Industry Model and Talent Studio ripped off $1500 without letting us know the norefund cancellation policy

Industry Model and Talent Studio charged us $1500 without letting us know the cancellation policy. We called within 2 business hours after signing the contract and they refused to refund our money.

My wife and I along with our 8 month old kid were shopping at the Woodbridge mall on Sunday when a young lady approached us and asked us if we were looking for a modeling career for my son. She gave me a visiting card. A few minutes later she came by and asked if they could contact me and asked for my phone number. I gave her our home number, she asked me if she can get a cell phone number too. I gave her the numbers. I got a call the next day, Monday. I couldn't take the call, they left a message asking us to call them back regarding my son's modeling career. I got 2 such messages by evening , so I called them up late in the evening, they set me up for an appointment at their Edgewater office for Tuesday evening at 7PM (next day). I was asked to bring couple of identifications for my son and some photos.

I didn't want to cancel the appointment so drove with my wife and son to their office. I live in central NJ and it was 75 minute drive for us with the traffic. I was asked to fill some information about my son which we did. Within a few minutes a lady approached us. We made a friendly conversation with us, passed some nice comments about my son, took us to her office, she said she was the Director. She started showing us some photos of their child models and explained about all their models and what they do and other stuff.

She then asked me for two identification proofs for me and my son. I showed my son's passport and I handed over my driving license and the second one was my personal credit card. She took them and kept them before her. So far so good, She then put a paper before me that explains all the different photo shoots they have, I was not sure what to do, my son was becoming cranky as we had a long drive in the traffic. The expensive photo shoot was for $1500. She asked me which one I would prefer. My wife turned to me and said she don't want to do this as it is very expensive. The lady heard that and started convincing us that it is a very good option and we should at least go with one of the options and it will help our son's career and pushed us into signing the agreement. I wanted to get out of there but not sure how. I finally agreed to the $1350 option. She took my credit card in her hand and before she swiped it asked once again if we want to go for $1500 because its just $150 dollars more but will give more exposure with more shoots. I nodded my head not sure what to do. I always thought that we could cancel it if we didn't want to do it.

She swiped the card for $1500. She asked me what will be the right day for us to schedule the shoot. We said we were busy the next couple of weeks, so immediately she suggested why not on the coming Friday evening same time (which was like 3 days from that day). I was not sure what to say, now that we already committed to pay the amount, I nodded. She entered the date and time marked a few checks and told me that since we don't have much time for the shoot, if for some reason we can't make it for the shoot, she will post pone it without any issues. I thought that was reasonable and initialed at 2 places that she pointed me. It was a mistake on my part to not to read the paper and believe her that she was telling me everything that was on the paper. Well, there was this section at the bottom that talks about the cancellation policy which I didn't read. It said that there will not be any refunds.

I wanted to come out of the office as soon as I could as my son is becoming cranky. By the time we came out of the office it was about 8PM. After reaching home we started discussing and decided that we should cancel the shoot as it was very expensive and we didn't want to drive back there. It took us 1 and half hour to come back from Edgewater with the traffic. We decided to drop off this modeling idea. It was too late that night to call them as they close at 8.30PM.

I called them up next morning at 9AM (within 2 business hours) to cancel the photo shoot. We asked for the director that we met the earlier evening. They said she was not in office and asked me if I have any message for her. I told them that this was regarding the photo shoot appointment for my son. After an hour I got a call from a lady who said she is the manager of the person who I talked to the day before. I explained her everything. She asked me to go through the paper work and pointed me to the cancellation policy, that's when I realized that I was in trouble. She said she could postpone the shoot but will not authorize to refund the amount.

I said I don't want to postpone it and wanted a refund. She bluntly said she is not willing to refund it as I already signed the contract. She told me she was going to call me in the evening and will let me know what she can do. She called me in the evening (Tuesday) at 4.30 and said she can only postpone the shoot (which she already told me in the morning) and will not be refunding the amount. I said this is not fair, she said she is being fair to me by postponing the shoot and asked me if there is anything that she can do as if nothing happened so far. I got off the phone. I got a call after 30 minutes from the office saying that the person is from customer relations department. He said that he could get me a refund of $750 dollars. I didn't agree with him.

