Casting Call Scams: What Every Aspiring Actor Needs to Know

Scammers target everyone, from consumers, students, parents, seniors, small business owners,  and actors are no exception. If there’s a group of people with ambition or dreams to chase, fraudsters will find a way to exploit it. And lately, they’ve been targeting performers with increasingly sophisticated casting call scams.

Aspiring actors are especially vulnerable. Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sounded the alarm this year. The agency recently said they’ve received reports of people receiving text messages from “talent scouts” offering auditions for recognizable productions like The Devil Wears Prada 2 or Ted Lasso.

The message usually starts with:

“Are you still available for tomorrow’s virtual open call?”

Of course, you never applied in the first place.

If you respond, you may be pulled into a high-pressure ‘audition’ that quickly becomes a sales pitch for headshots, classes, memberships, or “priority access.”

How Casting Call Scams Typically Unfold

Most audition scams follow a familiar script:

1. You receive an unsolicited message via text, DM, or email.
2. The message references a recognizable production to establish credibility.
3. You’re invited to a virtual audition on very short notice.
4. You never applied, but they claim they “found your profile.”
5. You’re told payment is required for classes, headshots, or “submission fees.”
6. You may be asked for sensitive personal information, such as ID scans or bank details.
7. Once money or data is shared, the scammer disappears.

These Scams Aren’t New — They’ve Just Evolved

Years ago, audition scams appeared on Craigslist or through shady agency offices. Today, they thrive on:

• Instagram and TikTok DMs
• Facebook acting groups
• WhatsApp messages
• Fake casting websites
• AI-generated scripts and emails

The platforms have changed, but the goal remains the same: steal your money or personal information under the promise of opportunity.

What Every Aspiring Actor Needs to Know

There are a few hard rules that can protect you from most casting scams:

• Legitimate casting directors never charge audition fees.
• Real casting calls include verifiable details about the production and company.
• Urgency is often a manipulation tactic, not a professional requirement.
• Requests to move communication off reputable platforms are red flags.
• If something feels off, research before responding.

Protecting your career means protecting your personal information, your finances, and your time.

Casting Society Warns Actors About Impersonation Scams

These scams have grown so widespread that the Casting Society recently stepped in with a strong warning to both actors and its members about a surge in criminals impersonating casting directors online.

Fraudsters are actively stealing real casting directors’ names, cloning their social profiles, and even referencing legitimate productions to lure actors into paying fees for fake auditions.

Real Actor Story

One actor recently warned fellow performers in a Facebook acting group after realizing he’d been targeted by a fake feature film casting. He explained that after being “cast” for a lead role and exchanging emails and text messages, inconsistencies began to surface.

“I was cast as Jaden in a lead feature film I saw on a casting page, but after emails and text messages, I realized it was a scam. They posted the same casting call on two different pages under two different titles, two different names, and in two different cities. I can share screenshots if needed.”

The same casting call appeared:

• under different project titles
• posted by different names
• listed in different cities

Recognizing the red flags, the actor concluded it was a scam and warned others, offering to share screenshots to help people avoid the same trap.

This experience highlights how modern casting scams operate. Fraudsters reuse the same fake opportunity across multiple platforms, hoping that at least one person will take the bait.

 Protect Yourself From Casting Call Scams

Actors are targeted because scammers know how to imitate excitement and opportunity. You can reduce the risk by:

• researching before responding
• avoiding unsolicited messages
• never paying upfront
• keeping communication professional
• verifying identities
• using trusted platforms

And when in doubt, use:

• Bitdefender Scamio helps you analyze suspicious texts, emails, and screenshots.
• Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection alerts you if your sensitive data ever ends up exposed online.
• Bitdefender Link Checker verifies links scammers may send during fake auditions.

FAQs

Is it normal to pay for a casting call?

Absolutely not. You should never pay to audition or “secure your spot.” Any upfront fee is a scam.

Are there scams on casting platforms?

Even reputable platforms aren’t immune. Scammers sometimes lure actors off-platform via DMs or text messages.

What are five of the most common scams actors face today?

1. Fake virtual auditions requiring upfront payment
2. Impersonation of real casting directors
3. Duplicate casting calls across multiple cities
4. “Required” acting classes or headshots
5. Requests for personal and financial information

How can I tell if a casting call is real?

Look for transparent production details, verified contact information, consistent listings across platforms, and no mention of fees and communication through professional channels