Is there a such thing as fake advertising for a modeling agency in the mall?

Question

This girl I know went to a mall in schaumburg,il and saw a guy at a booth saying he was a scout for "Elite Magazine/Agency". So she gave him $400,and he told her that she would receive an invitation in the mail.

Answer 1

Normal agents shouldn't get paid until you get a job...

Answer 2

If he was legit, I don't think she would have had to pay him money.