How to Avoid Job Scams

How to Recognize Film Job Scams

Scams targeting film industry professionals—especially freelancers and crew—are on the rise. Scammers often impersonate legitimate producers or hiring managers, offering enticing job opportunities that turn out to be fraudulent. Production Assistants (PAs), particularly those new to the industry, are frequent targets, but no role is immune. Staying vigilant is essential.

Here are key red flags to watch for when evaluating potential job offers:

🚩 Suspicious Communication

• The sender offers you a job without any prior conversation or inquiry about your availability.
• Emails are overly wordy but lack specific details about the project.
• Messages appear generic or copy-pasted, not personalized to you.
• The sender references vague shooting locations like “your area” without specifying where.

🚩 Unusual Requests or Promises

• You're asked to perform tasks or prove yourself before being officially hired.
• The pay rate is significantly higher than industry standards—too good to be true.
• You're asked to pay for equipment, services, or other expenses upfront.
• You're asked to provide your bank information for payment or other reasons.
• You receive a check or wire transfer that looks real but is ultimately worthless.
• Instructions are given to deposit checks only via ATM, not with a bank teller.

🚩 Questionable Contact Information

• Emails come from domains that mimic legitimate companies but are slightly off (e.g., misspellings or extra characters).
• The sender claims to have hired others before who didn’t meet expectations, using this as a tactic to pressure you.

Stay Safe and Professional

Scammers often find victims through online job boards and production directories. While it’s important to remain visible in legitimate directories (like ours), it’s equally important to verify the authenticity of job offers. A real employer will respect your need for confirmation and appreciate your professionalism.

If you receive a suspicious inquiry:

• Do not engage further until you verify the sender’s identity.
• Report questionable messages to us at meggould@visittulsa.com.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you believe you’ve encountered a scam.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and protect yourself and your career.