Los Angeles is moving to crack down on talent scams against aspiring entertainers being charged outrageous amounts for Hollywood representation.

City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced his office has launched a public awareness campaign, in coordination with entertainment industry advocacy groups, to help people avoid being bilked by such schemes.

“Thousands come to Hollywood every year to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry,” Feuer said in a statement. “We need to protect them from those who would dash those dreams by taking unfair advantage of them.”

As part of the crackdown, the City Attorney’s Office has charged Debra Baum, 53, for allegedly soliciting a 19-year-old singer to sign a $10,000-per-month management contract to handle her vocal career.

Baum allegedly collected more than $100,000 in advance fees for representation and other services. She faces four misdemeanor counts of violating the Talent Scam Prevention Act, which prohibits talent managers and talent agents from charging an advance fee for representation and includes other safeguards for performers.

“We applaud the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for its commitment to enforcing this law and safeguarding performers who so often fall victim to these scams,” said SAG-AFTRA Chief Operating Officer Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.