I came to One Source Talent as a struggling actress looking for guidance in the entertainment world. At first, I went to an open call where they took a preliminary photo of all the talent that was there, and explained that if we were asked back for a second interview that they would decide then if they wanted to take us on. I was granted a second interview, which I attended, where I met my "talent coordinator".
The coordinator lured me in with compliments, and promises that the company only wanted the best for me. He stated that he started with them as a model, and has not stopped working ever since. He rattled off alot of information about the website, and how much it helps to have your picture out there. Then, he pulled out a pack of papers for me to sign stating that I would pay the "one time fee" of $395.00" and then, subsequently, a fee of $29.95 a month for maintenance of my digital headshot.
He said that no one made money off of the $395.00, but that it went to paying the people who take care of the website. I was completely alone to make my decision... Which I did agree to signing.
Then, I was sent to another specialist to talk about getting new pictures taken. I picked the cheapest package, $395.00 as well, and I set an appointment for a week later with the photographer. However, I had to pay for the photos in advance without even having them taken.
I left the office and went home to my parents who were shocked when I told them how much money they wanted up front. They said that it sounded a little shady and very much a rip-off.
I went online immediately, and decided to research the company further. What I found was countless number of websites stating that the company was a complete rip-off that played on people's hopes and dreams. Immediatley, less than 24 hours from when I met with them, I called to cancel and wanted a refund. I called within less than 24 hours!!! They tried to persuade me, and assure me that they were not a fraud. Finally, I put my foot down, and said that I wanted to be taken off the website (because they put me on their using the polaroids they took of me without make-up) and that I wanted a refund.
A Talent coordinator, emailed me and said that I needed to email headquarters in Michigan (the interview took place in their New York office) and tell them to deactivate my account. I did so, as well as, cancelled my credit card to make sure the charges did not go through.
The following month, the credit card bill came and the charges did go through. The grand total of $819.95. I immediately called the credit card company, and they told me what I needed to do to dispute the charges. I followed their directions, and in January the charges were refunded.
Now, it is the end of February, and One Source filed papers with the credit card company saying that because I signed a paper saying that the fees were non-refundable, that they were entitled to their money. The Credit Card company has sided with them, and now I am being charged all over again, and being put through hell.
I never received services that would cost $395.00, and I NEVER even met with a professional photographer... I never got any professional photos taken, and yet they are allowed to keep $400 of my money because I signed something saying everything was non-refundable? But I cancelled within 24 hours!!! What kind of company would have that policy? I do not understand, and I am greatly frustrated and lost as to what to do.
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