In today’s digital world, many production jobs circulate through Facebook groups, Discord servers, and shared contact lists. These platforms make it easier to find work, but they’ve also made it easier for scammers to take advantage of crew members.
We also see scammers target individuals listed in online crew directories, including those hosted on legitimate film office websites like ours. While our hosting platform implements multiple safeguards to flag and filter suspicious activity, it’s unfortunately impossible to prevent every bad actor from attempting contact crew. This makes it especially important for crew to stay alert and recognize the warning signs of a scam.
Since the pandemic, check and job scams have become increasingly common across the film industry. Sharing personal information is a necessary part of getting hired but knowing the difference between legitimate and illegitimate practices is key.
Unfortunately, production assistants and early-career crew are often the main targets. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Red Flags to Watch For
Fake Checks or “Advance Payments”
If a production offers to send you a check before work begins, it’s a scam. You should never be asked to buy gear, pay vendors, or make purchases on behalf of a show using a check they send you. Once that check bounces, you’re left responsible for the loss.
Upfront Fees or Equipment Costs
Legitimate productions don’t require “kit fees,” “training fees,” or payments to qualify for a job. Be especially cautious if someone asks you to buy a permit, take a paid course, or make a purchase they promise to reimburse later.
Unverified Company or Crew Details
Scammers often use the names of real production companies or even real crew members to appear legitimate. Recently, we’ve seen cases where scammers create fake email addresses using the name of a well-known local crew person, sometimes even including a link to that individual’s IMDb page to look authentic. Always check the actual email address carefully. If the domain doesn’t match the company or you weren’t expecting to hear from that person, verify through another source before responding.
Too Good to Be True Offers
Posts promising $500/day for vague “PA work” should raise concern. Real productions provide details about the project, position, and hiring contact. When a job sounds too easy or too high paying, take a moment to double-check before responding.
Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers often create urgency: “We need to fill this today!” or “Send your info immediately!” Real productions will respect your time to verify details and complete onboarding through the proper channels.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the source. Look up the company on IMDb, LinkedIn, or the official production website before sharing personal information.
- Ask around. Reach out to trusted crew members, unions, or local film offices to confirm whether the opportunity is legitimate.
- Be cautious with personal details. Never share your banking information, ID scans, or Social Security number until after you’ve confirmed the company’s legitimacy.
- Report suspicious offers. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report the job posting so others can stay safe.
Keeping Kansas City Crews Safe
As Kansas City’s production scene continues to grow, scammers are unfortunately taking note. Staying alert and informed is the best defense. Our local crew is known for its professionalism and collaboration, so let’s extend that same care to protecting one another.
If you ever receive a questionable offer or aren’t sure about the legitimacy of a production, reach out to the Kansas City Film Office. We’re here to help verify opportunities and keep our community safe.