Hollywood Care Package

Hollywood Care Package
Free Report Better Business Bureau: Scams
BBB Advises Caution When Dealing with Talent/Modeling Agencies
The Check in the Mail Could be a Scam
Top Consumer Myths!

Free Report Better Business Bureau: Pre-Purchase Information
Beware of Employment Scams
Choosing the Right Career Training School
Employment Services

Free Report Better Business Bureau: Products
Free Trial Offers: Are they Good Deals?
Information Security How to Stay Safe When Using High-Speed Internet Access

Better Business Bureau Online
If you need help with a consumer question or complaint, call your local BBB to ask about its services. Or you can contact the BBB online at www.bbb.org for consumer fraud and scam alerts, and information about BBB programs, services and locations.

BBBOnLine provides Internet users an easy way to verify the legitimacy of online businesses. Companies carrying the BBBOnLine seal have been checked out by the BBB, and agree to resolve customer concerns regarding goods and services promoted online. Visit www.bbbonline.org for a list of participating companies, complete program standards, and more.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus, the umbrella organization for the BBBs, can assist with complaints about the truthfulness and accuracy of national advertising claims, including children’s advertising; provide reports on national soliciting charities; and help to settle disputes with automobile manufacturers through the BBB AUTO LINE program.
Q: How can I tell if a website is legitimate?

A: With the ability to easily copy graphics widely available, a website can be created to look very similar to a legitimate site. It may also have a URL address very similar to the one it is trying to pass itself off as, but it can not exactly duplicate the URL. The Reliability Seal is one way to assure a site is legitimate. Another helpful resource that allows you to specifically check a websites URL http:// www.internic.net Type in the site’s address where it says “Get a Web Address or Search our database for Availability”. If the address is in use, it will show who has registered it and the address. Additional information such as contact name, phone number and a company address may also be available.

Q: How can I tell if a business opportunity is worth pursuing?

A:Investigate Internet related business opportunities as carefully as you would check out any business opportunity:

Realize that seminar “trainers” or “consultants”often are there to sell you a business opportunity, not to teach you internet basics. In fact, they may be counting on your lack of experience with computers or the Internet.

Investigate all earning claims. Talk to others who have purchased the opportunity to see if their experience verifies the claims. Visit them in person, if possible.

Demand to see the company’s claims in writing. In fact, get all promises in writing.

Don’t accept a list of references selected by the company that offers the business opportunity as a substitute for a complete list of franchise or business opportunity owners.

If you’re interested in a franchise, ask for a disclosure document. This document is required by law. It should provide detailed information to help you compare one business to another. Be skeptical of companies that do not have disclosure documents.

Be sure to check the company out with the Better Business Bureau where you live and where the company is headquartered, your state securities agency, attorney general, and local consume protection agency.

Better Business Bureau
Q: Is the Better Business Bureau an effective place to make a consumer complaint?

A: You would do better to use the Better Business Bureau before you make a purchase, rather than afterward when you have a complaint. The bureau collect information on local businesses. By calling the bureau, you can find out how long a business has operated, what type of complaints have been made against it, if any, and how the complaints have been settled. The Better Business Bureau may not be as helpful to you once you have a complaint. It does not have the power to force settlements between consumers and merchants or to issue orders that are legally binding. But you might try the bureau anyhow. In some cases it acts as an arbitrator.

Q:What is the difference between a legitimate talent school, and one who just wants my money?

A:Just as there are many helpful,reputable talent agents, there is also a great number of fine schools. But there are some whose only purpose is to take your hard-earned money. When considering a school or teacher, watch for the same warning signals that apply to talent agents and photographers. Like the phony agent, a school or teacher may ask for an exorbitant registration fee and demand that you have photographs taken by their photographer. Be suspicious of teachers who do not have legitimate credentials, or who "claim" to produce TV shows, movies, or theatrical productions. None of the unions representing performers will recommend any schools. You may want to contact one of the Community Colleges in your area for classes in theatre, radio or television.

Better Business Bureau Comments & Analysis
These companies advertise for talent with ads that imply that by responding you will have started on the road to stardom. If you answer an ad, they will often tell you outright that they will help you obtain acting or modeling employment. The catch, is that everyone who responds needs lessons or training to go before a camera or down a runway, they say.

