Originally Posted by mykkal

never ever do that unless it's a employment proof form (I-9) document for the IRS. Or some tax forms...

Originally Posted by austinmodelsandtalent

Agencies MUST have your social security number, as required by law. Also, if not with an agency and you freelance, any true professional job that you work is going to require your SS# as well. These companies, agency and/or client, must file 1099 as a model is working as an independent contractor. For tax purposes, I can't imagine anyone could have an agent or work for a legitimate company as a model without providing SS#. It's January and most of us in this business are busy preparing 1099's for anyone who made over $600 in the calendar year. The IRS would stomp on us if we didn't have the model's SS. In addition, people generally always enter their SS# when filling out job applications, setting up a file with a new doctor or dentist, etc.

Cases of libel and slander are considered civil and only enforceable through a civil court - meaning you have to file suit on your own. With most attorney's requiring around five grand retainer to even start such a case, even if working contingent on the outcome, it's often a crime that people can get away with and unfortunately while there is recourse, it rarely pays to attempt resolution.

Originally Posted by austinmodelsandtalent

Slander is something that is stated verbally. I think what you are all after here is the word "libel," not slander. Libel is defined as the of stating something IN WRITING (not verbal, as in the case of “slander”) and that damages someone while knowing that what you are stating is untrue. Slander, to be awarded any damages from, requires you be able to PROVE something was stated, and then be able to PROVE financial loss as a result. Libel does not require proving any financial loss as a result of, however, you do need to prove that the person who wrote the bad information wrote it maliciously and while fully knowing that it was incorrect.

Sites, including this one, that feature "scam warnings," are dangerous, IMHO. Too many times so-called "scams" are nothing more than disgruntled chatter, especially in a business that is as vain as is modeling. When posting a message stating someone is a scam, I'd suggest the original poster have documented PROOF before subjecting themselves to a potential libel lawsuit. Libel is quite easy to win as long as there is supporting documentation and so therefore attorneys don't mind going after it, even on a contingency basis. However, as Angelus states, if the person you go after has nothing, a winning ruling doesn't do much for you in the end. As they say, "you can't get blood out of a turnip."

Judging from the above message posts, I would venture to say that someone needs a re-education in spelling and grammar, for certain. It should be a crime to mix up the English language to that extent.

Instead of posting scam warnings, would it not be more beneficial to provide tips on how to detect potential scams - what to look out for... and links to state databases listing licensed agencies so that people can check to see if who they're dealing with is legit? One should note that when looking at so-called “agency” listings on most Internet modeling sites, a major percentage of the companies listed are operating illegally and without proper bonds and licensing (as required in many states). Site owners (and I do not mean this site, but more the OMP's of the world) do not take a responsibility to protect their patrons from these things and apparently will often list any company as an “agency” so long as that company is claiming to be and/or paying the site’s monthly or yearly subscription fee.

Originally Posted by austinmodelsandtalent

1099 is Federal and isn't affected state by state, but if you're clients are paying the talent directly, then it is their worry to either remove taxes or file 1099's at the end of the year, quite true. If they're making under $600 a year, it's a non-issue. As we have very few talent that make under that in a year, I have 1099's coming out of our ears right now - we're getting a jump on early and our accountant is in-house, so we all have to see the agony of it, so to speak. Luckily on SAG gigs, their payrolls deduct taxes before cutting checks, which are in the talent names... but come through the agency who has power of attorney to sign and deposit on them. It can quickly become an accounting nightmare. At some point, however, the model/talent has to give someone their SS# though to someone as someone has to report that as their income to Mr. Uncle Sam. I had a dentist appointment with a new dentist today and had to fill out that giant "new patient form." Had to put SS# on it. Next thing you know, they'll just barcode it to our foreheads.