First, let me start off by saying I am seeking an attorney, consumer activist, class action suit, or anything else.
Alpha Model Group or On Track Modeling (same company and there are varieties to the name) is a modeling and acting scam.
Their headquarters are in Charlotte, NC and the Charlotte, NC office has revoked their business license after repeated complaints.
They have another office in Atlanta, GA, which claims to have a Georgia business license, but Georgia does not have them as having a license.
They also have an office in Texas.
None of the offices have a talent agency license in any state. They are not SAG of AFTRA, which any talent agency should be for acting.
All of these have different addresses for the accounts than the company provides.
The Atlanta office has changed addresses 3 times in 12 months.
I filed complaints with the BBB, FTC and Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs.
The FTC does not act on complaints, only logs them.
AMG or OTM is not a member of any BBB, but the BBB has numerous complaints on them.
You may also find these interesting. I wish I saw these before visiting with AMG:
A criminal background check on the president of AMG http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/robertdavidecksmith.html
Another background check with links to the BBB, etc. On AMG http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/alpha-model-group.html
And again, on modeling scams, http://www.modelingscams.com/letters. On. Track. Modeling.html
Just briefly scrolling these websites will reveal countless illegal and distasteful actions of the employees of AMG and the business AMG.
If you don't have an attorney, or want to do this on your own, you can file against AMG or OTM in smalls claims court in Georgia for up to $15,000.
As far as my individual experience, in brief, AMG stole $170 from me and I have been fighting ever since to have it returned. We signed a contract, and I have legal proof that they are breaking the law.
More detailed version:
I was scouted by a talent agent. I also saw their advertisements on line. I went to an open call. There were many people there. Wayne, the director of the Atlanta office, got in front of the group and had a fairly convincing pitch.
Then people were called in by small groups or individuals into another room. We were each told that the other people in the room didn't have potential, but that we did (they said that to everyone). We were asked to make a second appointment, which I did.
At the second appointment Wayne asked me to sign a contract with them. He said they needed $170 to add me to their database, which also goes on their website. (JFYI no legit agency will ever ask you to do this.) He also scheduled me for their model workshop. Then he scheduled me for their photographer, which is another fee, but said I could use my own pictures instead, just to call him to let him know.
As soon as I got home I called Wayne. I told him I had other pictures I'd like to use and to cancel the photographer appointment. Wayne said I couldn't use anyone else's photos but their photographer's. I said ok, well move it to a later date, and I'll decide what to do after the workshop. Wayne refused no photographer no workshop, no database, etc. Again, a legit agency will not make you use their photographer or only their photographer.
Immediately red flags went up. I read our contract and saw he made several calculations that were incorrect, the total charged to me was higher than if you added the numbers up individually. This was rapidly becoming one bad experience after another.
I told Wayne I don't want your representation and want to cancel the contract. Wayne said no problem, we haven't even cashed the check yet.
I read the fine print of the contract and saw that if I sent a certified letter within 3 business days canceling the contract that I would be issued a full refund. I did this just as a back up, after all, Wayne said everything was ok on the phone.
Wayne cashed the check. I found out through my bank.
I called Wayne and he said it was an error on their side and they would issue a refund.
I continue to call, email and write about a refund (I'm sure I've spent another $170 or more) about the refund which I've never received.
If you pay by check most banks have a time limit for calling foul. I believed Wayne was getting a refund to me and that it would take 6 to 8 weeks. Yes, that is the bank time limit, so it's clear you're not getting a refund, it's too late to get the bank to help.
I get the run around with the offices, different employees (seems they have a different receptionist every week), and general BS.
JFYI, Renee and Wayne run the Atlanta office. Renee is Wayne's wife. They are equally corrupt. The north carolina office is even worse.
Sara
los angeles, California
U.S.A.
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