I called up the credit card company and disputed the charge. They blocked the amount and after 30 days(just today, Sept14, 2007) I got the letter from them along with the copy of the document that I initialed stating that they will not be able to credit the amount. I called them up and explained them again, the representative reopened the dispute again.

I was searching over the internet to find out if I can get some help and came across the article on wcbstv website. This website had a link to your website. Please help me in getting my money back. I hope we can do something so that in future there will not be any more victims like me.

There is an article on wcbstv.com (on the television) on this company.

url: http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_332173619.html

I have gathered reports filed by people online against this company.

A few:

http://ripoffreport.com/reports/0/266/RipOff0266777.htm

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/221/ripoff0221598.htm

http://ripoffreport.com/reports/0/231/ripoff0231162.htm

Ex-Employee of the model company commenting on the company.

http://ripoffreport.com/reports/0/221/RipOff0221598.htm

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We got scammed from this so called industry and talent studios. We were at Jersey Gardens Mall when this woman called us and started to say so many good things about our son and that he might be great to appeared on baby magazines, shows, etc.. we agreed and she asked for our phone numbers so they can call us and make an appointment. We got that call the same day and the day after and the day after that one..finally we decided to answer and we make the app for next saturday. When we got into the room this guy didnt stop talkin and telling us how a gifted baby we have..well the thing is that he just explained us on how many magazines and tv shows my son could be in and that we can make his college funds. When he finally stopped flatterin my son he showed us the composite cards and that they only use this card to promote him. We agreed and continue to see the prices list and we chose the one for $875 but before we gave him the credit card we decided to read the contract but this guy was so anxious and told us that what is in the contract is everything he already told us..well we believed him and signed it then he ask for the credit card and before i know he already have swiped it.By this time i felt something weird and wanted to stop but he said he already charge the credit card and that anyways it was a good oportunity for my son because he was too cute. we asked if they were going to charge any more money and he laughed and said no that what we just paid cover everything.We asked if we get to have the pics and he said yes they give a cd with all the pictures. When we got out from there i talk to my wife and disagreed about this agency we went over the contract and it did say theres not any refunds after signing the contract, something that this guy never mentioned. Next sat we showed up for the pictures, didnt last more than one hour and the photographer was not nice either. We did the next appointment to see the pics which 3 or 5 were fine out of 50 pictures which by the way is way less than what it says on the contract. After we saw the pics this lady comes and asked if we might want to have the pics, we said yes, she said its $47 for the cd. Then, we were moved to another room where this other lady askd for more money for the composite cards, i asked if it was $4.75 and she said we need to choose the package and showed us another price list, i said it is not right because they didnt tell us it was going to be that much money and that this other guy told us the $875 cover everything.She said those 875 were for the shoots and keep pointing me at the $450 for three months of composite cards. i said thats a lot of money and i'd like my money back, the shoot was already done she said and i cant get my money. We felt we were ripped off, i mean besides they use your children to make money they try at any way to get more money out of your pocket. I see this comments from people who write since 2006 til 2010 and nothing cant be done against this types of agencies. WHAT A FRUSTRATION!!

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RE: Complaint against Industry Modeling & Talent Studios

We were at Six Flags, using our season passes, as we were leaving for the day near the exit. My daughter and a friend (both girls, 11 years old) were approached by a young woman approximately 20-25, she was telling them that �they had a great look and could be models or actors� and she said �she scouted for Six Flags and other big companies�.

She would not give up until the girls gave her their cell numbers and then she gave them a business card. They called a day later on my cell, I did not answer. These people made too many phone calls that I ignored because, I didn�t know the number, I can not count the numbers of calls that they made; I just continued to ignore them until one day my daughter answered the phone she said, � Mommy please talk to these people it is my future I really, really want to go. I talked to them they told me that the only day I could see them with an appointment was on next day otherwise I have to wait for long time because they had too many people. I said its ok I will give you a call, I hung up and I didn�t call, they call later that night again, but my husband answered my cell phone. He answered, �There�s some company asking to speak to my daughter said they scouted her for Six Flags and wanted to make an appointment to discuss modeling�. They set an appointment for the next Saturday.

