Mood: Yawn
Boys and girls living in Singapore, please be careful of the modeling scouts who haunts the streets of Bugis and the Orchard MRT station — perhaps other territories as well.
Don’t get me wrong — I’ve not been deceived by them. In fact, I’ve never went for any of their interviews. All I know is — whenever I take a trip to Orchard, 7 out of 10 times I’d get this sort of approach whereby a man or sometimes a lady would claim to be from a modeling agency and they are looking for new faces to star in commercials.
Sounds familiar? <.__.>{?]
You might have been approached by these people before.
Anyway, I received an e-mail from this agency called “i Models Holdings“, which I encountered one of their scouts months ago.
Kind of surprised at first because I already told the lady that I’m a Johorian and am not interested in modeling. Come to think of it, why did I give her my e-mail address to begin with? You see — These people are quite smooth talkers and know where to hit the spot. The fact that they say they are from a modeling agency and want your contact information is already more than flattering.
In my case, I thought if I give them at least my e-mail address, they would stop tailing me. It was easy for me to walk away and forget about it because I have no aspiration to be a model or get involve in the media arena however for some people out there — this is their chance to be a model; a dream come true.
So upon reading the e-mail — I started pondering if this is even real. I mean — Is this how Singaporeans get their models? By waiting against the walls in MRT stations, tap a person on the shoulder and then asked whether he/she is working or studying?
With much curiosity, I googled for some information regarding this matter and what do you know?
I discovered that this agency is quite notorious for scamming. According to what the people said in forums, it’s not really a scam; it’s just a very risky investment because apparently it works like this: The agency will make a portfolio in which you have to fork out an amount of money and with the created portfolio, the agency will present to companies to evaluate whether they want you for their jobs or not.
How true is this?
I have no idea. If not for the information I’ve read online, I’d still be clueless about how trusty this agency is.
But I suggest to everyone to keep their guards up when getting this kind of approach, especially those who truly aspire to be a model — don’t let the dopamine take control of your senses.
Suppose you find yourself in this situation whereby you are approached by a modeling scout and seriously want to be a model but not sure if the agency is legitimate, here are what you can do to be sure and to safeguard yourself from burning a hole in your purse:
- Do not sign up for the contract or pay any money during your first encounter with the modeling scouts. You’d want to do a research on them first before committing yourself totally. Parting with your contact information is fine, I suppose.
- Always do a research on the agency and check if other people had similar encounters like you. You might want to believe this is the sign and chance you’ve been praying for however, not everything is sent by God. And it is people like you that these people target. They would give you their name cards and you probably would check their websites first but I tell you — Don’t give yourself in just because their website seems genuine and convincing to you. I say this because it’s their website — They can do whatever they want to make it look and seem genuine. You should look for what others has said about the agency elsewhere such as forums and blogs.
- If you have any friends who are in this industry or at least have a slight knowledge about it, seek for their advice first and learn about how the industry works. Do reputable agencies stop people on the streets for contact numbers? Do they charge a sum of money to create a portfolio for you? How sure can you get a job? Bombard them with all the questions you need answers to in order to quench your assurance.
- When you are at the agency for the interview (let’s say you decided to check out for yourself), make sure they make themselves clear so that there won’t be any surprises later on. Interrogate them until you’re satisfied. Don’t let them easily entice you. If they want you, they have to prove themselves — not you.
I trust you have good judgments but if you want to read more about what others have to say regarding this topic, here are some sites you can refer to: ↓
←Singapore’s CozyCot Forum – Thread on Modeling/Talent Agencies
←Polytalks.com – Thread subject: Is this a scam?
←Stomp – Thread subject: Stopped on the street, asked to be a model…scam?
You can check the last pages of the forums for more up-to-date information.
Baa~ <u_u>
I’m not implying that Singapore’s modeling street scouts are not genuine — or particularly i Models Holdings. In fact, this kind of things can happen in other countries too so please Singaporeans, I’m not trash-talking about your country.
I could be wrong about i Models Holdings since I’ve not personally been for the interview. This entry is based on what I’ve found online and if you have landed on this post through search engines, then it must mean you are also seeking for information regarding this subject — In other words, it’s just like what I’m doing — Scouting for information before making any moves.
All in all, this entry is directed to agencies that could turn out to be scams or at the very least — misleading in their promises. I’m mostly trying to stress the point about keeping your guards up to such approaches.
Oh yea…I mentioned that I went over to Singapore just a couple of days ago. But I did not tell you all my encounter with yet another “Hi, are you working or studying?” approach.
I was in Woodlands, finishing a bottle of Sparkling Ribena and then a young thin man came up to me and asked if I was working or studying. My first thought was, “Oh dear, not another modeling agency thingy…”
But this man looked different. It wasn’t one of those people who wore working clothes. Instead, he was wearing a normal black shirt, jeans and had nothing in his hands. The previous encounters I had with modeling scouts wore a much presentable clothes and had a notebook with them to write down contacts. However this fella had none.
I tried to ignore him by gulping down the Ribena that was still in my mouth and a stream of thoughts were running in my head. “He looks like he needs money. Is he going to ask me for money? What does he want?”
Despite that I showed no interest in him, he persisted in asking me about my working status and where I come from.
Well, I somehow managed to shake him off without telling him anything other than I’m a Johorian and just here to shop. Also, I didn’t stay long enough to find out whether he’s from a modeling agency or he wanted to borrow money.
That said — Please be careful, everyone~
Any of you who knows more about this than I do, please share with us your opinions and experience! Let’s save people’s dreams from being ruined and destroyed~
!
Baa~
Speaking of aspiration — What does sheep aspire to be~kana? <^x^>/
Baa…I want to be an influential and informative blogger~! <^v^>/
[ . . . ]
Please stop laughing at sheep. <´.__.`>
*Updates! – 22nd July 2011*
iModelsHolding Wants to Press Charges on PaperDiaries for Defaming their Agency!
Samsung Galaxy S II
Ms Aya on 
Abe on 
BOBO on 
jessWOLF20 on 
Sara Mary on 
Fuuyumi Shoko on 
Puteri on 
NuitNoire on 
realfashion on 
hamtaro on 
Sheep-chan~ *bows*
yupp it’s pretty much the way it works with the modelling companies in Singapore. and the portfolios esp for girls can cost up to 900 or 1k? yeahh. >:3 nahh i’m joking. but the very singaporean way to avoid is just avoid making eyecontact and either ignore or just wave your hand and say ‘nothanksnothanks.’ xDD or if you’re nice, you can hear them out, say you’re a student and you’re not interested/don’t have that kind of money at the moment but you’ll keep it in mind.
or you could just walk really really fast.
Ne, but they are quite persistent. The man waited for me to drink my Sparkling Ribena, you know. (o_o) It took me awhile to finish it and could think of all sorts of nonsense in that moment. Either he’s a very patient man or eager. (_ _)
Ne, has Krayle been approached by these scouters?
has been approached, but i have a fierce face so they don’t dare stay long! xDD
(o_o)lll
Krayle no koto ga kowai yo.
はい、とても怖いですよ！：DDD
lovely blog (:
“Baa…I want to be an influential and informative blogger~! /” and this is so cute haha (x
gambatehh (:
Dear Yozka
Thanks for dropping by~!
Hahaha, Hai! Ganbarimasu! (Laughs) XD
i was aproach by I MOdels holdings at bugis.
it’s a woman. and she ask for my name and my number.
and they just call me yesterday to have an interview at clarke quay.
and i just answer ok.
could you guys give me some tips how to reject them ?
i wonder if they will keep on calling me and ask me to join them.
Dear Vyan
I don’t think they are very persistent. If you don’t want to go and have no interest at all, you don’t have to. After all you are not obliged to show up and it’s not like they are paying you money, right? (.__.)
