHICH AGENCY the winner gets a contract with. Is it Ford Models? Wilhelmina? Elite? Third, you should have a VERY clear idea what sort of prize the winner gets -- it should be a year's contract with a major agency, a cash prize (anywhere from $10k - $100k), a photo shoot, and gifts from their sponsors (if they have a car sponsor you get a free car, if they have an airline sponsor you get a free flight, if they have a clothing sponsor you get $2000 worth of clothing, etc, etc) Fourth, ask for the names of the winners of the past 5 years then google their names. If this is a legitimate model search then there should be hundreds if not thousands of hits when you google that winner's name, pictures in the press, etc, etc, etc. I have worked in the industry for 13 years, worked for a top agency that held our own model searches and sponsored other model searches, and have NEVER heard of any model search charging a penny to participants for any reason. The sponsors should be paying all fees, and a free photo shoot should be one of the prized Have you tried googling the company name + scam to read what others are saying? http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/never-received-photos-c346365.html http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/the-sickest-of-scams-c362548.html http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Mall-Model-Search-is-a-SCAM/200124516674514 Do your own research before you spend the money and make sure this is right for you