Beware of Glamour Model Talent, Inc. And John Vuolo. I'm embarrassed to admit that I brought my children in to get assessed for potential modeling ability. I had checked them out with Better Business Bureau, but that obviously didn't give me the full story. I should have known when my daughter started loudly fussing as soon as we walked in John Vuolo's office. He immediately started telling me what type of work my kids would be good for without taking any time to look at them, talk to them, or talk to me. He indicated that Glamour Model Talent was a New York agency and the card he presented showed both a NY and Chicago office. He mentioned clients like Sears and JC Penney. This seemed to lend credibility to the agency. He talked me into "test shots" for which I paid $185.30 ($92.65 ea). John Vuolo's office assistant, Jay Esquig, took payment and told me that Gap and StrideRite were clients.
On the way home that day, I started feeling uneasy about the entire situation. I realized that my daughter's screaming had distracted me from my normally skeptical nature and that I hadn't had a chance to ask the questions I had intended AND that John Vuolo hadn't asked me ANY questions that I would expect a modeling agent to ask of the parent of prospective models. I realized that he didn't ask because he didn't care. Also, while the office is big and in prime space, there is no indication of working models - no blown-up ads featuring Glamour Model Talent models. Also, interviews for new "talent" are conducted all day, every day. When is Mr. Vuolo working to promote the talent?
Given these qualms, I called the NY number on John Vuolo's card. Surprise, surprise - out of service. I started doing more digging online. I found lots of disturbing reports, one from a former employee describing the scam in detail. It seems that Glamour Model Talent shows interest in anyone that will spend the money for "test shots" or a portfolio and then never do anything with the shots. Also, check out their website: www.glamourmodeltalent.com - you'll notice that the pictures haven't been updated in years. You'll also see that they accept ANYONE!
I began calling John Vuolo the day after our meeting to discuss my concerns and ask for a refund. Of course, he has not returned any of my calls. However, his office DID call to remind me that I had an appointment to review the test shots. That's when they'll tell me that my kids have what it takes and they'll push me to pay for a portfolio.
Don't get caught in this scam!
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