Thank you for writing this up…’cus now I know that those people at the mrt stations and orchard areas are scammers.All the best!!Ur really a great blogger! ><
"I got approached twice in orchard T.T"
Thanks~ Doing my best to be a good blogger!
Hahaha~ Scammers… I think they are misleading…and not exactly truthful…
Haven’t really heard of anyone gaining anything from their service.
Hello! Glad i found this blog. I was also approached at Bugis by a guy from i model agency. lols.
exactly like how you described. a tap on the shoulder followed by a very convincing self introduction.
anyway ive decided not go for for it. fyi, im a guy. haha
Dear Mister Zall
Wow…They are still at it…
They have been going on for quite a long time already. But never really heard or read anyone saying they are good and credible..
Oh well, hope that if such an opportunity like this come by for you again, it will be legitimate and — not a waste of your time and money.
i just got approached today at bugis and then i found this blog.. Thanks for your blog post! i guess i have to think of reasons for not going down to the interview.. Although i am interested in modelling too. But i won’t spend so much money. =x
I got approached twice. Once at Dhoby Ghaut and once ysd at Orchard (th woman that approached me was from China).
Both from i Models and they gave me name cards.
Then a guy called me today and asked me to go to Clark Quay tmr.
Should I go?
Well….Anyone who is interested in modelling, you can just go ahead..Just remember not to act out of impulse and make sure the agency don’t short change you of anything.
From the above, it’s just based on what I’ve found on the Internet and what I felt and thought when I was approached by them.
And…Whoa…They are still at it? (o_o)
In any circumstances, be careful ok? (^-^)
never go I MODELS HOLDING PTE LTD.
i was misled & paid xxxx . I did go for the phototaking. I file SCT on them & pending for court case. They turned you off after got the $. They are fake model agency
Dear Foolme
Oh my… (o_O) We have one unfortunate person here now.
And till now, there isn’t much good word about this model agency…
Sori typo error. I DID NOT GO for the phototaking. I am filing false claims on them. pls pray for me i will convince the judge to ask them to pay me back my money. They are notorious, cunning , scheming & use physiological effect to wear you down first so that when you are tired, you let your guard off. Beware. The Police no use, said non of their business. So we consumer must be careful esp young girls who easily flatter by their empty promises or hynotise.
False claims? If they did take you money it shouldn’t be called a false claim, right? (@_@) You do have something against them.
I am not filing SCT against them. A lot of preparation need to be done since it is DIY. I only can say , NEVER step into their premise cos’ i believe they did some kind of black magic to hypnotise or brainwash you. Once you out of their place, you suddenly become clear in mind but that is too late. Nevertheless, i believe justice will prevail. this I MODELS company very cunning. They changed their company name to escape ppl detection/trace on their record so you see what you see in their website /job advertisment are only hoax, they made ppl believe they are runnning a legal busines but in the dark,they conduct very unscupulous businesses to lure ppl to fall into their scam. Also dont just post in BLOGS – if anyone of you experience such scam from them, i encourage you take up SCT against them. pls also do your homeward when you file SCT as it can be tedious & can drain you down, but a word of encouragement to myself -DONT GIVE UP & LET THEM GO EASILY. We will fight back
Ai ya again typor error. I MEAN I AM FILING A CLAIM under SCT against I MODELS HOLDING PTE LTD.
Since no lawyer is allow, a lot of DIY. I only can say , NEVER step into their premise cos’ i believe they did some kind of black magic to hypnotise or brainwash you. Once you out of their place, you suddenly become clear in mind but that is too late. Nevertheless, i believe justice will prevail. this I MODELS company very cunning. They changed their company name to escape ppl detection/trace on their record so you see what you see in their website /job advertisment are only hoax, they made ppl believe they are runnning a legal busines but in the dark,they conduct very unscupulous businesses to lure ppl to fall into their scam. Also dont just post in BLOGS – if anyone of you experience such scam from them, i encourage you take up SCT against them. pls also do your homeward when you file SCT as it can be tedious & can drain you down, but a word of encouragement to myself -DONT GIVE UP & LET THEM GO EASILY. We will fight back
Black magic? That’s a bit too much however, I think they are just too persuasive in talking people into joining their agency.
Good thing there are people who posted in forums to share their experience which they had with imodels. And yes, if there are victims, do fight back for your money. Sucks to spend a sum of money on a fake dream, right? (-__-)/
dear foolme
actually i also experienced same thing, just few day ago i went for interview and photo shooting and it cost me over 2xxxk now after i read the post i felt so stress , i though they cheat me.i really don’t know what should i do. anyway i am foreigner, not understand law in singapore. thx
i hope you will reply me.
Hey I was approached today at Bugis, and the person asked me to go to their office at Clark Quay, at the Central I guess. I didn’t go because I saw your blog. So are they really a scam? Are there any successful models from this agency??
i don’t think so because after i search from internet they says that it totally scam and even if we got the job they will pay as really bad. above of that they try to persuade you…
Dear Aya, i 100% sure they did BLACK MAGIC, not just persuaiveness so simply, if you dont believe me, you go to their company & experience yourself. Once you are in there, you are totally under their control, i can’t explain why.
Dear Haruka
I also stressed like you but i tell myself dont give up. Actually somebody filed SCT against I MODELS a few years ago. So this is not new. Before you file SCT against the co., do your homework first. Did they pressure you on signing the package or said something to make you believe & later didn’t deliver their promises…etc if so, you have a better chance against I MODELS HOLDING PTE LTD. I suggest you go SCT directly. You must know your consumer rights . Go to website:http://app.mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id=565. If you need some legal advice, go :http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/probono/criminal_legal_aid_scheme/pdf/Legal%20Clinics%20List.pdf & seek FOC legal advice.
No harm trying.
I hope to help you as well.
I also suffered a $$$$ too but i rather inform all before more ppl get con by them. I don’t want you become a victim like me. Hope that helps. Dont give up. You can DO IT.
I can bet with you, the co. also reading our blogs so they will change tactics …etc. So you be careful.
Dear Haruka
I hope not to dampen your spirit but i need to tell you that I also checked this IMODELS charge exorbitant prices on the phototaking fee, i think about 5 times more expensive than outside professional fees. You may use this reason in SCT against them. I really very angry at this co. Not only they use unscrupulous sales tactics, they also very cunning and no moral value. Even if you got any modelling job from them, i bet they will ask you accept to those like car model i.e. wear skimpy clothing..etc to make you reject the assignment so that they can say they give you the job but you reject them.. so they hv excuse to cover their backside. Dont upset over the $$$$ (i also suffer the same $$$$ like you) but i hope to encourage you to SCT on them. at least in the SCT ,they will hv some black records . The law will keep this record for 10years or so. (i think so). so fight back, otherwise they continue to cheat ppl & think all of us so stupid & earn our hardearn $ so easily. All the best to you. DONT GIVE UP.
< @_@> Owkay..
I’ve never gone over to the office and have absolutely no intentions of doing so because firstly, not into modelling. Secondly, for the fun of it..I did some online search regarding the agency and couldn’t find any good feedbacks.
The Internet is vast but I’m not going to purposely dig up a promising review on this matter because if majority of the results are negative, what for then?
By the way, after a photoshooting with them, do you get hold of your portfolio?
Nope. their so called portfolio is only CD-ROM- i think cost less than $5. Come to think of it, i also at fault for being so vain but life goes on. Right now, I want to help the rest ie send out this clear message to warn & alert those ppl not to be caught up in such situation like me.
Not only $ lose, you pictures also become their copyright – where got such things one – i pay for the phototaking yet i only get CD rom & the co. got the copyright to use my photos without my permission. Good deal isn’t it. No wonder they can rent posh places like Clark quay or orcharde to make ppl believe they run a legal business but in actual fact , they are A CHEAT. So moral of this story- DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. THE UNDERLYING TRUTH IS THEY ARE A SWINDLER. BEWARE
Dear Foolme
The hell? You don’t even get a hard copy for yourself? Sounds like they disowned you totally after taking your pictures and your money!
