Big Island police say they've uncovered an unscrupulous and potentially dangerous online ploy that's targeting unsuspecting women.
Police say two Big Island women responded to an online ad seeking models.
But as it turns out, police say the photographer and so called "modeling agent" had other intentions.
There are numerous ads for modeling gigs posted online.
Police say while many of the ads are legitimate, there are also a number of them that aren't.
Big Island police say two women answered an online ad, and were coaxed into coming to Oahu with the promise of lucrative modeling contracts.
After a couple days of picture taking, the women were told they'd be going out of state.
One of the women got suspicious, left and notified authorities.
The second was found by Honolulu Police, as she, the photographer and so-called "modeling agent" were checking out of their hotel.
Police believe the women would've been forced into prostitution.
"I think it's horrible and it saddens me because Hawaii has so many beautiful people and so many great model prospects and they may get discouraged from this," said Doug Lange, Premier Models and Talent Owner.
Premier Models and Talent is one of Hawaii's largest agencies, representing models and actors.
"Unfortunately in this industry because it deals with young beautiful people, there are some that wish to capitalize on those that are naïve and have a dream of becoming a model," said Lange.
He says all the legitimate modeling agencies he knows of in Hawaii do not post want-ads on Craigslist or other classified ad websites.
"A big red flag is if they're not going through a modeling agency. If they're casting outside a modeling agency then something is amiss because most of the time when that happens is they just want to get over in regards to the rate, they don't want to turn them into prostitutes. And because they want to seek models out that don't have representation," said Lange.
Here's his advice to folks seeking modeling jobs:
Do your homework.
Use common sense.
And bring a chaperone with you.
Honolulu police are investigating the case.
No one has been arrested so far.
