My family and I had signed a contract with Be Productions. When we disputed the contract we found out our (sole) contract was sold to Monterey Financial Services within the month that we signed the contract. Here is my e-mail communication. These people will try to bully you to get what they want:
Wednesday, May 27
Monterey Financial Services NEEDS MY MONEY!
Instead of handling the issue with Monterey Financial Services (like a real Financial Institution) the e-mails and even a call came tonight. Wow! They sure need the Money!
Please call me closer to those days at (925) 457-1888... Easier for me... But i do have arthur on the list.
Thanks!
Domingo ivan
From: Scott and Maribel
Sent: Sun 9/14 6:58 PM
To: Domingo Casanas
Cc: Erin Lofstrom
Subject: Re: Arthur promise
Domingo,
Thanks for the quick response. Should I follow-up with you, or will you be in contact with us?
Scott and Maribel
Original Message
From: Domingo Casanas
To: Scott and Maribel
Sent: Saturday, September 13 8:51: 27 PM
Subject: RE: Arthur promise
Hi! Thank you! Arthur will be on one of our shows by end of year...
Our crew took off to the San Diego area for the BeBopping shows that are
currently being looked up by different networks. We were hoping that they
would be back in production in the Bay Area for our two shows here by September... However Season two of Kids Unlimited and Say What will start
in end of Oct and Nov... So you will be hearing from me then. Sorry, for the delay but Yes! It will happen.
Thanks!
Domingo Ivan
From: Scott and Maribel
Sent: Sat 9/13 8:25 AM
To: Domingo Casanas
Cc:
Subject: Arthur promise
Hello Domingo,
When we were at Be studio's and prior to us signing-up with Be, you promised a paying role on one of the Be production (once he completed all of his requirements) television shows for our son Arthur. Can you please let us know a.S.A.P. When your promise will be full-filled and Arthur will be in a one of the Be production television shows.
Thank-you,
Scott and Maribel
Re: Your Blog on Be Productions
...
[Chat now] "[email protected]"
My emails to you and any other parent that had same concerns were sent with the answer that the owners and the pr department told me and
made me believed that as an example when the shoots would start for the show etc... Only following what they told me and believing it to be true.
Domingo Ivan
Ms Potthoff you have really either lost focus or are truly clueless what lack of services have been rendered. The fact that you feel the need to continue to defend yourself by responding to my e-mails and bully us really does not add to your credibility. On one hand your company says you owe us the money. On the other hand, if we have a issue with Be. Deal with Be (I have your e-mail on this, if you need to see it again). Now you feel you are a expert on the issues dealing with Be and as stated in your e-mail, defending them, and taking their word over all the other hard working families that were done wrong. If you read my above e-mail's we were offered more than what was on the contract and the hand-out card (which was not full-filled as well).
There were lots of families that were "taken" by Be and your attachment and defending of their actions only adds to the credibility of the company you work for. I feel sorry for you.
From: Brooke Potthoff
To:
Subject: RE: My Dispute with Be Productions and Monterey Financial Services pt 1 of 3
Your statements don't at all change the facts I have provided. I again encourage you to call me directly to resolve the matter. I'm also more than happy to be on a 3-way call with your bank to recover the held funds. My direct toll free number is listed below. This will be the last e-mail I send. Please contact me directly with further questions or concerns.
Brooke Potthoff
Finance Manager
Monterey Financial Services, Inc.
(800) 456-2225 ext 4301
Visit us online to view your account/make payments at www.montereyfinancial.com
This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
And our phone call:
Tonight at 5:25pm, we received a call from Brooke Pottoff. She asked if we can stop the e-mails back and forth and reach a settlement based on what they claim we owe Monterey Financial Services.in the middle of the conversation, I asked her if this was being recorded, and she told me that it was. I explained to her, that she is suppose to disclose any conversation that is being recorded based on California Law. Her come back was "all of our calls are recorded". When I asked for proof that they own my (sole) contract. She said she did not need to give it to us.
My wife has told them to handle how they seem fit and to not call our home anymore. Remember Brooke. You recorded that (without our permission).