The training is really what these companies are selling, and their courses can obligate you for thousands of dollars. In reality, they cannot guarantee you employment, and you will find such a guarantee in their written contract.

To obtain bonding information: Contact the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement Department of Industrial Relations 415-703-4846 Website: www.dir.ca.gov

Watch for Acting Scams
The first of two stories about acting scams is about a commercial print agent I encountered and had met from a mailing I did. He called me one day and said he had seen my head shot and asked me to come in and meet with him. Of course I said yes, although I started to detect a bit of sarcasm and surliness in his voice. When I arrived in his office, he was very hurried and not very polite. He asked me for my headshots. I was ready but wondered why he didn't have the one I sent him. He looked at them and told me point blank that "they look like shit" and that he wouldn't be able to get me work with those pictures. He told me what kind of photos he wanted and then said something that made an alarm go off in my head.

On a small piece of paper, he wrote the name and telephone number of a photographer he wanted me to use to get new head shots. Hmmm. He also told me to bring the contact sheets (the pages with all the pictures taken at the shoot, or at least the best ones) so that he could help me choose the best ones to market myself. Could this be the making of an acting scam? Let's see.

Well, I went to get new headshots, but I didn't go to the photographer he suggested. I had one already chosen. When I called him back, he didn't seem to remember me at first. I explained that I had gotten new head shots like he suggested, and he immediately asked me who took them. I told him the photographer's name and he blurted out, " Why didn't you go to the photographer I told you to go to?" I told him, "Because I already had my photographer, and I preferred to go to him. The pictures are good." He snapped back, "Let me be the judge of that!" I had no intention of going to his photographer out of principle. I'm not here to feed his business; I'm looking for an agent who is really interested in working with me. As long as the pictures are good, what does it matter where I get them?

I just imagined him telling me that the pictures were no good and that he wanted me to go get the others. But here's the funny thing. I must have talked to seven different people about this particular agent, usually starting out with the question of whether or not they ever heard of him. I swear I got five identical answers: "Oh God, stay away from him." I met two young women, both in their late twenties, who told me they first had to get the pictures from the recommended photographer, and then they had to pay to get into his "book" that he presumably uses to sell his clients to his casting contacts.

One girl told me about an agent she works with for print and told me all the things I just told you. I thought to myself how familiar that sounded; then I asked her who the agent was. It was the same person! Wow!

I'm telling you this to let you know that things like that can happen. I don't think that requiring a client to use a specific photographer or having clients pay to be inserted in a book are normal practices. I might be wrong, but I don't think so. On the other hand, one could argue that paying to meet casting directors is along the same lines. I'd rather pay to meet a casting director face to face, especially when 95 percent of agents don't ask for their clients to pay to be inserted into a book.

Just watch out for acting scams. They could be lurking just around the corner.

Anthony Smith left a successful corporate career as a senior manager in Nikeand Levi's after 15 years to follow his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, writer, motivational speaker and actor. While enjoying success in his "new" life, Anthony shares his business insight and acting experience with young actors. Aside from acting work, he has created http://www.actingcareerstartup.com and his first book, Acting Career Start-Up: Four Key Factors for Success will hit the U.S. market in March 2007.

Do your Homework!
As far as having modeling and acting credentials, did you ask to see them before you were contracted? We never claimed any credentials and if you ever even read the contract, we never claim to be a MANAGEMENT, we are an ACADEMY, and Pamela, myself, should not have even been included in this report. I DO have experience in the modeling industry, actually in HIGH FASHION. I never claimed any credentials, I am simply a SECRETARY. Before you go making false accusations you should probably do some research. We are no scam, yes we do bring in agencies and it's actually your fault if you or your kid does not get signed. Obviously you should probably have nothing to do with this industry if you are so concerned with the investment you put into it. We offer classes, you never had to sign a contract, and it's your fault for not reading it before signing.

Do your Homework!
School Reference
******* in Houston, Texas is a wonderful place to educate and train upcoming models/actors.
I have personally attended **** Modeling agency and it was worth every penny spent back in 1989. I would recommend their agency to any young lady/man. I personally chose not to pursue this as my life long ambition. Let's face it I am 5'6 and Runway (unless you model petite's ) would not be an option for my height.

Although, you can pursue being a Print model and/or Acting. What I learned was an valuable lesson that has remained with me throughout my life. It has helped me be a successful professional.

