I took my 5 year old son to a "casting call" on kijiji (Number 1 mistake). I drove to Burlington Ontario and went up to the 3rd floor of the building, where to my surprise there was nobody there! It was a shared office with another company that were a debt solutions place.
We arrived 10 minutes early to we waited around. 15 minutes after my son's scheduled time, as we were about to leave, I get a call saying that the lady had a late lunch and would be there in 10 minutes. We wait and she comes in, and ushers us in.
We already have to sign a form as we arrive indicating what my son was interested in. She seemd very pushy, however I figured it was because she was "in" the business. She told us how now was the perfect time to sign up because there was a sale on.
She "interviewed" my son, who seemed to feel pressured. She asked him what kind of commercial he'd like to be in, he said he didn't know... She prompted him by saying "Fruit Loops or Apple Juice?" He said "Fruit Loops" She asked him why he liked them and he said "I don't know" She said he couldn't be shy or he wouldn't get any "assignments".
She asked him who would have the money he made and if he was going to pay back mom. He looked confused and I stated that any cheques they recieve are going into their college fund. She smiled and pulled out the papers.
It seemed legit at first. There was no photographers required, just to send her email pictures of my children after. There was a reasonable admin fee of less than $200. She didn't push classes... All the things I read to beware of. She also added that she would "throw me" any assignments that came her way for my youngest son Romeo without additional fee.
I didn't have $200 and said I could make a down payment and send the rest afterwards. I went to the bank, as she din't take cheques. She called twice before I made it back to be sure that I was coming. That made me learly but my son was so excited I handed over the money and shortly after sent the remaining fee.
I did research after not hearing anything back from her and realized she had an F rating on the BBB, that she had numerous complaints and reports on her. She wasn't accredited with anyone. I felt my heart sink. I emailed the pictures and my number and waited for a respone, called the number on the BBB (turns out it was a Telus cell phone. Clever.)
I had to break the news to my 5 year old that we got lied to and that chances were we wouldn't hear from her. He cried a while but I told him to cheer up that mommy just needed to do more research before believing an agent next time.
Please do not break your kid's heart by taking them here. Research your possible agent check out all avenues. Don't feel pressured into signing anything. Do not give this woman money!!!
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