Scott and Maribel
:
Monterey Financial / Desando's Deal With The Devil
We received the following email today:
Mr. And Mrs. Signed a legally binding contract (attached) with our client, Be Productions, in May and as this is an assignable contract, Monterey purchased the contract later that same month. Mr. Himself provided a copy of the contract he and Mrs. Signed on 5/8/09, and clearly typed at the bottom of the contract is the cancellation clause. As this clause indicates, the account may only be cancelled in writing within 3 business days of signing the contract and therefore remains open. This was a 3-pay loan and again, as the contract clearly shows, the agreed to make 3 monthly payments of $1165.00 to pay off the loan. The first was taken directly by Be Productions on May 8th when the contract was signed. Mr. And Mrs. Then gave their authorization to run their credit card for 2 more drafts on June 8 and July 8. After Monterey Financial purchased the contract, the 2 additional payments were drafted for $1165.00 each on June 10 and July 10 to pay the account in full. The signed up for this service through Be Productions and their affiliates over a year ago and have had all services available throughout this year. Only now are they disputing the contract, over a year after signing. Liz Brainard (Customer Service Lead) and Barry Falck (owner) contacted Mrs. Directly earlier this month to explain all showcases and classes and to get her daughter enrolled. Mrs. Ended up hanging up on Liz and Barry. On May 20, our merchant provider received chargeback notification after the disputed both the June and July payments with their credit card company. Because of that dispute, the account is currently over 11 months past due (351 days exactly as of today). I had previously explained this information in an e-mail to the, as had multiple representatives done so by phone when they had called our office previously. Unfortunately, without adequate payment arrangements, we may be forced to send this account on to a collection agency for the full balance due to the severity of the delinquency. This could potentially have a negative impact on both of the Poggenburgs' credit. Our goal is to prevent that from happening, which is why I have urged Mr. And Mrs. Poggenburg to contact our offices right away to set-up arrangements. They can use our toll free number, 877-399-6374, to make payment arrangements and can also use Be Productions' toll free customer service line, which is 800-974-9178, to go over any service issues and to readdress the benefits the contract has to offer their child, which is why they signed up to begin with. They are also welcome to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Brooke Potthoff
Finance Manager
Monterey Financial Services, Inc.
(800) 456-2225 ext 4301
This was my response:
Ms. Potoff,
Thank-you for clarifying Monterey Financial Services connection with Be Productions as I can use this in further complaints that will be issued. I also strongly advise, that if you are quoting 3rd parties (i.E. Barry Falck) you will look more professional if you can substantiate your claims. Also the fact that you have failed to give our family the opportunity to dispute in writing your claim is also unfair. Some how my communication with you has failed. I have stated more than once (you have it recorded!).. We disputed the charges with citibank. You had 60 day's to answer that dispute! The fact is that instead of justifying your actions you have decided to come after us! We do not have the money. Citibank is holding it. If there is something you do not want to disclose to citibank. That is not my problem. If you or be productions decided not to disclose your actions. THAT IS NOT MY PROBLEM.
Do you understand that there is a breach of contract. We demand anything that has our name connected to monterey financial services. That is our right. Also prove how there was a loan for services not rendered!
Opinion from a former staffer:
—I've done my research, and the do have a very good remedy via a compliant filed with the Labor Commissioner. I could not recall the number of the bill you worked on, but the code section that was amended is Labor Code Sec. 1701 et seq. That law requires all "advance fee talent services" to post a bond which the can file a claim against. If the agency did not post a bond, they can be subjected to prosecution by the Commissioner, the contract is voidable at the election of the, which gives them a claim in Small Claims Court, and even an Unfair Trade complaint (B&P Code 17200 et seq.) if they were so inclined. The first step, however, is a compliant filed with the Labor Commissioner.
I have one question. I read the blog and it seems to indicate that the received a refund as a result of a dispute they filed with their credit card agency. Is this true? Perhaps I read it wrong, but, if this is the case, they no longer have a cause of action for damages. They can, however, still file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Code includes several mandatory provisions enforceable by the Commissioner that I suspect were violated. The Commissioner can fine the company and take other punitive steps for these violations.
Lets not lose focus of my original complaint and breach.
Posted by Gonna Be Productions Scam at 4:29 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Monterey Financial Eric Desando scam Barry Falck scam D C scam Be Productions Scam My Artists Place Scam Gonna Be Scam
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Saturday, May 23
Be Productions Refund
Try this:
Opinion from a former staffer:
—I've done my research, and the do have a very good remedy via a compliant filed with the Labor Commissioner. I could not recall the number of the bill you worked on, but the code section that was amended is Labor Code Sec. 1701 et seq. That law requires all "advance fee talent services" to post a bond which the Poggenburg can file a claim against. If the agency did not post a bond, they can be subjected to prosecution by the Commissioner, the contract is voidable at the election of the Poggenburgs, which gives them a claim in Small Claims Court, and even an Unfair Trade complaint (B&P Code 17200 et seq.) if they were so inclined. The first step, however, is a compliant filed with the Labor Commissioner.