At least with a hard copy port folio, you can make use of it yourself.
They are really misleading that way!
Don’t beat yourself up. They should never lure people using this method and such unfair terms and conditions!
Ya i didnt have a hardcopy at all. which is why i am very angry at their dishonesty and exorbitant prices. I hope Haruka or whoever cheat, take a bold steps to file SCT against them if you feel you are being conned by them. Win or not is not an issue (cos’ you already paid up they wont return you the $ at all). Most importantly let them hv a bad name in the court file. Otherwise more ppl will get cheated by them, trust me esp now festive season being ppl are more willing to spend & sometime didn’t think carefully . But the time they realise it is a scam, it’s too late. Beside Imodels, they have another co. at Orchard road , i think it is called Create Talents P/L.
I’m so glad I found this blog. I was also approached by with a tap on the shoulder at Bugis. They called me down for an interview later this afternoon. I was planning to go just to find out more, but thought I should check out the forums first. Thanks to everyone who posted! I can now call to cancel and save myself a trip down. All the info I need is right here =)
Just a little update after calling to cancel my interview appointment. The lady who picked up the line had a chirpy voice until I told her that I won’t be going down as I got to know I’ll have to pay for a portfolio. And its not something I’m interested in. Her voice went flat but politely replied that I can always call again if I changed my mind.
Dear Foolme
Well, I’m sure people will speak up and make complaints to the court. If people viral this word of cautious, sooner or later this agency (and probably their other co) will die out.
From the way they make their contact, it’s make one suspicious enough to gather information before going to their office.
—————————————
Dear Silvermint
Good thing the operator did not persistently persuade you. It would be very hard to get out of that. (x__x) Hahaha.. But yea, according to many, it seems imodels is a misleading company. So better to stay away from them?
I’ve just been approached by Imodels and I’m wondering if it’s a scam?
Thanks for this blog, now I know that Imodels IS A SCAM! it’s a disgrace of them doing business this way.
Just so you know I wasn’t being approached or anything, but I’m a high-fashion editorial photographer who just moved to SG and looking for new opportunity. When I saw their ad of photographer position, I immediately researched and found this blog ( big thanks!).
I don’t appreciate dishonest people, and i don’t want to be part of this so called company…Imodels should be sued!
woohoo , i just went for imodel interview at clarke quay today and they ask me to do a portfolio for $1670 ! woo it’s like 3 times more ex than outside ! LUCKILY i offered to pay on the day of photo taking which fall on ths coming tuesday! after reading this blog , i’ve decided not to go hahaha !
seriously, while they’re talking to you , everything sounds perfect ! you got to get out of the place and think rationally if there will be a free lunch in this world!
web -> imodelsholdings.com
dear fool me
how long have you wait for your first assignment after you finish your photo taking ??? first if you come down for interview they will explain all good things for the job, but after they take your money they will forget about you.
Hi Ms Aya,
I think the operator knows that she has no way of convincing me over the phone =p I cannot say that they are scammers as I did not go down personally. But I believe what everyone shared here.
I would say that if anyone really wants to go down to find out more, I would recommend:
1)not bringing credit cards, too much cash along, so that even if u get convinced, u’ll still have an excuse to leave the place first to have some time to think about it.
2) Pretend that you’re meeting someone right after the interview so that you can have an exit plan. Would be more convincing if get someone to give you a call about half an hour into interview time.
That’s how I normally deal with such situations. Thought I’ll share it in case it comes in handy.
But of cos, I agree that the best would be to just simply not go down.
Dear Haruka
Actually i dun want to talk about it anymore. I made myself a stupid fool & broke during this festive time which is suppose to be merry & thankgiving but i ended up like that. I think the bottomline is :Ignore those scouts & NEVER GIVE THEM YR # or GO TO THEIR PLACE. So you wont be cheated. They already mastered cheating skills so well that it is very difficult for us to defend such ‘attacks” esp. when they hit the right spots of your soul so you parted yr $ easily , thinking you have the “X-factor” but in actual fact , they have last laugh at us for being so stupid and easily believe i them. i think best resorts: Ignore those scouts or dont give your # or go to their place at all. so we will not be cheated & heartpain.
Btw, no point crying over spilt milk. I learnt a painful lesson thru this incident. I hope they will have a taste of their medicine ONE DAY.
You take care & dont ponder over my comments. I wont write anymore. I very sian…
I hope more ppl will read this blogs to guard this co. which is aggressive in scoutings. Be careful.
thank you for reply my message, here same to feel regret. it was very expensive lesson i got in my life, never easily believe people. i feel depress too. this whole week i just keep thinking how i am stupidly believe them and spend all my hard work to earn money and blindly give all to them.
for all of you who fortunately read this message please learn from my experience, never visit their place!
just few days ago i went to Bugis and agent from i models asking my contact, i feel really sick of it. i just ignore them, but i saw there are around 3 people in a group moving around and ask for contacts and a lots of people give their contact, so please ignore them and never let your guard down.
Hi all,
Me too encounter same thing approach by a gal in bugis last sat. last nite i went went down for interview and i paid for the deposit. now i found this blog n know abt it is scam.. can i get back my money of the deposit 1+++ out of total 2+++? i have call them to cancel my photo shooting tonite. can anyone help me to get back my deposit? i feel so strress now.. can anyone help me?
star star
u liao lah. Trust me , they won’t refund you a single $ but instead forfeit them completely or even ask you to pay the bal $. dun be scare by them. be brave. why didnt u read our blogs 1st b4 paying. I felt so heartpain for you although it is not my $.. I think u go thru my previous comments & see if it is helpful to you.I bet this co. is also reading our blogs so they will try to find out & ‘taro’ whose this fellow so busybody & spoil their $ spinning cheating scam & may even get some ppl to teach this ‘clever’ fellow a lesson. Dun say i see too much TV drama.this can happen. I already said before. this co. no moral value, who care u dead or alive, as long i got $, i am KING & do anything i want but not by myself but engage someone la.. MONEY MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND. That’s why $ can be evil tool to get ppl do harmful things to others. i thought i wont write anymore but i felt so sorry 4 u & hope to help u out.so i continue to write to get u some ideas how to work on it. hope it helps. the game is just started, fight back as i said , although this battle is tough & steepy. u can do it
hi foolme,
thanks for ur reply.. sob sob.. tomolo nite i will be going down to talk to him and i wan to get back my money! I thought there is one consumer act that we can get full refund as long as is with the 5 days as we can cancel right?
i feel so sad now… sobsob
Silvermint just pointed out a very good method to safe guard yourself from losing money. That is:
1)not bringing credit cards, too much cash along, so that even if u get convinced, u’ll still have an excuse to leave the place first to have some time to think about it.
However as for those who already paid…Oh dear…What can be done?
Star Star, did you sign any contract already? Try bringing a friend (preferably a male companion or someone who knows how this industry works). With a friend, you won’t get beaten down so easily.
Hi Aya,
Star Star had already sing the bloody contract. Now can I ask for those get cheated by the I-Model, will you all stand up and against that I-Model agency ? I trying to get those that got cheated by I-Model to launch a major conmplant to the authories so that actions will be done and all will get back their money. From my understanding, there might be some hope of those to get scam to get back their money.
