Finding a modeling agent without being ripped off is quite simple. NEVER pay to be on a model agent's
books, to go on their website or for anything else. The one exception is with
regard to photos and it is a rather complicated matter. In a perfect world a modeling agent would be super confident in you pay for all of your test shoots or even
get photographers to do them for free (there should be many not one at the
beginning to get you rolling).
However, with the high turnover of models nowadays even top model agents with the best intentions cannot perform miracles. Usually the best they can do is to advance you the money and put it on you account to be deducted from your future job earnings (adding no admin charges). This is reasonable. If a modeling agent can do this then you can be reasonably confident that they are investing money and time into you and are taking you seriously.
However, so many dodgy model agents have tried to get around this one by claiming they can produce your entire model portfolio in one shoot and that it is essential to your career. This is nonsense! You cannot create a model portfolio in a day or a week! It is the accumulation of often year’s worth of work including tear sheets and advertising work. Most working models would not be seen dead with a book of test pictures! Don’t fall for this one please as so often the pictures are by so- so photographers and they will actually hinder your career rather than enhance it. You may be surprised by how bad a photographer can make you as they are out of fashion or simply not good enough. Do yourself a favour and hold out for someone good if you are serious about being a model, or if not, treat it as a family photo for the scrapbook.