Victim Location 20774
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
I received an email informing me that they found out about me thru a talent platform that I’ve submitted to. They offered to pay me 4,975 for a commercial and photoshoot but only solely communicating with me thru email using a company in Florida as sponsor to pay me. Fake contract, fake name posing as Alexander Castro, fake company in which no one ever answers the phone. PLEASE BEWARE THAT THIS IS A SCAM as earned by the previous reporter.
Victim Location 89141
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
This guy, who says his name is ALEXANDER CASTRO of PANAMERA PRODUCTIONS emailed me a month ago about a commercial that I am considered for as an actor. That they found my info on an actors list or from an agency “somewhere”. We exchanged emails and “finally” I was confirmed and booked for the project with $4,500 as compensation and for web and tv USAGE. They made me sign a contract that also says that they will provide a check in the amount of $4,975. $500 for me as initial payment and the rest of the money is for me to buy the wardrobe. I NEED TO BUY THE WARDROBE FOR THEM??? What kind of company is that? A professional company would have it ready for the actors. The check finally came and that was when I tried to research about possible scams from this company which was definitely what it is. People say that these scammers use different company names, have you deposit the check in your account and they will ask you to give back some amount to them. You end up giving your own money and if not, you end up being charged a fee for a bounced check. Either way, you lose money. Good thing I researched about it before doing anything else. I never replied to him anymore and now he’s trying to scare me and talk as if I am the scammer… that I scammed him. I don’t want anyone to experience this, especially legit actors who are doing acting professionally. I hope there was a way to catch these people.
Victim Location 11205
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
Alexander Castro pretended to be a casting director working for Panemera Productions(which doesnt exist outside of a very convincing website) offered me to opportunity to submit for a Trade.com commercial. After submitting all required info( headshot, resume, measurements for wardrobe) I was informed that I’d book the job. Upon booking, I was sent an actor/model contract which had a breakdown of the funds I was set to receive which was as follows: *** (*** upfront + *** post shoot) and a check for ***( these funds were to be used for wardrobe for the shoot).
They sent the check before giving me any details or dates for the shoot. Also, once a commercial is cast, the casting director’s job is done. They are not the ones who give information about shoot, payment, and contract details.
The Scam:
They sent a fake cashier’s check for *** and gave me instructions to deposit it immediately. I did not do it, but the next step was to purchase the wardrobe from a website they control once the funds hit the account. It takes anywhere from 7-1* days for a bank to discover if a check is fraudelent, so by that time I would have been out of almost * grand. Please know that no one will give you money before services are rendered. If you come across this scam please do not fall for it.
Victim Location 92705
Type of a scam Employment
They emailed me promising work in a commercial as an actor. They asked for me to select a role, then emailed me back asking for more info such as my phone number and physical address. I asked them to verify themselves and they never responded. I looked at their website and looked them up on the ScamPulse.com and it appears that they are not a real production company. I ran into a scam like this before, I assume they will send you a check as payment, which most likely will bounce. I didn’t get far enough into the process to see exactly how they will scam you.
Dear Scott,
Thank you for choosing to work with Panamera Productions®. Please find below the necessary details and more information required from you for this shoot.
COMPENSATION & UNION CONTRACT DETAILS : $***/day and $*** for usage [Totaling: $***]. This is expected to be a two day shoot which involves up to 4-5 hours daily or we can arrange a full day shoot for you in case you have a tight schedule. There will be a model release form upon acceptance."
WARDROBE & MAKE UP : We’ll cover your hair and make up as well as your wardrobe. Your wardrobe consist of high end fashion products (clothes, shoes, custom wears and fashion accessories). A wardrobe allowance will be allocated to you and you’ll be instructed on how to get your wardrobe just in time before the shoot.
RETAINER & PER-NEGOTIATIONS : You’ll receive an upfront payment from the sponsor of this gig, this is to ensure payment for future services or work to be rendered. Part of this upfront payment will cover for your wardrobe expenses.
EXTRA INFO : You may come to the shoot location with a friend or family if it makes you more comfortable. An actor/model coach will also be on site to offer you a profound change of mentality, guideline & confidence. Don’t get me wrong: it’s rewarding and a privilege to be part of the jungle that is the fashion and entertainment industry. But this same line of work can slice your confidence into pieces. Time and time again I’ve seen actors ask painfully vulnerable questions. Am I pretty enough? Am I the right size? Do I have what it takes? I fully understand the importance of having confidence, and if you’re a working actor, you should too. No, I’m not talking about faking confidence or putting on a forced smile in the casting room. I’m talking about really feeling comfortable in your skin and embracing every quirk and trait that defines you. This is where working with a commercial acting coach comes in.
COMPANY NOTE: "In addition to representing talent, Ace Universal Films® also offers training and related development services to models and actors for additional fees depending on experience level and select division(s)."
REWARDS: This will be a fun day of shooting as you get to keep all wardrobe. The videos will be posted on various social media platforms with name and link credit.
INFORMATION REQUIRED : Below are a list of the required information in order to consider you for this amazing opportunity.
LEGAL NAME
STAGE NAME (IF ANY)
PHYSICAL ADDRESS + APT NO IF ANY(NO P O BOX PLEASE)
CELL #
AGE
EXPERIENCE (IF ANY; NOT REQUIRED)
TWO RECENT PICTURES
REFERENCE
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
PRESENT OCCUPATION
PREFERRED ROLE
PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS: By providing the information requested above, you agree that if you are selected for this shoot, you oblige to the terms stipulated above (usage, compensation, wardrobe & make up, retainer & negotiations and rewards). If you do not agree with any part of the policy & terms, or if you have any other dispute or claim with or against us with respect to the Terms of Use or the Media Services, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue further communication. We will not sell, rent or provide your personal information to third parties or unaffiliated Internet Brands. Your personal information is shared with third parties with your consent, except in circumstances where the law requires it to be shared.
Thank you & Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Alexander Castro
Casting Director
P A N A M E R A P R O D U C T I O N S
www.panameraproductions.com
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