She may be a millionaire at the age of 21 but model Kate Upton says men treat her like a “toy” because they think she is a “dumb blonde.”

Upton, who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated when she was only 18 and has built a successful and lucrative career in the years since, said she may not get the respect she deserves but she always gets the last laugh.

She said: “People deal with models like they are children. They think they can pull one over on you. It’s actually funny.

“I’m always like, ‘I’m about to pull something on you, and you’re so focused on thinking I’m dumb you’re not even going to know.’”

The American swimwear model says in September’s edition of Elle magazine that she has not been able to find love because of the way men perceive her.

“Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something.

“I’m not a toy, I’m a human. I’m not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure yourself out.

“I really have never had a serious relationship in the industry. I’m just having fun.

“Obviously I have a very busy schedule at this time in my life, and I don’t put relationships as a priority.” Upton, who recorded a hit dance video Cat Daddy last year, said people also wrongly assumed she could not be religious because of her career.

She said: “I was at a photo.