I responded to a radio ad calling for children to come audition for talent scouts who scout for shows and movies like "Hannah Montana" and "Camp Rock" on a very reputable radio station, WSB 750AM, in Atlanta. It is also the home station of consumer guru, Clark Howard, to whom I sent an email tonight regarding this possible scam.
When we got home from the audition, I Googled Jimmy Villareal and came across this website, and immediately saw four postings from parents in Atlanta within the last week. None had signed up for classes and were all either disappointed with what they saw versus what they were told over the phone, or who, like me, smelled a rat when they read the brochures. I am supposed to call tomorrow morning to see if my child is on the call back list. After reading all the posts from Atlanta, I fully expect my child to be on the list.
Additionally, the ad, as others have mentioned, states that only the first 200 callers can get in. This morning, they told us they would be seeing 900-1000 kids today, so don't get your hopes up. They also said that this was their fourth and final weekend in Atlanta.
Google Jimmy Villareal, A.C.T., and PMAA and include the word "scam" after each name. You will see plenty of bad reports from parents who were either merely disappointed or from groups of parents who have organized and are going after these "scouts". I saw two reports from "ex-employees" who had glowing reports on A.C.T.
I feel lucky that I am only feeling creeped out by having given these people pictures and personal information about my child rather than having also given them money and any more time.
0 comments