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There are many "agencies" out there who would love to take your money, and might well promise you the world-- but remember that legitimate agencies are here to make you money, not take money from you!

Anyone can buy a membership to an organization to claim credibility. Becoming an agent for organizations like SAG and AFTRA is a far better indication of credibility, and affiliation is very easy to lose if you're reported for conduct that doesn't comply with union rules. It pays to research an agency!

There are some fine schools out there, and acting is certainly a craft to be learned and honed, but if any agent or agency ever asks you for money, or tries to sell you photography, run for the door!  That is not their business (or shouldn't be). If they're trying to make money off of you, then one can presume that they are not making it from paying commercial clients.

There is also a message/discussion board for the San Diego creative market called the San Diego Forum.
It's a place for people to ask questions and share experiences about their modeling, acting or talent careers. Although targeted at the San Diego market, much of the advice you'll find if you search the archives is applicable to any market. Check it out!

• From the BBB: BBB Advises Caution When Dealing With Talent/Modeling Agencies
• KRON-TV in San Francisco did an interesting piece called Talent Agency Scams. They also did an additional article specifically on Options Talent (formerly eModel, and subsequently TCT or TransContinental Talent).
• Here are a few links to another local "agency" with some good overall advice:
  • http://www.modelingscams.com/letters.pulse.management.html
  • http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff85741.htm
  • NBC 12 in Pheonix has an interesting story on Talent Agency Troubles.
• From the Screen Actors Guild: FAQ's for Those Considering a Professional Performing Career

1. Screen Actors Guild Agency List (the main SAG site is at http://www.sag.org) has listings of the franchised agents in all major markets nationwide, broken down by state.
2. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' List of Franchised Agents (the main AFTRA site is at http://www.aftra.org)
3. The Better Business Bureau has a page specifically about modeling and talent agencies here. You can look for information on specific agencies/companies on this form.

BE INFORMED!