FSC: Bogus Agent Is Implying Kink.com Connection

FSC: Bogus Agent Is Implying Kink.com Connection

LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition today issued an industry alert to performers about a bogus talent agent, using the pseudonym "Richard Smüle" and perhaps others, fraudulently implying a connection to Kink.com.

"The bogus agent uses a telephone number with the 336 (North Carolina) area code and promises upwards of $1,500 for 'advertising photos,' the FSC said. "The scam promises cash merely for ‘applying,’ and may be connected to potential identity theft.”

The FSC additionally said the following:

Any performers approached by an unknown person claiming to represent Kink.com should be extremely wary. If you are contacted — whether by phone, social media or email — by someone claiming to work for or with Kink.com, Kink recommends that you email report-concerns@kink.com to confirm their identity and association.

The elements of this scam appear to be similar to several other incidents reported over the past few months. To protect yourself in any potential booking, the FSC recommends the following precautions:

If you have a licensed agent:

  • Have them verify the booking, contacts and details.

If you do not have a licensed agent:

  • Only communicate with new producers or agents through official company email accounts (if the person does not have an official account, ask them for a contact at the company that you can email to verify the relationship);
  • Ask for references from other models, and verify them;
  • Get contracts and other paperwork in advance and have it vetted by an attorney; 
  • Avoid negotiating or agreeing to shoots via sites like Whatsapp and Facebook, particularly when dealing with a new producer or agent; and,
  • When in doubt, contact FSC.

We ask all existing performers, as well as those seeking to work in the adult industry, to always confirm the identity of any unknown director, agent or other contact by calling or emailing the company they claim to represent. Most companies have publicly available profiles. If you are unable to reach the company, or are otherwise hesitant to do so, please contact FSC, and we can help confirm.

The FSC is currently working to investigate this and other possible scams. We encourage anyone who has been approached, or has any knowledge of this scam or others, to report potential incidents to us so that we may alert the community, as well as law enforcement.

Fraud and identity theft are criminal offenses and can punishable by prison. Rape by deception — in which a person agrees to have sex under fraudulent pretenses, such as a bogus adult shoot — is a state felony.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings

Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."

Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.

Bella Spark, Kelly Collins Star in Finale of VMG Cross-Site Feature 'Bang and Burn'

Bella Spark and Kelly Collins star with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of the cross-site spy feature "Bang and Burn."

Jade Kimiko, Cecelia Taylor Headline 'Women Seeking Women 199'

Jade Kimiko and Cecelia Taylor topline “Women Seeking Women 199” from Girlfriends Films.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Kaela Luna Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Kaela Luna has made her TransAngles debut alongside Parker Savage and Harrison Feels in “Jackhammering Kaela.”

Adult Time Marks April Fool's Day With 5 Satirical Releases

Adult Time is marking April Fool’s Day with the release of satirical scenes from five of its series.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

Show More