The 36-year-old Moscow model found herself in a troubling trap after scammers used a false opportunity to lure her into an online casting for a SHAMAN video. The warning comes from the Telegram channel Shot and highlights a troubling pattern in which someone creates a credible offer to control the narrative of a risqué shoot.
In this case, the model believed the advertisement that promised a decent fee for new video footage but did not disclose the exact amount. The message claimed there would be a quick audition online, and a commission would be paid for a costume rental. To participate, the model was asked to partially undress during a live casting session so the “directors” could see her suitability. She provided 700 rubles to the scammers, believing the payment would secure a legitimate opportunity to proceed with the shoot.
During the video conference, the supposed casting directors guided her to pose in partial attire from various angles. As soon as the session ended, the scammers escalated their demands, threatening to leak the images across social networks unless further money was paid. Feeling pressure and fearing reputational damage, the woman contacted local police to report the crime and to seek protection against any potential release of sensitive imagery.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier, a novice model from Krasnodar found herself in a similar predicament after a casting director requested nudity. The scammers then contacted her family members, attempting to extract payment to prevent the dissemination of the intimate photos. The pattern is clear: fraudsters use online casting contexts to generate urgency, fabricate professional credibility, and then manipulate victims into sharing compromising material and funds. The Kuala Krasnodar case demonstrates that the risk extends beyond a single city and can affect newcomers who are eager to break into the modeling industry.
Experts point to several red flags that strongly indicate a scam in this space. First, official production opportunities typically publish clear terms, including compensation ranges and contractual details, through verified channels. Second, legitimate casting processes rarely require participants to transfer money upfront or to disclose private, compromising images before any formal agreement is signed. Third, the shift from a routine audition to pressure tactics and public exposure is a common tactic used by scammers to maximize fear and financial gain. Practitioners in this field advise models to verify the identity of prospective clients, seek written contracts, and consult with trusted agency representatives before sharing any personal or financial information. In addition, maintaining strong privacy settings and limiting what is shared during online sessions can reduce risk. When in doubt, participants should walk away and report suspicious behavior to the authorities and relevant industry organizations. Source: Telegram channel Shot and local police reports provide the context for these warnings and underscore the ongoing need for vigilance in online casting environments.