Dear All
Just happened to saw this blog.hope to share my painful experience with all about this imodels co. 2 years ago, I was sweettalked about modelling promises and paid 4 digits figure for my portfolio fee but i didnt get any modelling jobs after that. I went to the co. to complain & they said modelling job no guarantee . They pushed away all responsibility after getting the portfolio money from me. I went to Case to complain this imodels for cheating. Case asked me to go small claims tribunals. I went small claims tribunals to file my case. My case was dismissed as i didnt have sufficient documents and evidence to support my claims against this co. (the court want written evidence like a contract from both parties but i was not given any anything or contract from this co except the receipt.), so my case was thrown out by the court . I was very depressed and felt unjustice. I also think i made a mistake without asking the contract from this co. So before all of you file to small claims tribunals , please ensure you gather the contracts or relevant documentations to support yr case. So that you stand a higher chance to get back your money. Also group complaints are more effective than loose complaints. Try to find a way to stop this co. scrupulous business tactics. Pls note the filing the claim must be done within 1 year time. So act fast if want to minimise your lossess. I agreed Moon Moon suggestion, for those of you who are cheated, meet up and discussed solution. Take the necessary steps together & complain to respective authorities. For those cheated one, i hope you can will get back some money. All the best to all. Good luck !
I found them from newspaper and just make the appointment for tomorrow.Thank God I found this blog before I go!!! and I would never step in!
Gambateh for all who wants to make a complaint! This kind of behavior should be prohibited!
Teenagers, do not get suck-in by their schemes. They will ask you to bring your parents, so that your parents can pay for you. Minimum $990 to thousands of dollars. PLEASE BEWARE!!!
hi..
my bro had jus been approached at bugis few days ago..
they checked his facebook n asked him to go photoshoot.
Say no need to pay anything.
by imodelholding.
Think he shld go?
Dear Angel
Based on all the comments above, I should think it’s best that you bro don’t go for this photoshoot. There is more notorious remarks on imodels than any good.
I was just fooled today!!!!! paid xxxx, fxxk them… how to contact with you guys???
i am supposed to do the photoshot next monday, and of coz i also don’t have a contract in my hand…so what should I do if I go to see them next Monday?
I got approached at tampines interchange and received their call today to go for the interview…after reading this blog I think I better not go for the interview…
I got approached at Bugis last week and they called me for an interview at Clarke Quay. The guy really made everything sounded so attractive. But I had to pay like 490 to get the portfolio done. I was asked to pay a deposit first. Luckily I was smart enough not to pay up. I told the guy that I will make payment during my next trip for the photoshoot, which will be like two weeks later. All these time, I’m still thinking if they are scams. Thank God I found this website before making a trip there for the photoshoot. That day he sounded afraid that I would change my mind and back out. I wonder if I should ignore/pick up his calls when he calls me. And if I pick up, what should I say. Although I didn’t lose anything, I just feel like confronting him. I’m just not happy with the way they scam. After reading every single comments, it changed my mind, totally! Thanks people!
Hi all and BB,
tomorrow i will be going to court. How to contact u all? as i need u all help before going to court tomorrow.. because i am sure i model will defence themselve as what we write here isnt true.. i really need u all help..
please give me ur contact… do email
me at rilakkuma.ng@gmail.com
omg. i was just approached at tampines interchange too! but i didn’t hear a word the lady was saying to me(probably her promoting her co.’s services).
thanks for letting me know imodels is a scam
Like most of you has said I was approached by a lady from i Models holdings 2 weeks ago. Was kind of curious when I went down. Yes, i did pay for my portfolio coz I was told that i would probably be able to pick up freelance jobs for as long as i want… Yes, i was kind of uncomfortable when I paid – cos thats a significant amt of my savings… But! I think it is worth it cos i models got a job for me to shoot with the jap group SMAP at marina bay sands recently! hee.. its a small role but its also a eye- opener!
Oh god I’m actually running out to deliberate my decision as i feel weird he is being quite pushy from their office and drinking chamomile in Starbucks to calm myself an thank god for this forum I haven’t pay anything. But still kinda grieve cuz I thought I really could freelance modeling. This scam has to be told to the public. Many innocent young girls there!
YOYO are u serious u didn’t get cheated?
Mmm…1 had success with imodels holding while many didn’t.
I’d say — Please be mindful of your decision on this matter. Good luck!
AYA I LOVE YOUR DRAWINGS!!! V talented! I love manga too!!
a while back i also went to SCT because i tot i was cheated. after i models , i went to new experience to look see and the fat guy from new experience agency told me that i models holdings is a scam. so i stupidly wasted my time to go through the lengthy process of claiming only to find out that the claim was not valid because the receipt said it was not refundable. but after the incident, the people from imodels talk to me and told me that the more “worth-it” way is to continue with the portfolio shoot. I really was at a loss cos i really tot i’m being cheated. but then i cannot do anything already le. so i carry-on… Turns out that everything is authentic. so i am lucky! but hor i think new experience is a scam. that fat guy keep calling me if i go SCT but neber call me for jobs at all.
Yop everyone
As many of you I’ve been also approached few days ago by a young girl at Bugis. Kinda curious but not dupe I went to their office earlier today to check it out. FYI I’m a french caucasian guy of 29 yo. Well, from my experience I would say they are not what we can call a scam but rather a non-selective agency. It means they will just take advantage of this dream largely shared by all of you girls : TO BE A MODEL. So don’t expect them to tell you straight away if you fit or not the profile, they will just let you believe it and try to sell you this famous portfolio package.
Back in Paris you’ve got many small agencies using the same way to make business, so don’t be fool…you should know that when someone is prospecting you it means they’re trying to sell you something before really offering you something. I’m pretty sure some of the people which have signed-up (paid) to this imodelsholdings agency get few jobs but for sure the ratio might be very small.
Now I will say : BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF, I mean no offense but com’on girls, I’m sure you’re reading a lot of those fashion magazines and as you have figured out, all the girls in the pics match a specific profile : height, waist, hip and sharp face features. Then don’t let people let you believe you can be a model if you know (deep inside you) that you are not fitting the profile. Sorry to say the truth but better to be honest with yourself than letting people (mostly guys hihi) take advantage of your weakness.
Now I’m curious of something, it’s why I’m posting actually. They first offered me a 1 year contract, in which I have to commit and be there whenever there is a job and whatever is the job. No fees if I sign-up a contract, I mean the portfolio package is free. Unfortunately I cannot fully commit since I already got a job. Then after that they were offering as a freelancer with this pricy portfolio package. But no way I pay anything since I’m doing that for fun. I know that I’ve got the profile for modeling (yeah I certainly sound quite self-centered but well I’m pretty lucky with my face and I work-out hard to be in shape). My question is, did someone here get also this contract offer ?! If yes, have you any idea of the terms. Thanks.
Take care all of you and be strong.
Well, I think that imodels are simply searching for models — anyone who is willing to pay for their portfolio but when it comes to actually referring their scouted models to real jobs, they are not that efficient?
It’s like they gather an army of models but no location to post them to.
Well GP is right on being honest with yourself. If you know you are not cut out to be a model, don’t go for it. Because these scouts don’t seem to be looking for real models — just anybody who is willing to get a portfolio.
Oh, thanks Yoyo! XD I like drawing sometimes.
thk for this blog ,, i’m safe right now
I was approached by a lady too. I am listening to my music so i didn’t pay much attention to wat the lady is saying. So i thought it was a scam or wad & i give her my old no.(which is not in use anymore) XD Lucky i never give her my real no.
they are still very active right now.. i juz gt a tap on my shoulder today at bugis.. i think that i am so foolish right now to gave them my hp num.. i think this matter should nt juz discuss in this blog.. every youngsters should know it so that they don’t get cheated or scamed.. n i have tried to vissit their website bt it is just a blank page.. which means, this agencies somehow can’t b trusted.. its better to just recycle their name cards and ignore their call.. god luck everyone..
