Online & audition safety tips

Your safety is extremely important to us, and our #1 piece of advice is to trust your instincts; if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, then it probably is.
(Our #2 tip is: Don’t send money!)

On this page you’ll find advice on checking and reporting listings, keeping your information private, and identifying scams. If you have any questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help.

For more general information about keeping safe on the internet please check out: http://www.saferinternet.org.uk

For information about the safety and privacy of under-18 members, please check our Under-18 Members page.

More Trust & Safety advice

Online & audition safety tips

Roles involving nudity

Examples of common scams

Paid and unpaid work

If a StarNow employee contacts you

Is this listing for real?

We have safety policies in place to spot listings that aren’t genuine. However, we always recommend that you research the company or person you are auditioning for so that you completely understand what the project is and what is expected.

If you see an audition or job on StarNow that looks suspicious, please let us know immediately by clicking the ‘Report this Listing’ button at the bottom of the listing page.

Is this email from StarNow?

Unfortunately, a scammer may email you and either pretend to be from StarNow, or contact you through the site with a special (and fake) offer.

Here are a few signs of a scam email:

  • The spelling or grammar is very poor
  • The person sending the email is asking you for money
  • The email claims to be from StarNow, but the email address does not include @starnow
  • The offer they are making you is generic (e.g. a ‘magazine photoshoot’) with no specific details.

If you receive an email that you’re not sure about, please contact us. Do not deal with the person directly.

How do I make sure an audition is safe?
  • Check exactly what is required of you before attending an audition.
  • Use Google to research the company or person that you are auditioning for.
  • Check the location of the audition. If it’s in a hotel or bar, or at someone’s house, that should raise some red flags.
  • Take a friend, parent, or colleague with you to the audition.
  • Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to anything that you aren’t comfortable doing.
  • Always read contracts carefully before signing them.

We expect all casting professionals to comply with local legal requirements when it comes to liability insurance in order to protect our members, the general public, and any property. We recommend that you check what kinds of insurance the casting professional provides, plus any other expenses, before you begin an assignment.

If you’ve been contacted about an audition and you feel uncomfortable, please let us know.

What if I'm offered a role in another country?

StarNow has opportunities that are open to members all around the world. If you accept a role in another country, make sure you do your homework first to check it is genuine and also obtain the appropriate work visas.

How do I know if an agent is legit?

A number of agents use StarNow to sign new talent. Having an agent can be a great way to find extra work, but you need to be sure that the person claiming to be an agent is legitimate.

Always research an agent thoroughly before signing with them. Be wary of anyone who claims they will make you a star overnight, or who asks you to pay a fee. If an agency asks for a fee that is not mentioned in their casting call on StarNow, please let us know.

Occasionally you might come across an agency that is advertising a workshop, but it should not be a requirement of you joining the agency. They may also ask you to get a new headshot taken, but you should be allowed to choose the photographer.

If you think you might be dealing with a scammer, or you’ve already been scammed, please contact us or talk to your local authorities.