When we went to that place we filled out a simple application, then we were call to a room with a women who ignored my husband and I the whole time she was talking to my daughter all the time how beautiful she was and how easy it was going to be in Disney and how people who have been trying out too twenty years never became famous because we work with over 200 casting directors, personal acting and modeling agents that represent and make people famous. Working with us will make it easy to get famous. But only for a few dollars for photos, marketing and exposure we make it that easy. You first need a Head Shot Photo, with a Bio, and Composite Cards that our marketing team will send out to agents. She even asked my daughter, � who was her favorite artist and she said, don�t tell me it is Justin Bieber�? My daughter said, �how did you know it was him?�, the women answered �we know you will have the opportunity to meet him and to spend time with him�. Then she explained to my husband and I what was that we have to do. It is very simple she shows us various photo books still talking the fee is the cost of the Photo Shoot and the best thing is that the marketing team and showing the cards are free. The pictures packages and how much they cost ranged between $800.00 up to $5000.00 based on how many shots. She was showing us picture and we decided one 4 different poses for pictures for $1175. Then the big secret is that, �we will do everything else; you guys don�t have to pay another penny�, �Industry will do everything � she asked, �Now lets put Industry behind her you know it�s all for her�. My daughter said, �Please mommy it�s for photos and everything�. She then asked me which credit card then held her hand out for my credit card and run it then after she run my credit card she said, � I will give you a give for two hundred dollars more we are going to give you 48 more photos totaling 96 shots �. She had the credit card and she ran it again. Then she told me initial here and here for permission for the photo shots but she was covering the paper with so many other papers and then I signed for the permission to market and present her pictures to all their affiliates casting, modeling agents. Then the women said, �Your in luck we have an appointment for next Saturday to take the pictures�. Then we said, �we have to look at our schedule and she said everything is set for you we can�t change the appointments we have to pay the photographers too much money there is no second chances over here you have to do it this way, I told you that�. When we came home we started to do some research about these people and when we found a lot about the ugly things that approximately 200 people had to say about them we got to the copy of the contract, that she �conveniently� stapled shut before we left her office. These copies and reverse sided copies of yellow paper showed that the women had misled, misrepresented, coercion, and used every type of exploitation just for the money. We found out that we didn�t own any thing not pictures, no negatives. Industry says we don�t even have the right to cancel the contract.

We didn�t have any rights not even to have our daughter pictures, I got so scared, I had a strange feeling that these people are doing some kind of child exploitation or even worst. So I wrote them a letter that I fax with in the three business days that the law permits. One copy of the cancellation notice to shoot the photos mailed via regular mail and one mailed certified copy, return receipt requested. I did that on Tuesday 20 July 2010 and then on the 21 Wednesday 2010 when day all this happened on Saturday July 17, 2010. I also faxed a copy on July 21, 2010 (Wednesday).

All these actions were accomplished within (3) three business days. When they call me on the phone today I missed the call but I call back to see if they have already received the correspondence (Notice of Cancellation) or transferred the money back to my account I found out they were calling just to tell me that my appointment was set for Saturday, July 24, 2010. I told them, �Do you think I am stupid, you received my fax of the Notice of Cancellation, yesterday. And, today you received the letter in the mail. So what is your problem, you think because you tried scammed me the way you scammed everybody that goes to your place, you are going to get anything else from me. So, next time only call me; when you have a refund check. No services were rendered, no photos shot, and no photographer scheduled you people should be investigated for child exploitation, misrepresentation and fraud.

I am respectfully requesting a full and cursory investigation on this company. They do not give negatives of any photos of children to the parents, how are they using these photos. A copy of this letter will be forwarded to the Child Exploitation Unit, FBI Center at Quantico, VA. No telling where these digital photos are used?

It hurts me that New Jersey allows people like these predators to operate. This is a direct violation of human and children�s rights for exploitation. There are more than 225 BBB complaints on the New Jersey BBB Website, with a rating of �F�. How are they allowed to approach children at Six Flags Great Adventure?

If you want justice in your case contact us and tell us your story by emailing us at scammer.scanners AT yahoo.com Together we can get our money back!

