I was encouraged by 2 ladies at the International Mall, Miami, they told me that my daughter can model or act for an agency, I accepted and completed a form thinking that it would be like a free audition. I was contacted by people who worked in (Interface) Boca Raton, FL, to set up the appointment. I believed this agency is really serious because they insisted in calling my daughter father for his consent.
I spent my money buying new clothes for my daughter as they explained the type of clothes required for the photo session. I went the first time about 7 pm, and the initial agent was very nice with us, she explained about clothes, and was very exciting about my daughter's physical, telling: 'definitely, I want to work with her'. I had to pay over $600 for the initial photo session, even when I said I am not working now, but she put pressure asking to use my credit cards in a way that you cannot say 'no.'
My daughter was really exciting and happy because she would like to be on TV shows as most kids want.
I went to the photo session next Saturday early, and I was surprised how this place was full of people, then, I had the sense that it was a scam because it is impossible that so many kids are good candidates for this so competitive industry. The big surprise was after the photo session, when I had to wait for an extra appointment this day with a marketing person (very nice too). She explained how they will promote my daughter, she also said that my daughter is a good candidate because her physical aspects, so, she explained me - 'if you pay a longer contract is better for promotional purposes because she would be available for longer time, so, more chances'. But the bad new is that I had to pay again, something that was not explained the initial day. She was pushing me to use my credit cards in the same way that the other agent was telling me the same history: "a mother used all her credit cards, and now they are making money a lot, look these poster." I asked how you are sure that my daughter will be successful, she said: "I know what I said, she will be." Finally I did my contract for 3 yrs, and a total of $3000 was spent including the previous payments plus contract, and permission to download the photos.
The same day, this person said that she will call me in 6 week to set up an appointment to see my daughter card promotion on internet and how they are working with her. Unfortunately, I am still waiting for this appointment, and nobody have called me from this company. I don't know how to explain to my little daughter, now 8, that everything was a game.
After I read the many bad reviews about this company, with similar history and approach for most people, I realized is a scam. More important when you ask for cancellation terms, they said only 3 days. My 3 days elapsed soon, I was totally insecure at that time about the company. Now I am completely sure that a scam, they have send me emails inviting to seminars called 'Industry 101 Florida', when you open this page, we have to pay a ticket for $150.00 (include mother and child), same history they never explained about this continued costs. However, they said that they are not working as many modeling school teaching, so, only one payment and we are done, is not true.
I have replied these messages, telling - don't contact me for additional payments. I just want to be contacted if my daughter was selected for an audition, but they never answered my messages.
I am sure that a serious company always provide explanation, and do not ask for additional activities where we have to pay more. I hope this message contribute to demand this company which is playing with children dreams and the money of so many parents who just want the best for their children. Please if you feel that my history is not enough - go to ABC news and open the case (Interface modeling agency) in New Jersey. I am worried who has and want to stop this fraudulent companies? They are located in 3 states and doing the same as you see the multiple review and legal demands. No Florida demands exit.
Lulu, Miami, Florida
0 comments