Yes, you utilize your own make-up and this is the safest advice and appropriate avenue. You do not want to contact an incurable disease through contact with another persons tear ducts. Please be well educated in your comments before making slanderous statements. **** has been in business for many years and has a wonderful reputation and her staff were very professional, helpful and they have a great understanding/knowledge in their profession.

All through life you have to spend money to make money. You must have a modeling/acting portfolio and resume to represent yourself. The professional photographer is a key person who knows just how to make your best assets marketable. What does it matter who owns the Studio?

If you do the research on who is the very best in this industry. You will find that nothing is free in life.
Respectfully submitted, Jacklyn

Spotting School Scams
If a modeling school insists on your having professional photos taken with a photographer of their choosing before you can enroll in their school, run for the door! A legitimate modeling school charges models for a full curriculum, teaching her poise, grace, how to walk on the runway, and makeup and hair tips, as well as providing test shoots, photos, and prints. These monies can be paid in advance or in installments. Only illegitimate schools that are running scams charge crazy fees for photos just to get your foot in the door. Their focus is on making money, not developing talent.

Scouting Modeling Scam
I worked for *****, president of ****, recently. The job lasted no more than three weeks once I began to see beyond the surface. Having worked for ******in Manhattan and knowing the history behind ****, ***,***etc; I was very skeptical when I saw the "Scouting Coordinator/Sales Assistant position available.

Being new to Rochester and wanting to work somewhere in the entertainment industry, I attended the interview. It was very short and in fact, he talked about himself and the company and never asked me any real questions.

I was then asked a few additional questions via e-mail and he also told me I was amongst the 'preferred candidates'. I later found out I was the ONLY candidate. I was then offered the position, also via e-mail. Bill never even called.

When I went in for my first day, I was told that I would make $8/hour to start. This was rather insulting considering I have a Bachelor's degree and several years of experience, reviewed after 30 ddays and then again after 90 days and if everything was 'perfect' in those reviews, I would get a raise each time...he said I COULD be up to $10/hour by the 90 day mark. Then came the first big red flag. I would be working as an independent contractor. Anyone familiar with modeling ripoffs knows where this is going. Long story short, a contractor is responsible for taking out and paying their own taxes and Social Security. They must also pretend to be a business that has been contracted to do work. Obviously, there is no chance for benefits, because you are not technically employed by that company.

Finally, you are supposed to be given duties and complete them on your own time schedule as well as when and where you choose. Instead, I was given set hours (Mon-Fri approximately 33 hours/week), given a desk in a shared office and told I had to be there to complete the work the way he wanted it completed. So, essentially, I was an employee being paid in a manner where he would get a lot without having to pay much of anything....illegally.

In summary, I was then told I had to SELL, SELL, SELL! After I met with potential models, he would choose who we wanted to 'represent' (any and all that seemed like they could pay), I would set up a meeting between him and the potential talent, and he would 'accept' them and sell them a VERY expensive photo/web package--required in order for US Talent to represent you.

After that.....you guessed it, VERY FEW EVER WOULD GET ANY KIND OF WORK. When the occassional model would get a call, it would be to attend an audition. They may or may not get the job and, if they did, Billy would get the check. He would then take his 20% commission and allegedly put the rest in a high interest gaining account for FIVE-SIX MONTHS before paying the talent.

In January, a few people called looking for checks form work they did over the SUMMER! I was then asked to attend a pageant on a Sunday afternoon where, I found out, I would have to judge (that's all I thought I had to do at first) and also set up a huge display and table where I would sit, solicit potential 'models', and get people to sign up for a chance to win a 'free photo shoot,' which I am quite sure did not exist. Instead, it was a way to get names and numbers so we could SELL SELL SELL even more. Oh, and I would not be paid extra for doing this.

Another part of my job was upselling. Once people broke the bank for their 'big shot' they were the strong armed into buying a portfolion book and as many prints as possible to fill it....everything at severely high prices. If they wanted a CD (worth 50 cents) with some of their pictures on it for personal use, it would cost $100!