Thankyou for your post! Just ytd my friends and I were scouted by them, imodels. Thought of finding out more about them and I found this blog, so happy that I read this. Its like another modelling agency at orchard, I was ask to pay an amount also, but I didn’t, like why would I? Haha. These people just make life for those who wants to be a model so hard huh.
thank GOD, was approached last month, im from Seremban Malaysia. I went for the interview today, the interviewer, her name is Joan, she was reaaalllyy nice and genuine, she brought me next door into the marketing department with all the upcoming projects on the wall..
she measured me, height and weight. And told me tons of stuff like the difference between contract models and free lance models. and then VOILA! you need to pay SGD890-1500 for portfolio, i was so convinced.. Thank god i saw this blog.
but what if it is real?? I’m so tempted.. all the brands were big and geniuine..
To all who are tempted to take their chances with imodels/other agencies..
Having the confidence in your looks is one thing. But I strongly urge you to be well acquainted with the agents and know your rights with them in and out.
Like how reliable are they as your middleman, how efficient are they in getting assignments for you, what and where are their sources..etc.
If possible, strike a deal with them. Tell them if they can’t get you a job in a month or so, they must refund your money for their inefficiency.
Get this down in paper and suppose they tell you there is no such deal — Tell them there is now!
Hi, can i know how to contact u all? and i am going to the small claim for the court case soon to get my money back. Can i contact with u all for the supports? i really need your help….kindly please help by emailing ur contact to me to rilakkuma.ng@gmail.com
thanks a lot if u all can help me
I got approached last week at bugis hahaha they thought they can cheat me but NO haha this lady asked for my number and name. I gave her a fake number and “Amanda” as my name. Who’s cheating who now huh?
Got approached today at bugis. I dont think its a scam cause its very normal for a agency to have the need of finding new models, n to ‘sell’ a model to a client, they need a portfolio to show. The sum might work for those who haven’t got a portfolio n need one to get a headstart in their interest of modelling. Otherwise i think normally if the client spot u first, or u have got other prev experience, u wuld have a portfolio alr, or dnt need one.
It’s not easy to live as a model i guess. N btw, there are many agencies out there, so take your pick.
But the sum is not small, i would say go only if u’re really interested to venture into modelling.
Hi i am paulo im only like 20, i was approached at the mrt station near ion by a girl 3 days ago she walked up to me and talked to me i wasn’t really paying attention to what she was saying but when she gave me her card i was taken back at first cause i was surprised it was a modeling agency. ( i am from the Philippines btw ) i am planning on studying in singapore so i thought it be a great side job and since i didn’t have time to check the net i payed them a visit. i actually work for a modeling agency well im the being trained by the owner of an agency in the phl well cause i wanna set up a an advertising firm and he wants to give me all his contacts anyway. from where i come from not all who apply for an agency and has a portfolio gets a job cause you are up against other would be models like you in imodels and any modeling agency for a project like what GP said you have to know yourself you are model material that you look good and people know you look good cause lets face it its the number one hing you must have in modeling other than height and build everything GP said i totally agree
anyway i went to the interview and a guy talked to me he showed all the projects they have done and made me convert the amount of money i might earn and he showed me the board too and well pretty much all the sales talk you can think he gave me a choice i either i do free lance and i get all my Talent fee but i pay for my portfolio which was as you all know really expensive or i sign contract and they get 50% of my talent fee but they pay for my porfolio shoot and idnt really have to do anything they will get as far as i remember a hairstylist a designer and a make up artist for the shoot and some bunch of stuff bought training me to be a proper model but they will own me for 2 yrs which is kinda harsh.
actually it makes sense that they dont really prioritize free lance cause if ur free lance you might jump shift and go to different agency but it really is unfair they didnt even give the people who paid that really expensive shoot any jobs or even a go see . well im not really fond of modeling but i do know i have what it takes sorry for sounding self centered but really i do look good and i have a pretty good built,
actually i was thinking about this whole thing and im glad i saw this but i think ill pay them one more visit i wanna see the terms of that contract the contract though risky makes them liable to you if you sign it cause as far as i remember a breach in contract amounts to 10,000 dollars thats what he said to me that goes for them too. though signing the contract will give them the power to sign you up to any jobs and you cant refuse it if the jobs are not anything nude or gay then it will be fine.
when i get my hands on the contract ill tell you all bout it anyway free lance thing was a very big risk sorry but i agree that they cant give you back the money cause it happened already and you should have known that it was a long shot at best.
thanks for all your views on this agency i think i got a better view of what they really are.
btw anyone can suggest a good business school in singapore?
Thanks for having this blog!! I was approached by one of them today at orchard area and lady noted my details on a notepad. I noticed there are several other names there as well! Hope that they will look at this blog as well!
Thank you so much for having written this blog post. I was totally taken aback by the sudden approach and had my doubts due to the fact that it was so random.
Hey Mrstudent, apparently I was approached by imodels today as well at orchard mrt, a petite chinese female right? Really hope whoever she approached today will start searching and find this blog as well (:
I’m amazed they are still active in recruiting through this method!
Well instead of viewing them as a model agency, they seem more like portfolio builders/photo-shooters. Getting you a modeling job is just a side dish. (-__-)
yes, they are still around. Just approached me an hours ago at bugis junction. this is the 4th times that so called ‘model agency’ approached me. Thus i decided to give my name & contact and let’s see what they can do.
After reading this post, I’m gonna reject any proposal/interview they make. LOL.
thx aya
oh my god like after so many years at bugis i finally encountered them. This blog shd be be as hot as TPL so everyone knows and down down down they go. unfortunately i gave my no and im so not going to answer. YES ITS A chinese woman that isn very tall. sinners they gonna burn.
I am supposed to go down for their interview in abt half an hours time but after reading this I am quite certain that i wont be going alr. Was contacted by another agency called create talents too and i went for their interview, they wanted me to pay 870 for a photoshoot. as that was my first time, i was very confused and frankly speaking qt tempted too. Luckily, i rejected them at last, THANK GOD MAN. Thanks Aya for saving all the potential victims out there.
hi everyone,
same here, I was approached at Bugis and I’ve never been interested in modelling at all. but being a bit strapped for cash right now despite having a full-time job I gave them my number and went for the interview just to find out abit more about the modelling industry.
I spoke to Joan too, she was nice and very convincing and I was almost tempted to sign a freelance contract while she had a photoshoot arranged for next week. thankfully, I had a dinner appt with friends for which I was late and they kept calling, so I had an excuse to scoot off without signing the contract nor paying anything- supposed to do that on the photoshoot day itself.
anyway throughout the whole thing, I was always quite skeptical at the back of my mind despite all the sugary talk and promises of this and that project with, yes, big companies… like banks, coffee commercials, etc.
I agree with those of you who said that iModels is not a scam but rather an agency who recruits alot to get portfolio money and then unable to get jobs for these people. imagine, if they have such a wide database with so much ongoing recruitment, what is the likelihood of getting a job? unless you are seriously like the cream of the crop. or really lucky.
anyway, after reading this blog post and all these comments, I’m now convinced that going for the photoshoot would be a waste of time and money (portfolios with them range from $490 to the thousands) and am going to cancel the photoshoot, or simply not answer their calls
so unless you really aspire to be a model and are willing to wait it out indefinitely till you get called for a project, don’t bother wasting your precious time and money which could be better spent on other more legitimate jobs. other jobs might not be fast cash, but they won’t lose you money unneccessarily but instead guarantee earnings, albeit slowly.
cheers y’all and all the best in life!
Hi Aya
Thanks for sharing this! Im a 16yo guy and was approached by this china lady at bugis juction there. She just came up to me and blabbed a string of words i dun understand and asked for my details. From the namecard, shes also frm imodels, Im changing my mine about the ‘job opportunity’, was quite shocked that they have such bad taste to pick me, haha xD Too good to be true. I also saw quite a number of names there with girls ranging from 15 to 20+, so people, becareful of them!
