What recourse and or retaliation options are available to working artists when they suspect/uncover scams?

Given the newly passed laws, etc., how else do you and your fellow actors help each other avoid these predators? The reason I ask is because there are more than a few scams out there that is seems many of us know about, and are blessed/franchised by unions, however, there appears to be no official recourse against their practices that I've found.

Is there something we can do I don't know about? Do you do anything when you realize something's less than legit? Or are suckers just that?

quote:

Originally posted by bookme:
What recourse and or retaliation options are available to working artists when they suspect/uncover scams?

If they have print ads, you can send a full tear sheet to regulators.

quote:

Originally posted by bookme:
What recourse and or retaliation options are available to working artists when they suspect/uncover scams?

Given the newly passed laws, etc., how else do you and your fellow actors help each other avoid these predators? The reason I ask is because there are more than a few scams out there that is seems many of us know about, and are blessed/franchised by unions, however, there appears to be no official recourse against their practices that I've found.

Is there something we can do I don't know about? Do you do anything when you realize something's less than legit? Or are suckers just that?

We can absolutely and NEED to start by taking back the thought that those on the receiving end of a scam or deceiving marketing practices or paying to be seen for representation or whatever it may be is in any way the fault of the consumer/actor!

New actors are following the lead of the industry members involved, agents/managers/casting directors who have attached themselves to whatever it is they are paying $$$ for IS the industry acceptable standard for beginning a career or finding representation or the acting classes they need in order to be WORTHY of meeting an industry rep!

Why would new green actors, parents of child performers, doubt someone in their position representing or casting actors in projects would not know the industry acceptable standards/guidelines/practices. they are following their lead, that combined with enticements and high pressured sales that make an actor fall victim and never should anyone feel luck a "sucker."

As far as what you can do?

Treat is as if were any other service or item you've paid for and believe that you were not satisfied with the way you were treated, your contract you signed, the service you received and that perhaps were pressured into signing a contract without being able to take it home and conduct research on those providing the service and the industry reps involved and that INCLUDES having time ON A BUSINESS DAY to do this when you can call the BBB or Consumer Protection Board, Consumer Protection Services (ask them about the refund policies of your state) and the Secretary of State of the state the sevice is conducted in as the company needs to be registered to conduct business there. This all needs to be done on a BUSINESS DAY and you need to be provided that time to do research.

Are there non-refundable deposits involved? Were you made aware of this? If there is such a mention on the contract or when you pay for a workshop/or service..make sure you research before spending money. These deposits you can lose are sometimes as high as $500.00! There are also different laws in each state addressing this and "cooling off periods" which enable you to cancel.

There are gov't agencies, consumer protection agencies, Attorney General offices who's job it is to help the consumer. Never be afraid to pick up the phone and ask questions...and/or even SAG if there is a question about an agency or for info on standard industry acceptable practices.


A consumer spends money...you have rights.

Thing is some people are way too intimidated to confront any situation and that's where others take advantage.

Dear Janet P.,
Thanks for your clear and well thought out response. I was wondering what your thoughts were on how to report and/or warn others if you yourself didn't fall prey. My experience talking with the BBB etc., was that I was told I couldn't report unless I knew I personally had actually been scammed. Suspicion or having second-hand knowlege wasn't good enough. Was your experience similar?
Thanks,
bookme