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Red Flags and Tricksters!

Common Voice Over Red Flags to Watch Out For

Hey there, voice actors! We want to share some common voice over red flags that you should be aware of. It's crucial to stay vigilant, especially when you receive emails or come across casting calls that sound too good to be true. Let's dive into some key warnings and advice to keep you safe and informed.

Beware of Scams in Your Inbox

You know you've made it in the voice over (VO) industry when you start receiving certain scam emails. These scams have been around for over 15 years, so if you haven't encountered them yet, it's just a matter of time. Here are two major scams you need to be aware of:

  • The Game Show Host Scam

This scam comes from various names and email addresses, claiming that they found you online and are looking for a game show host. It's a very simple, one or two-sentence email, but don't be fooled. It's been circulating for years and is definitely a scam.

  • The Overpayment Scam

This scam involves a supposed client offering you a large job and an upfront payment. They will ask you to use this payment to cover studio costs and send them back the excess money. The check they send you will not clear, leaving you out of pocket. I know someone who lost several thousand dollars to this scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Essential VO Red Flags

Now, let's go over a list of VO red flags to look out for, whether you're dealing with online casting auditions or direct emails.

  • Poorly Defined Project Scope

If the project's details are vague and keep changing, that's a red flag. Clear communication about the project scope is essential. If they keep asking for revisions without additional payment, they're likely taking advantage of you.

  • Requests for Personal Information

Never give out your social security number, bank account information, or credit card details unless you have thoroughly vetted the client and secured the job. Big companies might pay via direct deposit, but always do your research first.

  • Unprofessional Communication

If the person you're communicating with is not clear or professional in their emails, that's another warning sign. This includes poor grammar, misspellings, and unprofessional language. While not every email with typos is a scam, it's important to consider all the signs together.

  • Unrealistic Pay

Be wary of offers that seem excessively high for the job's scope. If the pay seems too good to be true, it might be a scam. Always question and research such offers before proceeding.

  • Lack of Information About the Client or Project

If you can't find much information about the client or the project online, or if their communication is vague, proceed with caution. Legitimate clients should be transparent and easy to research.

  • Unreasonable Deadlines

If a client expects you to deliver high-quality work in an unreasonably short time frame, it might be a sign of a scam or just poor planning on their part. Either way, it's a red flag.

Amateur Hirers

Sometimes you'll encounter what we call "amateur hirers" – clients who have never hired VO talent before. They might not be scams, but they can be more trouble than they're worth. They often require a lot of hand-holding and education about the VO process, which can eat up your time.

Protect Yourself with Contracts

Having a contract for every job can protect you from these scams. Even if it's just an email with the terms written out, it's better than nothing. For bigger jobs, insist on a formal contract. David Rosenthal always says to get everything in writing, and he's right. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page and protects both parties.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Your instincts are a powerful tool in protecting yourself from scams. Communicate clearly, do your research, and never rush into anything that doesn't feel right.

Stay safe out there, and keep honing your craft!