HAHAHAHA! bearbear, I thought the same as well! I got approached at Bugis some time ago and they just called for me to go to an interview tomorrow. I was still :O because I’m rather short so how is it freaking possible in the first place until I saw this!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! HAHAHA
Hey everyone, i really regretted for not seeing this blog earlier.. i was scouted by a lady when i was walking around bugis street with my friend few months ago. i thought she was interested in my friend as i was just wearing a normal tshirt n shorts and without makeup that day.. i left my number to them thinking that they wouldn’t contact me.. but who knows they called me to go down for an interview few days later.. i was shocked but yet feeling excited, wondering why would i been chosen? i asked my mum if i should go and as supportive as she is, she told me to give it a try.. so i went and the guy was really convincing about how good their models will turn out to be.. when i was asked to pay a deposit, i told them that i’ll consider about as i dont have much money with me.. i’m only 18 this year, from johor bahru.. i came to singapore for only a month that time.. he recommended me to shoot a portfolio with 10 outfits for $1090.. i told him i wanna take the cheapest one, which consists of only 5 outfits as im still new to modelling.. i was having a had time with my daily pocket money as i gave up 2 months of my pocket money just for the photoshoot.. i’ve only taken 6 outfits so far n all i got was a cd-rom… furthermore, i still cannot get any pay now as we have to deduct $500 marketing fees from our jobs first.. now i’m still worrying if a malaysian student can work in singapore without a working permit? i only have a student pass and i only learnt about it when i got my student pass that we are not allowed to work in singapore… the agency knows that im a foreigner but they did not tell me about that.. i dare not tell my parents how much i’ve paid in total just for this agency.. i feel like crying when i think about it everytime… thanks for allowing me to drop a comment here and pardon me for writing so much T.T
It’s okee Elf.
It’s good and considerate of you to write out your modeling agency experience for others to read. You are in a way helping and warning the others who might become victims like you.
It’s really a pain to part away with such a big amount of money to something that is unlikely to really happen!
I wish that despite this horrible and painful experience, you will get something good in return — you know.. a blessing in disguise?
To all peeps, thanks for sharing your experience about these modeling agencies. If not for you, many would still be unaware and get ‘robbed’ in a way.
wow,i was searching ’bout this co. and found this blog,sespected it’s a scam!!
2day i just got deir name card by a lady outside orchard mrt!!
1st time i omost cheat by these so call ‘models’ co.’ was 2 yrs ago but luckily i oso found some ppl comment ’bout dey do scam!!
And 2day I got this 3 times at different places,bugis,orchard,ang mo kio
Yes,it’s exactly the same method!! how can dey still in the same place with the same sentence and not be caught or control by justice?!! sianz ._.
3rd times**
i got approached 3 times as well, n finally went down to it’s office.
went through a whole hour of ‘lecture’ and being shown their so called ‘projects’ by this guy named Sky.
told them i will get give them an answer after a few days, after being pushed to make decision asap.
thank God i found this blog..and i’m very sure now that they are full of scam!!
Oh my!~ Thank God that I’ve read this Blog! I was approached by a china lady with a tap on the shoulder at Bugis Junction a few months ago too. Despite having discussed with my friends and that one of friends suggested to me that it might be a scam, I ignore and went down to their workplace at Clarke Quay. Then there was this male consultant who explain to me everything and cleared every doubts i had. He told me that they were authorized to look out for models along the streets /anywhere in Singapore. He even told me that they will ensure me to be able to clinch a deal with advertisers, eg. If i wasn’t offered any jobs by the advertisers, I could informed them and they will make arrangements for me so that i can be shoot in an advertisement. After reading the comments, I don’t really see them as scam, I would rather see them as a company with no integrity and moral to keep up to their promises. I was fortunate enough to have delayed the deal with them since I have to prepared for my examinations. Right now, I have made up my mind to reject their offers. The deal and benefits seem luring but it’s just seems like “tiger trap”, isn’t it? I really hope that innocent people would check out online before agreeing to their terms, having to pay a large sum of hard-earned money. However, I am not suggesting that what they are doing might be fraud/scam, I’m just voicing my opinions. Just a kind reminder, everyone should be mindful of what they say as what you are doing/saying might be against the laws in Singapore(you can check it out) as there are issues whereby people got into jail for what they had voiced online. (Apologizes if I have expressed myself badly in English/ was too long-winded). All in all, thanks for the blog! It really help though! (;
i was approached at tampines interchange for the 3rd time, and i still left them my contact number. the 1st 2 times they called i wasn’t free to answer, so i decided to answer if they called once again. but after reading blog, i’m not too sure as to whether should i go down for the shoot. i’ve did a photoshoot before at a makeover centre, and it costs around $400+ for the album plus some of my family photos. so a few thousand for outfits and shoots kinda ex right?
I was approached too.. After reading all your comments. i decided not to go for it at all. Your blog is reall good. thanks = )
Hi, I was invited for an interview today for a customer service post that i saw on jobstreet with this company. I want to know if this is legit. I didn’t apply to be a model…pls help if i should go… thanks!
They are still active. I received the tap on shoulder and the name card (written DALON, project rep, i models holdings)
I had my photoshoot two weeks ago and I already received a casting invenraging for a print ad commercial for emirates the flying industry
I have expirienced only good things with them by now and they aren’t scams
that is not true they are all very natural, friendly and professional
I mean if they would’t so
wine would have said a thing about it or a former model would have told it anybody don’t you think?
I got approached also 2 days ago at Jurong, new place to get new targets I guess, and they called me just like 2 hours ago, and made an appointment tomorrow. Luckily I saw this post, so I think I won’t go to them tomorrow. Thanks!
and anyway, I’m a guy. They just target everyone I guess.
hi ms aya! i am a 18 yr old dude and was approached by a imodel scout today at jurong point. was kinda surprise thn she say i quite tall (181cm) so she approach mi. i blur blur accept their card n gave them my hp no. now aft reading ur post, i’ll be sure to decline if they call. thanks for posting this! ^^
was approached by some china whore from imodels at tampines. I think the way they catch u off guard makes u feel like doing what they say – “can i have ur number? Ur age?” so I gave them my number. But after reading this I’m so not gonna answer any calls.
Fuck scams. Singapore is so shitty with such people. Thank god for this blog.
Omg they are still at it!! I was stopped by this lady at Bugis and I was quite flattered, but since I don’t believe modeling talents are found this way I googled it and found your blog ^^ many thanks!
Good work on this post, Aya. I think you are saving a lot of people from pain. And this page comes up second in the results after imodelsholdings own page.
FoolMe earlier said they use “black magic”… I actually do believe they may be using some kind of hypnosis (which is not magic but is effective). The reason is because I was there for three and a half hours yesterday but can’t remember what the salesman’s shirt looked like even whether it was short or long sleeved. I always remember these details and can remember what everyone else I spoke to yesterday wore. The reason is because looking back I realise I never looked away from his eyes the whole time except when he told me to look at the tv or the photos. Also he had just one coloured contact lens in which I have never seen before and is weird. It made one of his eyes look bigger than the other and I think it’s effect contributed to unbalancing me.
Anyway I never paid anything, saved by being constantly flat broke. lol.
But he had convinced me by the end of the session that he had a really good agency going with a real chance of success if I was to join. Also had made me feel like I could easily become a successful model if I went with him. And yet I should have been able to see a lot of things were not right, like the photography area I could see was absolutely tiny. It does look like they have a small number of genuinely successful models (who like all models and celebrities, either are thin, beautiful and started young, or have a very specific look that they can be a “personality” ) but I would imagine they make most of their profit from fleecing people on the photos.
