Catfishing means that someone poses online as a different person – using a fake profile, stolen photos and an invented identity. In the modeling industry, scammers typically pretend to be scouts, photographers, bookers or even well-known agencies.

The goal is usually to obtain photos – often increasingly revealing ones –, money (for “portfolio fees”, “registration” or “travel costs”), personal data or a private meeting. Young and new models are especially targeted, because they want their chance and trust quickly.

Typical warning signs:

• contact only via DMs, from new or private accounts – never via an official agency email
• flattery and time pressure: “You’re perfect, but we need an answer today”
• requests for nude or lingerie photos “for the casting”
• upfront payments of any kind
• no video call, no address, no verifiable references

How to protect yourself: Check every contact yourself – find the agency’s official website and call or email them directly. Never pay upfront fees, never send intimate photos and always bring a trusted person to meetings. A reputable agency never asks you for money to sign you.

Catfishing can be a criminal offense – for example as fraud, identity misuse or, with minors, as grooming. Take screenshots, report the profile to the platform and file a police report.

As an influencer, you can be affected in two ways, because scammers pose as brand managers or agencies to get your data or money, or they create fake profiles with your photos to deceive your followers. Verify collaboration requests through the brand's official channels and don't click unknown links. Tell your community which account is really yours and report fake profiles immediately.

See also: Booker, DM, Casting.