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I had a similar experience with them, we were approached by them at Woodbridge Mall, started saying my daughter is cute and forced me to fill out my contact information. After that they called me like 50 times over a few days, I finally talked to them and set up an appointment, made sure on the phone that I don't have to pay anything, and they said 'no, just come over and we'll evaluate'. Drove around one and a half hour with my wife and 2 year old daughter, got there saw some other people filling out forms, walking in and out. I filled out the form, was called in, met with "Rebecca". She started talking...going on and on saying my daughter is so cute and she'll be great for so many advertisements and blah..blah..blah. We were tired from the drive, my daughter was getting cranky and we just wanted to get out of there. Finally she came up with the details for photoshoot and what it'll cost us. We really were not keen, but she kept persuading, saying 'do you want your daughter to miss out, she's so cute....' so we gave in, I always though we could cancel and get a refund if we changed our mind, she asked what package we wanted and we negotiated a bit, she handed out some forms to fill and asked me if she could see the card I wanted to put the charge on. I gave her the card and before I knew she swiped it and gave me a receipt to sign for $875....I was surprised....I asked if I have to pay the whole amount right now...(but I also thought it's on my credit card- I can always dispute the charge). She gave us the legal agreement. We were tired, hungry, my daughter wanted to get out of there. I asked Rebecca if we need to pay anything else, she said we don't have to pay anything more, this is it. I just looked over the contract, always assuming that "no service, no pay" and thought that I'll cancel later if I have to, and dispute the charge if they don't issue a refund. So, I signed the agreement and receipt. On the way home me and my wife discussed more, realised it's a lot of money. This was a Saturday, my wife called them on Monday to make sure that there won't be any other charges....then they came up with charges for the headshots and other material....she said why was'nt this communicated before and said she wanted to cancel. The lady said you can't cancel, you can only reschedule. My wife told me about this, then I called them the next day, told them that if I'm not getting any services how can you charge me, I don't want your services, please refund $875 that you've charged on my credit card. She had me talk to her manager, same conversation again, I asked them politely to refund the money and said I don't want your services, but no use. Finally, I called the credit card company, they did dispute the charge, but few weeks later, they send me the communication they got from these scammers about the no refund policy and paid them. Having a hectic life and trying to get this resolved is too much. I saw these complaints on your website, I called them again, and said if they don't refund I'll file a complaint with the Division of Consumer affairs...and the lady said...go ahead..she does'nt care. I'm surprised that despite so many complaints the government is doing nothing. I still see these people in the mall and want to tell them to stop this fraudulent practice. Please help me.

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I went thru the samething with them. I am taking them to small claims court. At this point paying the filing fee of $23.00 is nothing compared to what I already gave them. I know someone who did this and get their money back. So it is worth a try.

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Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Comment On This

Good afternoon!

We are very sorry to read that you were dissatisfied with your experience at Industry Model & Talent Studios.

At Industry, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and overall experience, and we would like to address your concerns.

Please contact us by e-mailing lwirstiuk AT industrystudio.com, and we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner.

Thank you!

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thank you for the information this comment has been very helpful, today February 22,2010 we were scheduled for an evaluation my husband my 3 month old and I. I told my husband that I had a strange feeling and my husband said the same thing, that he thought that they were a photo studio covered to get people's money,because apparently they don't make money in any other way, Its good to have come back home without signing anything and read this very very impoirtant!!!! information thank you,once again for the information. I do hope they close down this office in Edgewater and the one in New York, that's New Faces its the same company.

thanks!!!

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We had a similar experience in August 2009. They took $1000 deposit ,called to cancel a couple of hours later no refunds. This policy was not disclosed to us. They made us initial telling us that we have paid $1000 and owe nothing. Till today Feb 2010 we did not receive any services nor the refund. As it stands today ,they simply took the money.