Finally, I quit and told Billy exactly how I felt. The job was not what I had imagined and I could not stand ripping people off. I was doing his dirty work and making him big money. I then submitted an invoice for my time worked and waited several weeks for the check. When it arrived it was $37.50 short. I can only assume that the deductions were for a stupid $5.50 stamper with my name on it so he could have me use generic business cards (all his idea) and for four hours that I worked at home early in my last week (I got his approval, presented a lot of completed work, should have legally been allowed to as a contractor, and was needed at home to wait for a plumber as our basement was flooded. He had no problem paying for any of this until I quit.

I e-mailed him about a week ago when the check arrived and a check for the missing funds never came...big surprise! My advice to anyone considering 'modeling' or 'acting' with **** or working with ***, is DON'T! Run as fast as you can and realize that this guy is all about bad business...he wants your money, NOT your talent! If you would like more references on this type of business do searches.

Beware....not everything is as glamourous as it seems...not even close! Donald Rochester, New York

Do your Homework!
Out of the blue I was approached at the mall by a bogus model scout. He told me that I had potential to be a model. At the time I was looking for a job so this seemed to be a good opportunity.

Couple days later I was in their office for an interview. They had me thinking my money would come back like ten fold. At the end I felt like a helpless idiot.

I worked hard for money that never came back. It set me back with college and all kinds of financial problems. If I can't get ****** back then I hope someone can learn from my poor decisions before they fall victim. Henry Hartford, Connecticut

Do your Homework!
I'm not sure what to say but I have spent $800 so far... they were very nice people and willing to help with a payment plan for my photos... I received a list of prices for my composition cards and everything....but wandered why because I had already paid $800 for whatever.....Then they stated that I would get a free photo shoot...as long as I had my coupon with me...so I handed it in....yet when I got to my photo shoot I had to pay my last payment of $299.00... I did think ok all I'll have to do is go back and pick my pictures up and go....they wanted me to pay for them...I don't have this kind of money....I am 22 years old....a young girlwho has school and everything and cannot afford to be paying all that kind of money for God knows what...I didn't think of it in the beginning...til theday before I had made an appointment to go see my pictures and pay them to get on composition cards...Something told me to search for them and then I came across this...

So I didn't go to the meeting...they called me and left a message and then I noticed they tried to call me from a cell phone to get a hold of me...

I couldn't risk them cheating me out of more money... It was really my father's money...money that I could have spent on my on photographer, composition cards, or dance class.

We all learn somehow though.

If someone reads this message.. I have a couple of questions.

I would really like to get my photos from them...to add to my portfolio... and especially because I paid that money and they were supposed to be free...How would I go about approaching them for it?... They wanted meto pay for composition cards... and everything...but I no longer want to give them any more money...I just want my pictures....and maybe try to get my money back...Is there any possible way I can confront them to ask for a refund or something?....without getting a lawyer involved?...I don't want this taken to the courts because it will only cost me much more money... and I have dreams to pursue....with enough stress...

Has anyone just asked for a refund?

Any advice will help and I will follow up with everyone how it goes...Thanx Somewhere, New Jersey

Do your Homework!
I signed up for modeling classes at the Easton Mall location in Columbus Ohio on the advice of friend who went there for acting.

After taking one run way class and one commercial class I lost my job and called them immediately to see if they could 'freeze' my account until I could get back on my feet after finding another job and start making my payments again. I was told that they would do this, but that I could not attend anymore classes until I was current on my payments. Fair enough. Then, the next thing I know, I'm turned over to a collection agency demanding payment in full. I could not do that as I could barely pay my rent.

I was so upset. Here I had paid out $386.00 for two classes and 2 paper workbooks and now I couldn't go to class and they wanted me to pay the remainder of my contract, yet, even after I paid it, they wouldn't let me return to finish out the classes. So in the end, I've paid out $1,300 for absoluetly nothing.

Why? Because they found out who my new employer was, had me turned over to a legal department and threatened to garnish my wages.

Oh and the friend that went to them for acting....she never received one casting call from that company. A waste of her money as well. Last I heard, she went in to check up on her comp cards, and they didn't have any of them out on display for agents to view for potential work.

This has been the worst experience of my life. I'm a single mother and this company literally took food out of my son's mouth just to guild their office. If they were anywhere in Indiana, I would be the first person to picket their office. So word to the wise...***** stay out of Indiana!! Jennifer Fort Wayne, Indiana

Do your Homework!
Possible Legal Action Against Modeling Scams
I have possible suggestions since this was posted in 2004.