Sorry to add such a long post. Just wanted to recommend once again not to go at all, as you will not be able to think for yourself in the studio. I also suspect whatever they do lasts a day or longer, as it took me until this morning to realise some things and I think I can still feel some effects now.
i was approached by i models holdings too ytd. This is not the first time i was approached by them. Probably the 3rd time? 1st time i gave my number, 2 time ignore, 3 rd time just give them. After viewin on the comments that have to pay such amount for a cd rom potfolio, im quite shocked. Im not gonna pay such amount, but and still curious to take a look though :p
Hey! I too got approached yesterday at Bugis Junction. I’ve already suspected something was wrong when they’re still interested in a 15 yr old girl(which is me) with no figure and not very pretty too. However, i still got a little surprised and excited when they were aking me. Luckily my friend said that imodelsholdings is not a good model agency due to them being notorious for scamming. So i decided to google and found this blog. I shall be “nice” and reject their interview on monday:)
Hey, that post was really interesting! Great work, I really like your style of writing!
I got approached yesterday outside Ion by a Filipino woman in work attire. I noticed her from the corner of my eye because her colleague was nudging her over. Said I wasn’t interested. Then she quickly promised that she’ll only call once and if I’m still not interested, she’ll lay off.
So we’ll see.
after reading this blog,I am more relieved. However,why do they make their website so nice?Seem so professional.Is it rational to pay $1`000 plus for shoots? Is there any other options or agencies in Singapore that charge less than $50?
Do u think scammers will put their webpage in such a cheap way that one look and U’ll know it’s fake? Hahaha…
It’s so unrealistic to pay a bomb for yourself when they claim they ‘want’ and ‘spotted’ you. Don’t fall prey to them!!
I went down for the interview ytd and I signed an agreement. Luckily I brought v little money. I chose the cheapest portfolio and I paid less than $20
I am very worried now because I signed an agreement tat has lots of conditions. Please tell me will I get into trouble with them? Cos i’m really worried. Thanks
Phew,lucky the person called me back! I said my parents dun allow me to do it. Everything’s fine now thank you soo much for your blog post!
thanks god i saw this blog… i just interview on this morning.. when i reach thr, that was no company sign at the door step. after discuss with the person i decide to consider before i proceed to the payment… and now i will not think anymore.. thanks blogger. ^^
I was approached at Orchard too. I dont know if I should go. They called many times. each time i said next time LOL. for some reason, i cant say no without having seen it.
I was approached near orchard mrt too by a philipino lady O: I gave her my name and age, but when they asked for my number I remebered reading a girl’s blog about modeling scams and refused to give my number, so she was like “if we don’t have your number how we contact you ?” so I just said If I was interested I’d call. But anyway, seriously speaking, I dont feel that I’ve got a figure and height close to that od a model. Sure, it’s flattering, but honestly, you yourself will know if you’re suitable to be a model at all sooo …
OMG ~ i just gt approached by imodel today at bugis.A lady ask for my name and contact no , at first i was so surprise that its a model agency , it was my first time being approached, so i gave her my real contact no.
== okie after reading this , Im not going to answer any call from them ~ thx
Hmm…got approched by one woman today at tampines mrt that area. Was like walking and suddenly got a tap on my shoulder. Anyways, she handed me a card and like the others I gave them my name and contact.
There is one more time that I was approached by a person from another modelling company that is located at dhoby ghaut exchange. (anyone any experience?). I went for the interview, and yup the person there was like saying that I have two choice of either freelancer or signed contract. But of cause I was not clear though a bit interested, I went home to discuss with my parents. (ps, the portfolio is rather ex too)… But in the end, I never agreeded to sign the contract
hi i was also approached by imodelsholdings. it was a filipino lady at Bugis Junction who tapped me on my shoulder, shove me a namecard and asked for my contact number and name. hearing her say she is looking for new faces for her model agency, i was slightly flattered and thus gave her my number, as i personally am quite confident of myself and i am rather interested in modeling too.
the next day, i received a phone call from them, and they asked me down for an interview at clarke quay. i just agreed as i told myself i could just check out the model agency first, and i reminded myself not to submit any payment or sign any contracts because this could be a scam.
so i indeed went for the interview. the place looks decent, with photos of their models pasted on their walls, and tv commercials featuring their models. the company looked quite professional imo, because it is well-lighted and requires people to remove their shoes before entering. they also have a room next door meant for photoshooting (according to the notice pasted on the door), but it could be just an act.
then i was thinking to myself, wow is this really true? can i truly become a model and fulfill this little dream of mine?
first, i was given an application form of my particulars, and it needed my signature! i read the form meticulously enough to see if this signature will cause me to be bonded to this model agency..and fortunately, the signature is just to verify that the particulars i have filled in above are true etc etc.
then after a few minutes, one Filipino woman came out and introduced herself with her namecard as Sandra, a consultant at i models holdings. she was really friendly and nice throughout the whole interview. she first asked about my background blah blah blah, and after some more chatting, she said she found me to have potential for modeling. at that moment, i really thought it was a chance God sent me, because Sandra looked very sincere and she was really encouraging me to trust myself that i would look and do good in modeling.
yes and after that, she said “okay i’ve decided to offer you a freelance model job” and smiled politely. i just smiled back and replied okay. then she went on to elaborate on the photoshoots for the portfolio. the prices range from $390 – $1000+, and deep down in my heart i was so shocked. i began to hesitate. sandra said there will be cd-rom provided for me, and the no. of photos taken determines the price of course.
then she asked me how long i aspired to stay as a model at their agency. i wasn’t certain and said at most one year. she told me she hoped i can stay as long as possible and find my passion in modeling.
Lastly, she asked me how likely i am going to accept her offer. i said that i had to discuss with my parents first, and the money for the photoshoot could be a problem due to family financial straits. then she immediately replied “okay i understand, i understand” and smiled back understandingly. she suggested to me i can start to save the money for the photoshoot even if my parents do not have the ability to finance me. moreover she promised me she will keep me in mind, and that she will wait for me to return to the agency after raising sufficient money for the photos. And she didn’t mind me getting the cheapest portfolio package which is $390; she said i can go for that! since it’s the cheapest, given my cash-strapped situation.
WOW and i thought, she is even willing to wait for me to get back to her, and her encouragement and sincerity she showed made her seem really genuine in recruiting me as a model and then nurturing me in the agency.
therefore i asked her if i will be guaranteed any jobs after accepting the freelance model job offer. and she assured me, AS LONG AS i guarantee to have the time to turn up for the jobs they offer me, she can guarantee that she can get modeling jobs for me.
i also asked her if models need to be skinny, to which she replied no need; just be confident and believe in yourself. besides, she measured my height, and took a look at my figure, saying that i look okay and slim, and that i have to learn to wear contact lenses (i was wearing specs). As i was wearing braces too, she told me that after i remove my braces, i will have to go for another photo shoot to update my portfolio, and this photo shoot will entirely be sponsored by the agency itself, and not me.
apparently, my experience is quite different and more detailed than the ones i read above, Aya. Do you think Sandra is genuine in what she said, and that she really thinks i can do it? Or am i just gullible? (idk but the way she encourages me flatters me a lot. she even wished me all the best even if i decide not to take up the freelance model job in future!)
So what should i do? Save money for the photoshoot, or just treat this as a free lesson/experience in life? Should i believe Sandra or not?
Dear All,
Ultimately the decision to gamble is up to you.
Suppose you have good experience with this modeling agency (or others), you can share them here. This post is not necessarily meant to share negative views.
However if majority has negative things to say, there you have it.
Personally, as I have mentioned many times — be wise and do not let dopamine control you. That’s it. XD
Nice blog. They approached me at Tampines on the 3rd of Dec 2011.
hi all!!!!!!!!i need help!!!!!!!!!after read this blog, i think i was cheated!!!!!!!!!!!i had paid 1690!!!!!!!!!!!!pls!!!!!!someone help!!!!!!!!!what should i do!!!!!pls pls everyone!!!!
