EXCLUSIVE: United Agents, the London shop that reps Kate Winslet and Ricky Gervais, has issued a scam alert following fears its agents may have been targeted.
Talk of scammers impersonating agents or their clients and contacting talent has been rife in the UK agency space of late as it becomes increasingly common across the industry.
The warning, which can be read on all of the agents’ web pages, says United has “been made aware that scammers may be impersonating United Agents and/or our clients in an attempt to deceive individuals.” Deadline understands that United is not trying to shut down a specific scam but is conscious such scams are happening and is attempting to get ahead of the problem.
“Please be cautious and vigilant—United Agents will never request payment for access to meetings, auditions, or introductions with our clients, and our clients will never solicit funds or ask for money from their fans,” adds the warning. “If you receive any suspicious communication claiming to be from United Agents or one of our clients, we strongly advise you not to engage and to report it immediately.”
United reps the likes of Winslet, Gervais, Olivia Colman and Kit Harington. Senior agents include Duncan Hayes, Dallas Smith and Maureen Vincent.
In recent months, the likes of USA Talent Solutions, music agency Solo Agency and Marshall Arts have put out similar warnings. In the U.S., the Casting Society recently sent out an alert following a surge in online scammers impersonating casting directors.
Deadline has also reported extensively on rogue agents like the UK’s Bodhi Talent, which was accused of sending clients fake auditions and paying actors late, along with scammers posing as TV executives and asking writers for money, which was reported to the FBI.
If you have fallen victim to a scam and wish to contact the author of this article to supply further information or share your experience, please email: mgoldbart@deadline.com
