Lights, camera, action! Or maybe not. If you’ve ever dreamed of making it big in Hollywood, you might get a thrill from receiving an unexpected text from a “talent scout” looking to cast you in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” or a new season of “Ted Lasso.” Before you start practicing your red carpet wave, let’s put on the brakes. That text is probably a scam, and here’s why.

The Plot Twist You Didn’t See Coming

Imagine this: You get a text asking if you’ll attend a virtual open call tomorrow. You think, “I never signed up for this, but hey, why not?” But hold your horses. Responding could land you in a “virtual audition” that’s about as real as a unicorn. Instead of your big break, you’ll face a high-pressure pitch for bogus photo shoots or acting classes. And the kicker? You’ll have to shell out some cash or share your bank info before anything happens. Spoiler alert: Real casting calls don’t work like this.

Real Talk: How to Spot the Scammers

  1. Don’t Respond to Surprise Texts: If you’ve never signed up for casting calls, a text out of the blue is your first red flag. Ignore it like a bad sequel.

  2. Do Your Detective Work: Before you start reciting lines, Google the casting call or director’s name with words like “scam” or “review.” You might find they have more complaints than an off-key karaoke performance.

  3. Never Pay to Play: Real talent agencies don’t ask for money upfront. They find you gigs and get paid after you do. If someone’s asking for cash to “secure your spot,” they’re probably more con artist than casting director.

  4. Report and Delete: If you get a scammy text, forward it to 7726 (which spells SPAM) or use your phone’s “report junk” feature. Then, delete it like yesterday’s leftovers.

And if you happen to catch a scam in the act, be a hero and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. By doing so, you’ll help protect others from falling for these scams.

Remember, your big break might be out there, but it won’t come with a side of spammy texts asking for your cash or your credit card details. Stay safe, keep dreaming, and maybe stick to legitimate auditions—your Hollywood moment will come without the need for a plot twist!

Read the original article here: FTC Consumer Advice

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/lights-camera-scam-spot-virtual-casting-call-scams