Modeling scams see mature models as attractive new prospects

According to the BBC, modeling scams have shifted to target older models, with Malwarebytes noting that dating online outreach and ads now recruit “nonstandard” models including people well past their twenties. The article explains that scammers use flattering, street-pitch lines such as “you look so good, you should be a model,” and then move to online tactics via direct messages and fake castings.

They increasingly use terms like “silver hair models,” “mature models over 50,” or “experienced life models” to identify older adults who may have more savings or less debt, making them appealing targets for paid portfolios, photoshoots, and registration fees. Some scammers pressure victims to pay upfront and steer them toward specific providers or payment methods, even suggesting PayPal’s Friends and Family option, which offers no buyer protection.

Not all scams involve money; some aim to harvest personal information or explicit photographs for later exploitation, including on the dark web. Malwarebytes also promotes awareness and practical steps to avoid becoming a victim, such as researching agencies, avoiding upfront payments, and ensuring contracts are in writing.