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IF YOU WERE APPROACHED IN THE MALL PLEASE READ!!! I don't give two flying f***s what anyone says on this message board that praises industry model. I work for them right now and I am quitting I have already starting going on interviews for new jobs. I had always had a feeling it was a scam we would be in willow brook mall and they would always approach my niece and my sis and I would say that's a scam ignore them. But when I got a phone call from them(not knowing they were the same people in the mall) in regards to my resume and when I went in the interview I was kind of changing my mind. But then I went through the training process and something just sounded a lil suspicious and I had them on a long leash but desperate for a job so I took it. And then I google them right after I saw a letter typed up to employees about what we respond to after people ask us about interview with inside edition and my draw dropped when I came to this site and heard of the things they do. I will say this that some people do get jobs if you actually are marketable but you gotta come out your pocket so much money in order to even get to that level and after you buy one thing they send you to another department to purchase more bullshit! All they sell you is an opportunity of bullshit! No matter what they tell you they are lying! They train us to lie and its funny cause they try to convince us that we aren't a scam so that we can convince you. Don't feel special clients cause they scam their employees as well they have people that have worked here since they first started and were making $15.50 and then dropped them to $10 and said they would make it up with "new bonus system" but the bonuses are impossible to make and when u do make them your going to break even not make more. They write you up for every little thing and have made tons of stupid rules to get back at employees for calling the dept of labor on them! The call center is in suite 6 a couple doors down that's where the magic happens! Its all an illusions and its bs they should get shut down ASAP. My heart is too big to work for this company and its sad because most of the people that work here don't give a shit they are ignorant loud rude and asshole! If you say you are not interested they will keep you in the system and you will get called all day everyday and it is so obnoxious I hate it! But the few that are good pleae dont judge them because this is their only resort as they have families and need to support them. Oh and the directors are not real directors they are sales people that's it they know nothing about the industry they all have the same lil book in there desk! This is most def an exspensive portrait studio you will be better off spending your money at picture people if you want head shots! Go see natasha or tyesha! They take amazing pictures for half the price! Don't get caught up in the hype! I plan to make sure they are not in business for too long because this is more then wrong its a crime! Oh and never ever give them your personal info! Jus to confirm its bs when you go for an evaluation on the application they ask for your social. I know cause I made my friend go in and tell me everything that goes down and she said that the women basically kicked her out the office when she said she didn't want to purchase a package! But if they don't even know if they wanna work with you y would they ask you for your social?! Oh n if you give them ya card they will charge it they only make 10% for commission so they are desperate for a sale! Do not give card number do not sign sh**! They will charge your card no matter what! Be smart guys!

1) both parents must be present- becuase if they want mom to sign a 5,000 contract right then and then they dont have the patience to deal with her trying to get a hold of dad to make a decision on whether or no they can spend that money.

2) must bring 2 forms of id 1 photo and the other non photo typically people will bring in a credit card not the other bulls**** they say you can bring in like a library card lol yeah right

3) the "evaluation" is of no cost or obligation yeah just for the interview but the prices after that range from $500 and up

4) they say leave your credit card information so we can hold your spot and when you give us the ok we will charge your card !!! wrong answer!!!! they will not wait they will charge ya card! I hope this info is helpful to all!

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Please file a complaint with NJ Consumer protection division.

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform2.htm

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Hello There, Please file a consumer complaint at NJ Consumers division. I did so. Please find the link below

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform2.htm

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Hello There,

I filed a complaint with NJ Consumers protection division. I advise you do to so. Please find the link below

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform2.htm

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Hello There,

I filed a complaint with NJ Consumers protection division. I advise you do to so. Please find the link below

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform2.htm

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HelloThere,

I am victim too. They ripped us $1150. we called right after coming out of the director's office and within 10 minutes. They refused to refund. This is a big scam. we need to fight together!. Please file complaint with NJ Cosumers division

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform2.htm

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I cancelled three weeks ago and have not received the refund. Can we do something to have the state shout down this place?

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It seems that I am the only person responding to this that actually went through with their service!

How can you call anyone a scam and not even give them the chance to do what they say they do??

Granted, I did have to pay what I consider a lot of money (over $2000), but I did my reasearch and found that for head shots or modeling comp cards, you have to pay at least that no matter where you go or what photographer you use.

Well, for me it actually worked and I have been requested several times, got signed by an agent (Xist Model Management) and have booked gigs on Law & Order and Ugly Betty. ALSO my cousin did it for her 3 year old who was printed in a toys r' us ad just a few weeks ago.

So I'm not saying their cancellation policy is great, but you did have to initial it, and yes they were pushy with me too, but not dishonest in any way. All I can say is it's a tough business .

