Our children got scouted, as apparently hundreds of others (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/modeling/new_faces.html) by its people just recently. We just had an appointment at their office this weekend totally unprepared for what would happen now trying to dispute $1,400. There were at least 20-30 people there any given moment, either waiting for an appointment or "being worked on" by their people a lot of good families, mostly minorities and immigrants, who often don't even know where to go to fight for their money.
This company is a total scam. They promise 80% success rate in the talent management services (mostly young children; scouted in public places like beaches or malls, etc.), but on the very first day you go to their office they make you sign some 4-page agreement which turns out to be (once you get home and have time to read it carefully) just some super pricey, hard-to-get-out-of photo shoot agreement that has NOTHING to do with what you're told in the office.
Those professional scammers photographed our children on the back of their building, on the parking lot, now claiming they already provided us with the professional services. All that after one and only "introductory" day at their premises.
There's a lot about their scam online (that's probably also why they make everybody to commit on the first day), as well as about the investigation that was held by the Attorney General's office against this company in 2006 (they ended up paying $500,000 back to over 50 clients who filed a complaint with the AG's office). And now again AG's office is gladly accepting claims against them. Just call either 1-800-771-7755 or
(516) 822-4208. Also ask them what to do next.
Here's the case: http://www.ag. Ny. Gov/media_center/jan/jan19a_06.html
The way NF words its contract is so you basically "agree" to be ripped-off, which you don't know till later, till you read the contract, till you search online. They'll threaten you when you ask for a refund, warn you not to call your credit card to dispute the charge, they'll tell you to "cooperate "with them (meaning they'll offer you some small percentage of what they stole from you), etc. These are just their tactics. Fraudulent contract is not good, you don't have to worry about their "phony baloney" terms these are again their tactics all so you give up your money.
Here are just some of the names of the people we're dealing with: Jelisa (scout on Jones Beach), Tim (Mr. "I"ll give you a special price for a 3-outfit shoot", and "my daughter pays for her college doing this"), James (Mr. Manager, who does nothing but threatens us).
Everybody should warn people against them. Spread the word, tell your friends on Long Island, in the city, and DON'T be afraid to file a report at the AG's (that's what the AG office does goes after thieves). They can only steal from people as long as you let them.
If you're considering making an appointment with them - don't.
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