I have one question. I read the blog and it seems to indicate that the received a refund as a result of a dispute they filed with their credit card agency. Is this true? Perhaps I read it wrong, but, if this is the case, they no longer have a cause of action for damages. They can, however, still file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Code includes several mandatory provisions enforceable by the Commissioner that I suspect were violated. The Commissioner can fine the company and take other punitive steps for these violations.
Posted by Gonna Be Productions Scam at 8:45 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Monterey Financial Eric Desando scam Barry Falck scam D C scam Be Productions Scam My Artists Place Scam Gonna Be Scam
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Be Productions Scam-Ex-Employee
Jason Sullivan
Burbank, California
U.S.A.
they are a biiiiiigggggg scam!
be. Productions a.K.A. My Artist's Place a.K.A. Gonnabe.com is definitely a SCAM!
I WORKED FOR THEM AND THEY ARE A SCAM. I was a 'talent director' with Be. I have no experience in the entertainment industry what so ever, all of my experience is in sales, from furniture to gym memberships
. They advised me to come up with a phoney backround to pitch to parents and kids to make myself seem more 'hollywood'. All of the 'talent directors' are sales people. I was let go of because I wasn't selling enough memberships a week. What could I do, I felt guilty pushing families into a dead end. They conduct at several 'callbacks' a day and break them down into small groups to make you feel like there was a cut and they conduct screen tests EVERY week! They call EVERYONE back as long as when you filled out the form at the screen test your income level fit the bill. Notice that letter they write at the top of your form then circle? That is a code letting the sales person a.K.A.'talent director' know how much money you make and what tactic of sale to use on you and your family. This is 100% true and I wish I had never worked for a bunch of frauds like Be.
This company needs to be exposed for the scam they are. I remember seeing the scouts come in for interviews EVERY week with Danny and his girls, who are all also big frauds themselves. And the Buzz Band? The 'kids' in that band are actually a bunch of 20-somethings that are made up of the owner's daughter and her friends from school!!! It is the only real interest the company has and the members' money all goes to funding their career and journey to discovery. The band sounds horrible too. It's all horrific. And they definitely DO NOT PAY THEIR EMPLOYEES!!! That is why they interview for scouts every week!
Http://usacomplaints.com/reports/0/373/RipOff0373852.htm#378257
Posted by Gonna Be Productions Scam at 7:54 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Monterey Financial Eric Desando scam Barry Falck scam D C scam Be Productions Scam My Artists Place Scam Gonna Be Scam
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Friday, May 22
Monterey Financial Response and My Response Back
Ms. Pottoff,
Thank-you for your quick response. The only problem I see at this point is that we did not receive the funds back from Citibank. What Citibank did (in answer to our dispute with Be), is recover the funds (which we have no access to) and held them for 60 day's. The 60 day's started in May (which Monterey should be aware of). If you answer to Citibank within those 60 day's and prove to them, the funds were taken from our account properly, they should release those funds back to you. All wanted to do is make it clear that I was disputing the fact that you will "put this in to collections" while this dispute is being investigated. I feel your action in not allowing us to have this dispute settled, while our contract was with Be Productions and not Monterey Financial is unfair and maybe unlawful. There is no stipulation in my contract that if I dispute these charges that I am liable to Monterey Financial. Monterey Financial is not even taken in to consideration the fact that "in good faith" Be Productions has held money based on a 5 year agreement, prior to services rendered during that period. Based on the facts that I have just presented to you, will you please either advise me how I can dispute the action Monterey Financial will take on me as of June 1st.
Thank-you,
From: Brooke Potthoff
To: [email protected]
Cc: Shaun Lucas ; Travis Packer
Sent: Friday, May 22 9:28: 17 AM
Subject: RE: My dispute/your business parctice
Mr.
Thank you for your feedback. I apologize if you feel you were treated rudely by any of our representatives here. I have noted that you are disputing this account; however, I strongly urge you to contact our office to set-up payment arrangements. Your account is currently over 350 days delinquent due to the recent chargebacks you did with your credit card company. You did sign a legally binding contract and there will be no cancellation. All of the services you originally signed up for are still available just as they were when you signed up. You may contact Be at their toll free number 800-974-9178 to work out any service issues you are experiencing. Unfortunately, without immediate payment arrangements, we will be forced to recommend your account for a collection agency due to the severe delinquency of the account as of June 1st for the full balance of $2330 potential collection/legal fees. Please contact us today and any representative would be more than happy to assist you with your payment arrangements. Our toll free number is 877-399-6374. Thank you.
Brooke Potthoff
Finance Manager
Monterey Financial Services, Inc.