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Today is tuesday, 9/22/09 and I am soo thankful that I did the research before I actually went to this place. Its sad though because I was actually excited. I was approached at the Lowes Theatre, near Willowbrook Mall. They called my cell phone so many times!! I finally scheduled an appointment on thursday. Now, Im not going. Thank you so much and I hope and pray you get a full refund!!

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Thank you so much for posting this account of your experience with Industry Models and Talent Studio online. After reading your blogg I really felt compelled to post one myself. I almost fell for this scam too as they approached me in the mall about my son's future in modeling, and then proceeded to call the very next day to set up an interview with the director. After setting it up over the phone I went on to Google them and found your complaint among numerous others. After reading several complaints I called them back and strongly verbalized that I would not be attending the meeting and why. I let them know that I have no time to waste on their company and its ridiculous scam. This really goes to show how powerful the internet is, if it weren't for these scam alert postings I would possibly have been $1500.00 poorer by Sunday. I must admit though that it is still surprisingly alarming to me that people would lie and cheat others for the almighty dollar to such an implausible extent. I hope that this posting reinforces to other potential victims that doing business with this company is a serious and definite NO NO...

Regards,

Concerned Citizen

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I've been thinking about getting my daughter into modelling for awhile now (but was waiting until she gets a little older), but I was so excited to be approached by this "company". I gave them my contact info and was looking forward to meeting with them. Fortunately, I always check if a modelling agency/studio is legit (I've recieved letters in the mail from "modeling agencies" that were also scams. And the moment I typed in the name of this place on google, I saw nothing but complaints. So I waited for their call to politely tell them that we were no longer interested. They called my home and cell phone several times over a 3 day period, and there was so much noise, talking, and laughter on the other line that I just hung up (sounds more like a prank phone call than a professional business). When I was finally able to speak with someone, I calmly told them that I was "no longer interested, but I thank you." Surprisingly, I recieved the rude reply of "WELL YOU SHOULD'VE NEVER FILLED OUT THE CONTACT INFORMATION!!" And was hung up on. Even if this place was legit, I would never let such rude people around my child. Luckily I found this out before it was too late.

PARENTS: NO AGENCY WILL ASK YOU TO PAY OUTRAGEOUS PRICES TO WORK FOR THEM. THEY SHOULD BE PAYING YOU! INDUSTRY MODEL AND TALENT STUDIO IS AN OBVIOUS SCAM!

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Well im a 14 yr old girl and went two six flags water park two days ago. ive always wanted to be an actress. and right when i was hanging out this dude gets closer and tell me a lil bit a bout it. he was cute so i listened... nd it was about being on "tv shows and comercials and everything"

i was so excited. he told me to talk to my parents and they would call me in 3 days. They've called three times today and talked to my dad only since he went out. when he came back he told me about it but i live in new york so he wouldnt had taken me anyways. im glad i read this though and this is not the only company out there that is doing that. thats why i always research, but the first thing i did when i got home was visit their website, industrystudio.com

and of course read the testimonial to see if it was for real, and of course, all good comments, blah blah blah...

but thanks god i read this. thats why all always research the most i can.

all they did was get me all excited but after thiis, next time they call im just saying im not interested.

ill just keep tryin but with talent development networks that really work.

thnx

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At Six Flags, the manager approached me and my child and asked if I ever thought about have her model. I asked if Industry was selling photo shoots and he told me "no." He said he scouted the child and there would be no cost. I found out that they would offer a photo package during the interview from this complaint board and decided against going on the interview. A phone agent called to confirm the apt. Then the confirmation agent, Jazmine, called. When I got into it with Jazmine about the complaints on the Internet and asked her to send me some positive references, she hung up on me. What does that tell you about this company? Not only are they rude, but it is a numbers game to them. I am so glad I didn't waste my time or the hopes of my children.

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I am so glad I was able to find this entry in google search. I was approached by the same company 2 weeks ago and they called again today. I made an appointment for tomorrow having soome good dreams for my son. I am not going to get my dreams shattered nor am I interested in getting ripped off. Thank you for posting these comments and sharing your experience. I do hope you they refund you the full amount, since the circumstances forced you into signing this agreement. They should have given upfront information about potential charges before making you drive for 75 minutes with a kid.

