When we’re investigating recent scam activity, we often find that new scams are really just revised emails that are being circulated by the same scammers over and over, simply using a different name. Many parents are discovering that this same tactic is used by agencies offline as well. More and more parents are learning that companies who have been investigated for fraudulent activity are now changing the names of their companies to avoid detection. This tactic now requires parents who are researching reputable opportunities for their child actors, models, dancers and singers to dig even deeper to make sure that the agencies and industry professionals that they work with truly have their children’s best interest at heart. StudioKidz was an agency in California that recruited children for acting jobs, often in stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.� The agency was accused of charging exorbitant fees for classes and training. Later it was discovered that the agency didn’t have a license and therefore was never able to legally book acting jobs for any of their clients. When parents began to report the agency to consumer action agencies, the owners decided to change their name to TVKidz so that parents who looked them up online wouldn’t come across the large number of complaints that had been filed against them. However, it wasn’t long before parents begin to discover that TVKidz was the same agency as StudioKidz, which prompted the owner to change the name of the company again to CommercialKidz. Additionally, she even changed her own name. A watchdog group who has been following the agency’s activities has now found information that suggests the owner may even have a previous criminal record. So you see, you can never be too careful when it comes to researching agencies or industry professionals who have expressed an interest in you or your children. It’s unfortunate that there are so many individuals out there that lay in wait to take advantage of those new to the industry. However it’s important that instead of being discouraged, that we simply do our homework each and every time and stay focused on our goals. Be sure to log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com each day to review our Scam Alert. We will continue to keep you posted on the latest scam information affecting the entertainment industry, as well as strategies you can use to make sure you don’t become a victim. How to Get Cast in the Role of a Lifetime

Several celebrities came together Saturday to mourn HEATH LEDGER on the Sony lot in Los Angeles, reports People. Among those in attendance: TOM CRUISE and KATIE HOLMES, ELLEN DeGENERES and Ledger's 'Casanova' co-star SIENNA MILLER. as well, with family and View the full article

While landing a gig in the entertainment industry is one of the most fun and exciting opportunities one can have, it’s still important to treat it like any other job. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, singer or model, there are still valuable business strategies that must be applied to your chosen profession. One of those strategies is networking. I’ve met so many people in the industry over the course of my career. Establishing valuable relationships with other professionals in my industry has greatly contributed to my own professional success. If you’re determined to have a successful career in the entertainment industry, it’s important that you really get out there and network with others who can help you get your foot in the door.Networking is defined several ways. One definition is the exchange of information and services between different individuals or businesses. Another is connecting with people with similar interests to uncover opportunities. Both of these are great definitions, and both describe actions you should be engaged in regularly in order to further your career.If you’ve never networked before, it’s easy to do. If you’re an aspiring model, dancer, actor or singer, here are some great networking tips that will serve you well in your career:-Meet and keep in touch with as many people in the industry as possible-Find as many organizations and events as you can that are related to your chosen career. Be sure to attend them regularly.-When you meet others in the industry, ask lots of questions. You never know what you’ll learn.-Be able to communicate what types of opportunities you’re looking for so that others will know how to help you.-Learn the art of following up. If someone gives you a business card, contact them the next day. -Never wait days or weeks, giving them the opportunity to forget who you are.-Share information you’ve learned with others. When you help others, they are likely to help you when they know of opportunities that would benefit you.If you’re not sure how to meet people in the industry or find information on opportunities and events that would be great for networking, visit our site for more information. Star Search Casting is a great resource for uncovering helpful information and maintaining a dialog with others in the industry with similar career goals and interests. And don’t forget to visit the message boards. You never know who you could meet!

Filed under: Celebrity JusticeTMZ.com: Miguel Pereira, O.J. Simpson's bail bondsman, tells TMZ he turned over the cell phone message that got O.J. thrown back in jail because he wasn't "going to get involved in illegal activity for him." Pereira tells us he didn't listen to the voicemail... Read more View the full article