You usually have up to two years to sue someone and possibly longer in some cases depending on which court you go through (small claims, federal)

You should be able to sue them for theft since they charged you and would not let you complete the classes. If the court finds that the jurisdiction is in their office home state of Ohio, you can contact a lawyer in Ohio to show up on your behalf and they may charge lower fees for this.

Did they contact you through the mail with a misleading postcard or flyer to influence you? If so it might be considered mail fraud which is a federal crime.

Did they ruin your reputation and make you the laughter of your community because you ran and told everyone you would be a model? I know of an insurance company that got sued millions for causing someone to loose their home and ruined their reputation as a solid homeowner, emotional stress, etc. Just some thoughts good luck.

Do your Homework!
I am victim of the scam at *****. I paid the $895 discounted student rate and I immediately regretted it. I called to cancel the same day, and was told I had to send in a written cancellation thru certified mail. I did that and was told that I would receive a refund check in 45 days. I called for MONTHS and they NEVER returned my call. I was told I was supposed to speak with Andrea, and she was never around. I went in to the office a few times and Andrea was conveniently never there. I even went in there and cried because I REALLY needed that money back. I still want it back and if there has been any updates on the legal action taken against them I would really like to be a part of it. I'm not sure who to contact so if anyone has any information I would really appreciate it, ANYTHING helps! thanks! please reply to this or email me.

Get a Grip Girl!
I am a contract and grants specialist with the Government and have 3 grand children who are with *****. Two of them have gotten several calls for work and the youngest is 10 months old and the casting company they work with just start submitting him. No one promised Hollywood or any fame!!Kids mostly get print work and extras.

Megan, you must be very young. The contract my daughter signed with the company says CONTRACT AND DISCLOSURES right on it. It is at the top of the contract. I can only assume from your complaint that you didn't read your contract when you filled it out. Unfortunately sometimes younger folks don't read what they sign. Companies cannot force people to read their contracts.

Good luck to you, hope you will read whatever contract you sign in the future. My daughter hasn't had any problems with this company. I drive the kids on Saturday to the workshops and they really seem to enjoy them.

*****Rip Off
I am sure that 'Tia" is actually an employee of this company. I have NEVER heard of ANYONE getting a job from this company. I also know that in our orientation, this same issue was brought up about the small claims cases. Raina told us that it was "just customers who didn't get picked for jobs". I beg to defer, it's called GETTING RIPPED OFF! They take your money & run.

This is a Rip Off!!!!
Hey Tia, I hope you see the light now because ******has now disappeared and so did ****. they conned us and ran! I hear they are in the same building under the new name *****

Do your Homework!
This company is misleading and full of liars. They get you in there for a test shoot which costs $60 for crappy pictures. Then they invite you back for a second interview and tell you how great you did and theat you scored so high and start throwing all these huge numbers at you saying you will be great in the industry and make a lot of money.

They get you all excited then put a paper in front of you saying that it is your contract but beware it is not! It has all the nice things they supposedly offer and no small print. After you sign it they put another in front of you and circle the price you must pay, offering you a discount if your a student, the lady, ANN, tells you this paper is an agreement to pay the price listed and NEVER ssays it is the actual contract.

She pressures you to sign it all while distracting you with comp cards of their client. Then before you have a chance to give it a second look she takes it from you and moves on to something else. This is where the misleading happens because she tells you the pretty yellow one without the small print is your contract and its the only thing you leave the office with.

Then when you go to orientation, you get the actual contract which says in small print, cancellation must be received by certified mail 24 hours prior to orientation, but of course you are not aware of this until its too late.

When I found out this place was a scam I went back and demanded my money back. Some lady named Andrea sat there and justified herself and her bogus company and never made an attempt to apologize or address my concerns.

All she did was make excuses and justifications, which were obvioously rehearsed and well practiced. These people are pros at SCAMMING and are true bonafide CON ARTISTS. There is no website ie: there is no job board and their workshops are bogus because they don't even have the proper licensing.

If you want to be a model, the #1 rule is NEVER pay ANY money UPFRONT!!Especially not $1,300+!!

She made it clear to me that I was never gonna get my money back, then I told her "oh yes I would because I'm taking them to court and not only getting my money back but restituition for all the emotional damage and distress they have caused me.