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I 'am 32 yrs old and I know that you must read anything before you sign, but for the idiot who commented that you must read before you sign.

Tried reading a legal size paper the "AGREEMENT" with the font size of the letters about 8.5", o and the page is both sided so you really have to read both side of the agreement. Your child screeaming, crying, or talking over you and the suppose Director.

The Director is filling your head of dreams. You child is loving all this personal attention. The Director is asking your child to pose, to speak english and spanish, to sing and dance and your child is pulling out her i-pod and dancing and singing for this person who is promising you and assuring you that your child will get a call back in less than 6 mos.

You must be a company employee because you obviously do not have any remorse or bad feeling for what this people are doing.

I have cried and have not slept thinking about the fact that this company stole $ 850.00 and my childs dreaming of actually being a model.

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I was at the NJ Nets game the other day and as everyone else on here stated was approached by a young woman telling me about my daughters "look." Blah, blah, blah. I gave her my cell and of course they called the next day trying to set up an appointment. I told the uneducated talking woman I want to do a little research prior to setting up the appointment. That call was over. So today I got around to researching them. They have quite a number of alias's and 139 complaints to NJ BBB and many to CT as well where they operate the same scam under a different name. I looked up the Principal and it looks like he's just a kid, graduating in the late 90's from HS! In addition, the principle and his wife have Facebook pages. So disheartening principle that you prey on local people's pride and joy's, especially considering you have a new one of your own.

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thanks for this ,same thing happened to me on saturday tis guy approach me and my daughter telling me how beautifull she is and yada yada .... so what they did was calling me right the next day on sunday night they do that so you dont have too much time to do any investigation ,,but fuck !! them i am not going to the appoinment.

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Thanks for posting your experience. It definitely saved us from the trap!

We were approached at the Freehold Raceway Mall.

Beware everyone! These people are everywhere!

I hope you are able to resolve the issue with them.

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todays date is 2/8/09 last sunday while out with my family a women commented on how beautiful my son was and ask if modeling was something we would be interested, wehen we said yes i was told they will not reschedule.

after i googled the agency my husband and i decided we will not going to out appointment, so thank you to everyone who voiced there issues with that company

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People who have been ripped off by this company, please email me. Also file a complaint with BBB and NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

http://newjersey.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=89&bbb=0221&firm=28000562

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform.htm

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I am sorry what happened.

I too was approached by an agent at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus for my son. I went to the office in Edgewater as well as I was curious.

The guy I met was all excited and even got me excited about the opportunity. Then he said it would cost money for the photo shoot.

Warning flags went up in my head. I hesitated and finally asked if I can think about. He was annoyed, but I finally left. I never called back. I am glad I didn't pay anything for it. I felt bad for the people I saw who were getting photo shoots.

Be wary of model/actor agencies that charge you especially if they prowl at malls. Same apply for publishers and job headhunters.

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The basic problem with this company is their cancellation policy. If the company is legitimate, why would they not refund even a penny to people who call within hours to cancel and that too days before the photoshoot is scheduled? Why should the customer have to pay for services they are not going to use. Any legitimate business in the world would have some sensible refund policy to recoup costs for services rendered but refund the rest.

In this case, even if they do everything they promise and the photoshoot charges are genuinely reasonable, why not refund the full amount to people who have only signed the contract but not used their services.

I too am a victim but this is personal now. They made my wife break down on the phone and now I am willing to lose thousands of dollars to get back at them. Will update these pages with the full course of actions I will be taking against them.

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Thank you so much for your comments! We were approached in the mall (Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, NJ) by a talent scout and the exact same things happened. I always try to research this stuff beforehand before agreeing to anything. I am so sorry that you were ripped off, but hopefully you will be vindicated! If it wasn't for your comments, I'm not sure what would have happened with us! These people will get theirs someday!

Best of luck!

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This company approached us in the mall - Garden State Plaza - on Saturday. On Sunday evening someone was already calling us pressuring us to make an appointment. Justin was such a fast talker, I immediately became suspicious. My mother modeled professionally for more than 2 decades and I have a friend who's two son's had done Gap ads, etc. I Google the company and immediately read scam after scam. Parents must do their due diligence.

