I'm feeling very frustrated right now as I look over my bank statement at charges I don't understand and am unable to get a refund for. I have definitely been taken and want to warn everyone else out there that may be as nave as I was and be careful not to waste their money!
I really enjoyed doing theatre as a child and in high school and have always had that acting bug. Recently, I posted a resume on CareerBuilder.com and did a job search. I was really looking for a job in Marketing, but came across a job that said: "TV & Movie Extras, Actors & Models Needed, Get Paid up to $250/day - Cincinnati, OH." I read the description and it sounded very compelling and like a great way to make some extra cash. So, I called the toll free number.
After waiting on hold for about 15 minutes, I was connected to a very nice guy, named Victor. He told me I could make up to $300/day and have access to an online portfolio where I could post my picture and be notified of any casting calls in my area. Victor told me it would be $39.00 to set up my account, but if I wasn't satisfied within the first 90 days, that I could cancel and get my money back. He also said the service will cost me $39.80/mo and I can easily make a lot of money using the service - it's just what I put
into it.
It started feeling a little shady as he began quickly confirming more "services, " and asking to confirm my credit card number each time. I stopped him and asked, "Do I HAVE to sign up for these other services?" He told me they were 14-day trials and I would get an e-mail confirmation from each business and cancel it if I wasn't interested.
He gave me my user ID and password for Enterainmentholdingsinc.com and said my account would be up within 24 hours. I checked out the site when I got off the phone, but was unable to log on yet... I have never been able to log on.
That night I went to bed with a sick feeling to my stomach. I realize I can be pretty nave and was starting to think I screwed up by making that phone call. So, the next morning I called the customer service number they gave me and canceled the account. The girl on the phone said that I would not receive any charges from Entertainment Holdings Inc or any of their affiliates. I breathed a sigh of relief and went on with my life.
Now, 3 weeks later I look at my bank statement. I was charged $39.00 by Entertainment Holdings and $1.00 each by 4 online companies all in Santa Barbara, CA. This was all charged on the day I set up the account and was never refunded. I was then charged $19.95 by each of the 4 companies 3 weeks later.By the way, I never received an e-mail confirming a membership to any of these companies that would allow me to cancel.
I immediately put a freeze on my bank account to prevent any further charges. I called each company and attempted to get a refund, since I was told the day after I started the account that I would not be charged anything. Each company said those were "set up fees" that could not be refunded. I said, "Well, what about the 90 day cancelation period?" The
woman from Entertainment Holdings said that was only if you put the work into it and do not receive a casting call within 90 days - then you will get your money back AFTER the 90 days. She said she could cancel the service, so I don't receive any more charges.
I said, "so, I just lost my money?" The woman said, "Well, you can still use the service." I told her I had no interest in using any of the services and I will make sure it gets out that this is a scam! The woman responded, saying, "Whatever makes you feel better, Ma'am."
Do you see my frustration? This company just walked away with $122.80 of my money and who knows how many other poor individuals' dollars who may have stars in their eyes. Please help me get the word out: Entertainment Holdings, Inc is a scam!
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