Do not conduct business with ****** and if you have been defrauded by them too, call the San Diego city attorney and file a complaint. Let's get this place out of business so they cannot prey on the hopes and dreams of any more innocent people.

Do your Homework!
1st, Global 310, your aggressive responses to Ms. Monica are quite amusing to me, seeing as to how you have stated that you have no experience with ***yourself. All you know is that it bugs you that people complain about their experience, and take it upon yourself to put them down. To you, it may in fact be obvious that *** is a school, and I will give you a gold star and a happy face for your intelligence. But everybody isn't blessed with the same wisdom and intelligence as yourself, and these are the people that *** preys upon.

I have myself been convinced to show up for one of these "auditions" but I knew better than to pay such a fee for this scam. You are correct, *** is a school, and I noticed that Tamela stated so clearly in her defense. However that isn't how you represent yourself.

From my experience, I was walking through the mall, and a gentleman walked up to me with his jaw dropped to the floor asking me questions like 'are you a model'? No?? you never thought about it? well here let me give you my card, I am holding auditions next week and you really should look into pursuing a career in acting and modeling. Please be there. Then when you call they give you a date to show up and like Monica said, it's just a sales pitch.
Back then I was younger and knew zero about the business and these are the people Ms. Tamela targets, not savvy and seasoned actors that have been around the block like Mr. Global...because people like him won't fall for your sales pitch, right? make sense? *** promises success and stardom, and doesn't say anything about it being a school or costing money until days after you finish your 'audition' and get a call back.

Now at that point, those that still pay the money, well that's your fault Monica, because anybody should realize that out of Lucille Ball, and all the other entertainers that went to *** , and every entertainer that didn't NOBODY that has been successful without putting in any kind of hard work or paying their dues at some point. It's never gonna be as easy as paying 1k and take a class for a few weeks, then after that you've made it.

But I do empathize with you and others that have been scammed in this way. Bottom line, *** gets it's money through deceit, and you guys know it. Otherwise you wouldn't have so many complaints now would you? I mean, I never heard of any scam such as these about any other school or agency out the re....
and I doubt that there is a secret club out there that's sole purpose is to conspire and defame ***. Your reputation is the one you built for yourself.

Heard it a Million Times
First of all, the only reason you're complaining is because you were naive. This happens every day and is not illegal or a scam. If you were serious about getting your daughter into modeling you should have taken more time to research it and find out that real modeling agencies will never make you pay. They will take your daughter if they think they can make money off of her. Not your money. Money from clients. (Be real I mean ones that get you booked. This place is legit but worthless) THIS IS YOUR FAULT. This happens all the time because mothers wants people to tell them that their daughter is beautiful and is going to be a model and ignore all the red flags because of it.

But there is technically nothing wrong with what they did. Some girls do need need to be trained. If your daughter walked in unprofessionally, any agency would tell her to go get training unless she looked like Cindy Crawford which Idoubt she does. Go to a real agency. You know which ones they are. Ford, Elite, Willamina. The only reason you mother don't is because you're scared she'll be rejected. If she is, guess what, it's probably not going to happen. Don't keep wasting her time and your money on a pipe dream. Invest that in med school or something.

Another Note: To the other mother who reported on the camp her daughter went to. You don't go to a modeling camp and tell them how to cut your hair. That defeats the purpose. Why would a 12 year old pick her 'look'. That's for them to decide. I bet a million bucks you had your kid in pagents. You're a pushy mom who knows nothing of what you're doing. Get a clue.

You Don't Know the Truth...
You said you never attended ***...so how would you know it isn't a scam? There are scam artists out there who are ready to take advantage of anyone they can.

The people named in the report above ARE such people. If you did a little research, you'd know that all of these *** school's are franchisees and that a good percentage of them are crooks. There may be good ones out there, but the bad ones have given the entire company a bad rep.

Did you know that a *** employee calls you and tells you that you're wanted to audition for a commercial? They never say ANYTHING about auditioning for a school, which is what you're REALLY doing.

It's the classic bait and switch tactic. You can berrate the victims of this crime all you want but that doesn't change the fact that innocent people have been scammed.

Instead of rubbing your 'success' in everyone's faces an acting like an arrogant fool, you should show a little more respect and compassion.