First of all, the people that run this scam are STILL in business (even after being exposed as a definite scam by CBS). If you've been affected, you should file a formal complaint so they can stop cheating other parents and kids of their money. As far as I know, they still currently "recruit" from a bunch of NJ malls (menlo definitely... I think I saw them in woodbridge once too)
Second, they pick EVERYONE as a possible model and flatter you or your kid constantly. To the parents, they try to get at you through your children. Kids, like my son, are so excited and they keep begging you, and you, as a parent, want to believe that these "agents" really care about the well-being of your child, but you CANNOT BE SOFT since they play for money, and will say anything to get your money, by going through your child.
They say they go through an extensive screening process, you have the right "look", but you notice that their offices are crammed to maximum with any type of kids (my son and I were so surprised) and that they approach every single person that passes their mall booth. They try to scam everyone. They don't care whose money they cheat— whether you're poor, or rich, tall or short, or what ethnicity you are.
You should know that really, (according to their website) the best possible "job" (which they give to maybe a dozen people out of the thousands of families they scam) is as a background extra in a TV show— which you should know, are in actuality, very easy to come by.
Third, they tell you EVERYTHING is free. Of NO charge. At least that's what they say upfront. I asked multiple times and they said, "no no no." Then they tell you that you or your kid's photos (which they tell you to bring) are not good enough for their "client base". They say you HAVE to use their photographer and then they present you a price chart with packages ranging from $350 to $1200.
RIGHT AWAY, that should be the DEFINITE clue-in that something is wrong. LEGIT agencies do NOT CHARGE for a few photos (and they normally do plain, NATURAL face-on photos) or AT LEAST allow you to find your own photographer and compare prices. They're very pushy when it comes to money (on one occasion, they tried to swipe my card multiple times) and try to rush you into decisions. They demand for payment money up-front. I picked the most expensive package and the man, Glenn (a "co-owner") made the charge a few seconds later. ASTRONOMICAL prices for a couple headshots.
The quality was horrible too. On your "shoot day" they have tens upon tens of other families waiting to get their "makeup" and "styling"& the woman just dabs some powder and runs a comb. This shoot is just to make the kids excited, and the photographer is snappy, does not care for your input, he just snaps away. He wants to get as many people through as possible because this is the scam they're running. This is not QUALITY. I've learned that Real agencies will take their time to get the best shot. They were disappointing, Mediocre photos too. (A professional photographer I know said they were plain at best)
They tell you there's no more charges. But THEN they want to charge AGAIN for a membership price (3 year membership— $1500). I know now that this is NOT HOW a real agency works. Then, I said I could not afford that, and the woman was willing to barter& lower and lower until I COULD. This is not because she was being kind, but because she wanted our business (and her commission) no matter what. They say money is not an issue for us... We will make it back soon... Easy for them to say!
IN TOTAL, for us, they wanted to charge around $2500. (the "best" packages) Even for REAL agencies, they do not charge as much. They at least wait till you get them a job with a client. At least check around to compare!
Please do not get involved with this company. My 6th grader son has gotten so heartbroken over this. The "co-owner" and "manager" and "dept. Head" seem like they have your kid's best interests, but they do not care who they scam. Plus it has lead to much headache (financially as well) for my family and I. They have no morals.
I wish I had seen this thread earlier. If you've been affected, please please come forward and file a formal complaint to the Attorney General, Consumer Affairs. Maybe one day we can close this "agency" down for good.
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