During a recent visit to the Palisades Mall in northern New Jersey with my husband and two daughters, we were approached by a vendor/representative of Industry Model & Talent Studios. The representative addressed my daughters directly telling them how beautiful and photogenic they were and how they could easily have opportunities to model.
Of course, we were all excited about this, and the vendor also seeing this asked for our name and telephone information so aonther company representative could call us to set up an assessment appointment. I could see my daugters instantly became interested and as a result of this so did my husband and I.
A few days later a representative called and set up an afternoon when we could stop by for an interview. At the interview we were told that the shooting could be made that very day and after a short discussion regarding one-time fees, Industry Model & Talent Studios photographed my two daughters. I want to stress that we were assured by the director there that there would be no additional charges other than what was colected that day prior to the photo shoot.
Two weeks later, as instructed, we were called back in to meet with a second director to select the photos to be used on the portfolio to be prepared and sent to perspective advertising agencies for consideration. It was then that this person asked me which "package" I preferred to purchase?! I was shocked to hear that since I was assured there would absolutely be no additional costs involved.
She went on to explain that indeed an additional large sum would be required for them to proceed, and that withut it they could not continue. Devasted, as we're a poor family struggling just to come up with the initial fee, we left the Industry Model & Talent Studio offices that day and drove home. We have never heard back from them, nor have we called them since.
I don't deny any company or business the right to turn a profit, but I do resent when a company misrepresents itself and takes advantage of a family who is not as sophisticated in business dealing and, as we're primarily spanish speaking, limited in the english language. I think all these factors came into play when this company drew me and my daughters in for this scam. I paid with my credit card and now I have nothing but the debt to show for it.
Anything usacomplaints.com can do to assist, would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact for any addional information.
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