ART FRAUD QUESTIONS

If you are approached by some one to either show your work or represent you  e.g a gallery  or agent or you are entering an online art competition then the first thing you want to do is make sure that they really do exist.

Q. They look like a big company and they have a phone number and contact information is that good enough ?
A; NO
1. pick up the phone and call information find out  if they are listed in the phone book. Not all companies will be listed but
    galleries will be however agents may be listed under the contact name so be sure to check to see if they are listed  
   under their personal  name. Agents work from an office that could be home based or work away from the main
  place of business.

2. A good place to start is on the internet with  the local Chamber of Commerce. eg New York Chamber of Commerce
3. Try this handy little site http://www.whiterpages.com/

Q. They want my transparency should I send this to them ?
A: No definetly not
  . Never send your transparency until you are 100% sure they are trustworthy and you have completed your security checks   
    and are satisfied with the results. Remember you can always ask for references and if you get refrences please be sure to 
    check them out also.

Send any questions you have to " Ask Peter "at  [email protected]

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Bogus agent convicted of using Models 1 name to con girls

A man appeared at the High Court earlier this month accused of posing as
a representative of one of the world's leading model agencies, Models 1.

Online modelling organisation ModelSafe reports that Kevin Phillips, operating under the company name of Models 1 UK, extracted thousands of pounds from young models and used his position to subject the girls to
sexual harassment. Each model paid between �300 and �500 for a portfolio that they were told would be shot by a top photographer; ModelSafe says that Phillips' girlfriend took the pictures.

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