HAMPSHIRE police are warning about a swathe of scam adverts targeting youngsters with false promises of modelling career.

Fraudsters are targeting the aspiring models though social media, before tricking them into sending money for a test shoot.

Once the money is paid, the scammers either never respond again or demand they buy a ‘portfolio package’ or threaten to end the modelling process.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) says it has received an average of 28 reports of this kind since September 2015. And in August, aspiring models paid more than £71,000 to these types of scams.

According to NFIB officers, the adverts are appearing on Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, as well as job browsing websites.

Once interest is shown in the job, the fraudsters contact potential victims on the false promise of a modelling career and subsequently advise the victims to come in for a test shoot.

Fraudsters can pressure the

victims into sending an upfront fee to book a slot for the test shoot and then never make contact again.

Another method fraudsters employ is taking the advance fee and arranging a photo shoot with the victim. After the shoot, the fraudsters contact the victim and offer them a job as a model. The victim is then asked to sign a contract and pay another upfront fee, usually to secure the modelling contract.

According to NFIB, fraudsters are also creating fake adverts for supposed modelling opportunities for children.

Fraudsters will recommend a number of packages and stress that one must be paid for to continue with the process.

Hampshire Constabulary has urged people to carry out their own research prior to paying any fee and be wary about paying for a portfolio.