ABSTRACT
Show business has always been plagued by con artists, forever inventing ways to dupe those with dreams of performing and preying on those too naive to spot their scams. Predators may offer major roles, business contacts, representation, little-known secrets to success, access to the big time, introductions to famous directors, or union memberships in exchange for money or other favors. While many swindlers are full-fledged snake-oil salesmen, some are merely misguided individuals with an inflated sense of their own influence. In either case, it’s important for actors to be fully aware of the presence of this opportunistic element, and savvy enough to steer clear. Falling for a scam can be costly, career damaging, and even dangerous. This chapter delves into some of the tell-tale signs of a scam, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find yourself in an unsavory situation.