(800) 456-2225 ext 4301
Visit us online to view your account/make payments at www.montereyfinancial.com
This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
From: Scott and Maribel [mailto: [email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 21 7:31 PM
To: Shaun Lucas
Subject: My dispute/your business parctice
I received a call today at home. The person that left the message said "this is the last chance to resolve this matter". When I called, I found out that this was in reference to my Be Productions account. This account was paid in Full, but I later found out through my credit card company, that since I filed a dispute on the charges (based on Be's business practices in Northern Cal.) they reversed the charges for 60 day's for the business to respond to the dispute.
I was told by the person on the phone (which was recorded) that your company has no dispute process. She refused to tell me a address I can mail a dispute or who I could talk to. Is it you company's policy to refuse to allow someone to dispute you actions? To not contact someone of action that you are going to take, without any prior contact? After talking to you associate and he inability to handle the situation, she ended the conversation with "this is not going anywhere, I am going to put your account in refusal to pay and send to collections".
Please respond to this e-mail or call me or my wife in reguards to this issue.
Let's see my contract that I was scammed into signing was with Be Productions. For $3,495.. We did sign 3 CC slips that added up to that amount. So. If they claim I owe them for 2 thirds. Sorry for my language, they can go to hell. And where did the other 3rd go. Eric's. Barry's or Domingo's pocket?
Posted by Gonna Be Productions Scam at 1:35 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Monterey Financial Eric Desando scam Barry Falck scam D C scam Be Productions Scam My Artists Place Scam Gonna Be Scam
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Thursday, May 21
Monterey Financial Eric Desando Be Productions True Rip off artistis
Be Productions took our money ($3,495) and ran from Northern California. We disputed the charge on our credit card. The dispute was approved by our cc company and while it was looked into, they reversed the charge. This gave Be and Monterey 60 day's to respond as to why the charge should stay. This idiots called my home today and left a message "this is your last chance to settle this dispute". I had no idea what this was about (my cc company had not even told they reversed the charges while in dispute). These Brainless money gubbing leeches did not give a prior call, they did not send anything in the mail. The topper was that after I even questioned what they were doing. I was told "this is not going anywhere, I will just put the account in collections for refusal to pay"..
Does everyone understand now, why I have said. Stay Away From Be Productions! Please read my blog:
http://beproductionsscam. Blogspot.com
They lie, steal and when they have to, threaten to have your credit messed-up. I paid everything up front. Nothing was financed. Between these 2 idiots, they just decided instead of disputing my cc company. They were just going to try to screw me and my family again!
Posted by Gonna Be Productions Scam at 1:17 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Monterey Financial Eric Desando scam Barry Falck scam D C scam Be Productions Scam My Artists Place Scam Gonna Be Scam
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Monday, May 18
Be Productions Does not Answer to BBB
Please Read the BBB response to my complaint:
Complaint Details
My Artist's Place, LLC
6005 Yolanda Avenue
Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact:
Phone: (510) 899-6780
In the absence of any response from the company this complaint despite our two requests to them, we are closing our file on this complaint.
This unanswered complaint will become part of the information we report to the public on this company for the next three years. Should any government agency request our files on this company, your complaint will also be included.
If you have settled this complaint directly with the company, would you please email us to let us know that, as well as any other comments you might have. Your help in doing this is important to ensure that our report to the public on this company is accurate.
Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau.
Complaint ID: 98403905
Complaint Classification:
Complaint Description - Posted 4/17
On May 8 we signed a contract with Be., LLc for their "Movie Star Package". At the time of signing the contract we were made a verbal agreement that once our son has completed the requirements, which included several things that we had to pay out of our pocket for (this was in addition to the $3,495 we paid) like i.E. Photo's, rising stars boot camp, money management class. Our son was promised once these things were completed that he would be in a Be., television show and be paid for such. My son completed all of his commitments, and since 9/08 we have been getting the run-around on this being fulfilled. At this point it appears that Be is in direct violation of this agreement by the "head" talent director Doningo and request a refund based on failure to adhere to this contract. We have tried to talk to be about this, but their customer service phone number is not working, and it appears that they are moving from the office in Emeryville Ca and are moving to Tarzana Ca. There is a complete failure to adhere to our contract.
Complaint Summary
There is a complete failure to adhere to our contract.
Resolution Sought
We are asking for a complete refund, based on the failure of Domingo to adhere to his verbal agreement.
Additional Information
Date Problem First Occurred:
4/16
Product or Service: Providing Memb service for acting, photography and modeling classes
Model Name or Number:
Date Purchased: 5/8
Order Number:
Amount In Dispute: $3,495.00
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