The voiceover industry has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to the rise of digital content, audiobooks, e-learning, and remote recording capabilities. But with opportunity comes risk—especially for newcomers to the field. Scams targeting voiceover artists are alarmingly common, and they can range from fake job offers to elaborate payment fraud schemes.
If you’re a voice actor—or aspiring to become one—here are the red flags to help you spot a scam before you lose time, money, or worse.
🚩 1. Too Good to Be True Offers
If a potential client offers you a large sum of money for minimal work or vague project details, be cautious. Scammers often bait freelancers with high pay and short deadlines to create urgency and discourage scrutiny.
What to watch for:
- “We’ll pay $1,200 for a 30-second read.”
- Unsolicited messages praising your voice or profile without mentioning specifics.
- Vague project descriptions with no script or timeline.
Tip: Legitimate clients provide context—brand names, target audience, distribution platforms, and project timelines.
🚩 2. They Want to Pay You in Advance—Too Quickly
One of the most common scams involves fake checks or money orders. A scammer might send you a check, ask you to deposit it, and then request you send a portion to a “studio engineer” or “producer.” The original check will bounce days later, leaving you responsible for the full amount.
Red flag scenario:
“We’ll send you a $3,000 check, but please wire $1,000 to our sound technician. Keep the rest as your advance.”
Tip: Always be skeptical of any payment involving forwarding funds to a third party. Reputable clients use escrow platforms or direct deposit after invoice.
🚩 3. No Contract or Paper Trail
Professional clients will want a contract to protect both parties. If someone wants to proceed “off the record” or avoids sending a formal agreement, it’s a warning sign.
What’s missing:
- Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
- Talent release forms
- Payment terms and usage rights
Tip: Protect yourself with a contract that outlines scope, deadlines, revisions, and payment terms. Avoid working solely on verbal agreements.
🚩 4. Suspicious Email Addresses or Communication
Scammers often use free email domains (like Gmail or Yahoo) or spoof addresses that look like real companies but have slight variations.
Examples:
- “john@netflix-voicecasting.com” (not an actual domain)
- Generic messages with awkward grammar or inconsistent tone
Tip: Check the domain against the official website of the company. If it doesn’t match, don’t engage.
🚩 5. Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers love urgency. They might say the project is urgent and pressure you to accept without reviewing the script or asking questions.
Warning signs:
- “We need this recorded today or we’ll lose the client.”
- No time to verify payment or project legitimacy
Tip: A legitimate client will respect your process. If you’re being rushed to record before payment or paperwork, walk away.
✅ How to Protect Yourself
Here are some proactive ways to stay safe:
- Use reputable platforms like Voices.com, Voice123, or Fiverr for new clients.
- Ask for references or past work samples if you’re unsure about the client.
- Never send money to anyone during the casting or recording process.
- Set clear terms upfront regarding usage rights, revision policies, and payment.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
The voiceover world is filled with amazing opportunities—but like any industry, it attracts bad actors. By staying informed, asking the right questions, and listening to your instincts, you can avoid falling for voiceover scams and focus on doing what you love.
Have you encountered a voiceover scam before? Share your story in the comments to help protect others in the community.