Hi all, I was approached on 11 Nov but only went down on 3 Dec. Somehow, the idea of being scouted for modelling is just so powerful. I’m 26 and still fell for it. I wasn’t feeling well when I was there and thought that was the reason why I couldn’t say no. I was actually persuaded to stay for more than an hour while “Sky” went through the whole sales pitch. In the end, I paid $1690 with 3.5% as I paid by credit card. After that I called him to say that I’d changed my mind and said that I was convinced it was a scam from what I’d read on the blogs but he still persuaded me to go down for the photo shoot today. I went down with my mom today and all of a sudden, the clauses of the agreement seem rather different from what I signed up to one week ago. Perhaps I wasn’t given a chance to read it and relied totally on what he was “reading” to me. So guys, if you do go down, get out the moment they ask for money. I don’t think it’s worth it. They really can say whatever they want to get your money.
@118.Nicole
Me too Nicole!!!! After reading this blog, I totally felt like I get cheated. I had paid 1290! Btw, I had also signed the contract. Should I quit it or something????? Coz I scared may be in the future I somehow don’t follow the contract and get charged even more!!
@leehyun
Hey I had EXACTLY same experience as u, i was at bugis and a filipino approached and asked for name and number last week. Two days ago, i went for interview, and i spoke to Sandra. She was very nice, and i was sold…until she told me about the portfolio prices. Tbh, I think its quite scam, as everyone’s portfolio prices are all different. She didnt show any formal form with price lists or something, she just wrote them down on some sheet of paper on the spot. The way i see, every1′s prices seem to be different, and its like she just came up with the prices on the spot. My advice is, dont go unless u think u look like u have a face carved from angels.
Hey, thanks for th feedbacks n blogpost! I was also approached twice! And i heard that Createtalents holdings is also under the same company. Really dont get why they cant get a life n do some decent business:/
What the shit. I got approached by a china lady at jurong point inter. When I went down w my cousin for interview at clark quay , the asked me to pay 290. Glad I read this blog otherwise I might have been scammed :/
Hmm…went down to their office today. All I can say is that it is not a scam, just a rather risky investment, just like stockmarket at times. For contract, they will pay you everything, BUT you don’t have the authority to reject jobs. However, since freelancers can reject the job offered to them, the person will have to pay a one-time fee. And thinking again, if it is really a scam, how would the company still survive after so many years without being caught by the government? This is Singapore we are talking about after all…
For those who have signed a contract with them and can’t seem to get out of it, I suggest you be really ‘kiasu kiasi’ with them.
By that, I mean you have them at their necks all the time when you suspect something is wrong. For instance they have made a portfolio for you but in a month or so, you receive no employment news. With that, march up to the office and make a fuss about it. After all you have paid them for their service right? ^^lll
Oh god! My friend was “scouted” and her parents have already paid! The thing is that she isn’t very pretty and has a huge amount of pimples on her forehead. But then, I can’t tell that to her. She said her parents have already paid and she wanted me to go down to Clark quay with her. She said she paid about 500+ ! Helppp!!!
oh no, y i just saw this blog…… i had go for interview last Saturday, and will go for portfolio this Saturday, i have paid the deposit $490 (total $890)……. i will cancel the portfolio this sat!!!
As said above
i was approached today while buying some pineapple by a China lady.
I just went to the interview. They can really talk very well and make you think that your dream come true. THANK YOU FOR POSTING. Now i have decide not to go.
To everyone: They told me that 799 is for photo album for 5 costumes. Each Costume consists of 15 photo shoot.
Is it the same price with all of you?
Since I can’t draw back, i tot i will go for 3 costumes =(
i should have photo shooting today but after saw this blog i decided not to take the risk. I was persuaded to take 10 outfits cost 1690(400 can deduct from commission). I told the guy i do not have the money then he said i could take 3 outfits cost 690. He is so confident that i could get a job from them as he said i have a sweet smile and got a figure. Finally i sms him that i decided to give up and he had respected my decision.
guys i just went for the interview hrs ago and i did pay 500 for 3 outfits.. and i told my cuzz about it and he told me it was a fraud and asked me to google it.
well.. i should have google it earlier.. but hei.. i should just give it a try.. i guess… ; (
Hey all,im a profesional model and i worked in singapore lot of times,i plan to come back again so i wanted to check some new agencies,thats how i found this blog,i rememember i had few similiar stories, of wanna be modeling agencies,sure that they couldnt catch me cause i work in this business,so i know how it runs.i would like to explain u how it really works.my agency in singa was Upfront
Models they bought my return air ticket gave me apartment. pocket money for everyweek and jobs really lot of jobs,so what does it mean?if the agency is intrested to work with you the agency invest money in the model.after they are pushed to give u jobs cause obviously they dont want to loose money but NEVER EVER PAY ANYTHING TO MOD.AGENCY however it goes for the model in the country,the model never pays the loss to agency these are standard contracts all around the world.when they ask u money u can be more than sure they are cheating,same as mentioned agency in Spore. Please be aware,i know what im talking about. I write u down the names of great agencies,professional and high fashion! AVE MODELS,DIVA MODELS,MANEQUINN STUDIO,UPFRONT MODELS these are the ones that were top in Spore and still are.so for all of u that have the look and body for modeling, in these agencies u meet the real profesionals that works in fashion for years. I hope my advise will be helpful for you. BTW i love your country i spent there amazing time since i started to modeling(since i was 14) and im always happy to come back,maybe see u in february for the fashion festival:) ciao from Milan,Italy
Yesterday, I was approached by this petite Filipino lady called Jean who’s a consultant from Create Talents and Models. Yes, I went to the “interview” later at Dhoby Ghaut Exchange, there were quite a few others also waiting & filling out forms. I was interviewed by this really less than ordinary guy called John who speaks reeeeeeeeeeaallly sloooooowly and looks weird. So anyway I decided to put that aside and he started with “getting to know you” (which I actually blabbed about my numerous activities – from hosting to singing) then when he went, do you have any questions for us? I was like, are there any upfront costs?
Now, he was a little taken aback and quarmed, why do you ask that? Remember I maintained a very “easy scammed girl” mien, eager to model and all. (Okay, I was tricked for a second, right) Until he finally revealed, for freelance modelling, $870 for the studio (to create your portfolio) and $500 (sponsored $2000 by them) to print 500 copies of modelling cards (with 5 of your pictures) for distribution to companies. Oh, and guess what? The studio is just RIGHT beside. Fast scamming ahoy!
Then he assured me that it’d be great for me to join now, cuz based on his experience I have the type of face that clients are looking for these days. Mixed blood. Oh I forgot to talk about myself! I’m pretty, yes, worthy of Vivi magazine model but after a diet of ANTM I KNOW, I KNOW that me is not equal to model! I mean, I’m not 5’7”. Thats not the problem. I just don’t think I have to pay so much for the stud. So I kept asking, can I ask my friend, who’s a prof photographer, to do it for me. After all, when you look at those stacks of portfolio (newspaper clippings, adverts etc), most of them just make me go, you serious? Either SG modelling std is low or what?
Back to this consultant guy. He ended our long, boring convo with a handshake, at first it was normal, then he gripped my hand really tight, as if reminded by some self help book “How to have a great handshake – be firm”
Oh please. I’m not your typical naive girl (okay, I saw a few sec school-age ITE and Greenfield girls- they def got sucked in, poor things). Plus, that consultant guy actually really disgusted me now that I think about it. Don’t even know why I didn’t just RUN AWAY!
Alright, I just wanted to share every detail with aspiring models so that these companies can stop scamming us and we can get what we want, babes!
I’m open to any more info you’d like to share, and Paper Diaries, thank you!
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