Virtual Casting Call Text Scam

Scammers send unsolicited texts posing as talent scouts offering movie or TV auditions, then pressure victims into paying for fake photo shoots or acting classes.

Victims receive an unexpected text message from a supposed "talent scout" claiming they've been selected for a virtual audition tied to a well-known movie or television show. The message asks if the recipient is available for a casting call they never actually signed up for. Anyone who responds may be routed into a "virtual audition" that turns out to be a high-pressure sales pitch to enroll in bogus paid photo shoots or fake acting classes, with the scammer eventually asking for payment or bank information as a supposed condition of participating in the casting.

• An unexpected text about an audition or casting call you never applied for
• Being asked to pay for test shoots, headshots, or to 'secure your spot' before any job is confirmed
• High-pressure sales pitch during a so-called virtual audition
• Requests for bank information tied to participating in a casting call
• Name-dropping specific popular movies or shows to seem credible

• FTC's Military Consumer program described texts from a fake 'talent scout' offering auditions for a well-known movie like 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' or a show like 'Ted Lasso,' asking recipients if they were still available for a virtual open call they never signed up for.

• Never respond to unexpected texts about acting jobs or casting calls
• Remember that legitimate talent agencies find jobs for you and pay you after the client pays them, rather than charging you upfront
• Report unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone's 'report junk' feature, then delete the message
• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Independently verify any casting opportunity by contacting the studio or a known talent agency directly rather than using contact info from the text