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It's funny to point out that someone signed a contract so there is no reason to complain ... but we should be able to cancel a contract after at least 3 days ... The way Industry push people to signing those contracts no wonder why some people get forced to sign them ... Who wrote that last comment must work for the company and it a heartless money grabber ...

I trully feel bad for the parents that do get suckered into signing those owful contracts ...

I'm still shocked that there is no one out there that would do something about this.

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Thanks for this information. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and I will not be showing up. I really didn't want to do it in the first place but my daughter begged me so I thought I'd go and just check it out. Thanks for saving my time and possibly money!

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I was at Six flags Great Aventure when the girl approached me, with same story

about the modeling future for my kids,

I wasn`t really into it; but I finally fillout their little info card.

Next day someone called telling me that: my kids fit the criteria they looking for.

we Set the appoinment and Same story bring photo and ID.

up to this point I wasn`t awared of their charges for anything,(since nobody mentioned)

all they said that it was going to be a free interview.

when we got there It was really crowded like 100 people or more .

we have a 3:30 appoinment, they finally get to my name about 2 hours later.

Right away, WOW cute kids, how handsome and everything else;

when to her office and talk for about 20 minutes

about how good they are (meaning INDUSTRY MODEL)

and what they can do for my kids modeling/ acting carrier.

to my surprise she pull out of NO where a chart of prices

that when from $550.00 to $5.500.00 for photoshots ( make up and hairstyles included) what a deal!.

ok the price was just for the shots. later I was going to pick the photos to make the composite presentation card

and more money probably out she said $0.45 for each composite card and they were propably print 200.

after listening to her story of fama and fortune,

I could take anymore and told her thank`s and I was leaving.

she said, it was a small price to pay for all the good to come

and that nothing its for free!(all her kindness when away and not even goodbye)

then I knew why others that when before me they zoom out of there just like I did.

well I am sorry for you guys that pay

and now lost the money and time into it!

to me the honest true;

their practice itsn`t right,

they take your money work with your time

and if they ever really get you a job they still take more money out of it.

their office look scammy too.

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INDUSTRY MODEL & TALENT STUDIOS IS A COMPLETE FRAUD!!!!! TWO WORDS... STAY AWAY!!!! My sister was approached in Woodbridge Mall by Industry Models while shopping with her 4 year old son. Long story short she "GAVE" 900.00 dollars for a photo shoot, the contract she signed required a 300.00 dollar deposit and 550.00 dollars due at the photo shoot to be paid in cash or money order ONLY! the day she arrived to pick out the pictures from the photo shoot there was a 45.00 fee for the copyright CD. During the meeting the young female spoke 90 miles per minute while keeping a smile on her face, bottom line she wanted 1800.00 dollars that day for a 3 year contract which would allow agencies unlimited access to the online photos of my sister's son causing strong possibilities for jobs..... My sister did not have 1800.00 dollars that day and asked if she could reschedule and come back with her husband and the female told her basically the 1800.00 dollars was a must for that day it's the companys policy not to reschedule if parties do not have payment or down payment!! She's out 900.00 dollars i just hope this does not happen to anyone else. Please do not fall victim to INDUSTY MODELS... REPORT THEM REPORT THEM REPORT THEM.

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They also took $1500 from me and never called me again for any jobs or castings. The only time I heard from them was when they wanted more money to go to a supposed "open casting call"

When I am in the mall now, I tell people to get away from the booth!! They need to be sued!! If someone out there is interested in a class-action suit, please let me know!!

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I suspected it's a scam when I was approached by a girl in Monmouth mall,today somebody called and I actually made an appointment but thanks to your website I will certainly not go anywhere tomorrow.As far as the money pleas file with the better business bureau and and small claims court and see what you can do,wish you good luck.I just found out about kids.com who scammed me out of $595 6 years ago and I never got anything from them in return.Wish more people stopped all this exploitation and scammers altogether! And as far as the person who commented above me :are you working for the industry model&talent? You will see a problem when the feds start investigating your company!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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If you can get your money back report it to

Division of Consumer Affairs Newark, NJ

Last year they received around 30 complaints.

The samething happen to me!

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What I got from that story is that you paid for a photoshoot and didnt read the agreenment. To me, it seems that you need to read before signing anything. Im not sure what you complain is regarding the company.