Free guide
How to vet any agency, including me.
Ten things to check before you sign with anyone. Most agencies aren't like the ones in the BBC report. This is how to tell.
Your account and money
- Do they want control of your password, login email or 2FA? Walk away. If someone needs access, use the platform's own team access where it exists, or a password-manager share you can cut off yourself.
- Do they want your payout or bank details, or to "handle payments"? Walk away. The platform should always pay you.
- Will they put in writing that you can remove them anytime? If not, don't sign.
The contract
- Can you read all of it before any call? If they won't share it until you've "committed", that's a red flag.
- What's the exit? Look for 30 days or less, no exit fee, no non-compete, and no share of what you earn after you leave.
- A percentage of what? It should be net: what the platform pays you. Watch for "gross".
- Who owns the content and the account? You, completely.
How they work
- Who talks to your fans, and do fans know? Undisclosed chatters and fake "live" claims can get your account banned, and you're the one who's liable.
- Do they promise income? "We'll 5x you in 90 days" is a sales line. Ask for a baseline and weekly reports instead.
- Can you message a current client? In writing is fine. If nobody will vouch for them, be careful. I can't pass this one yet, because I'm new. My founding creators will be my references.
Quick red flags
- Pressure to sign today
- Asking for ID before showing a contract
- "OnlyFans-approved" or "Fansly-approved" (neither platform endorses agencies)
- Pushing content you've said no to
- Any threat when you try to leave
Source: BBC investigation (June 2026), summarised by Net Influencer. General information, not legal advice.