I went to an agency (so i thought) in beverly hills called Bambini L A. They go by many names. They told me i was great for modeling, and i was accepted to the "agency". They told me that to be with their agency and to book jobs i needed a portfolio. It made sense at the time. They told me the pictures would cost me about $2300.00 total, and that was a deal said the woman francheska.
I didn't have all of the money, so she referred me to a company that would finance a loan for me. Francheska told me that i would most likely make the money back in 30 days because as a model i would make between $1500-$5000 per day. I beleived it. I got the loan and paid her.
Well, i never heard a word from francheska after getting my portfolio and cards done. I called their office about 10 times with no call back. So i went to their office. The receptionist said she wasn't in. There actually were 2 other customers there also looking for francheska. They were also complaining.
The receptionist said that she may quite because she thought they were legit but they get so many complaints she didn't feel comfortable working there.
I also found out that they used to be called glamour models (see below) which had criminal charges filed aginst it.
How can this place stay in business? I finally spoke to francheska who threatned to sue me. She said "we win all of our cases". I told her about a website called donotpay.org. I told her that i should not have paid that much money. She laughed and said "oh well."
She also said that the donotpay.org is run by an actor/casting person named billy d'mota that can't get any work. She also said that she was recently told that this guy is about to be sued by a few large companies regarding his web info.
I guess i'm out the money i paid. I still have to make the loan payments since i did receive the merchandise. The only reason i bought the pictures was because francheska told me that i would definetly get work to pay it back. She told me that she works with robinson's may, jc penney, sears, the gap, old navy, macy's etc. Do you know if this is true?
I met francheska in a mall in west hollywood. She gave me a card and said she was a well known model agent. I thought she was for real. Do you know anything about this company?
Is there any way i can get my money back? How can they be charged with a crime and now they have a new name. Should i report her to the authorities?
Name: visionaire media, inc.
Incorporated On: July 21
President: francesca de tolomei
BBB record
We rate this company as having an unsatisfactory business performance record. The company has a pattern of complaints alleging that they misled customers into believing they are a modeling agency to obtain money for photographs.
One complainant reports the company uses high pressure sales tactics to get a deposit for a portfolio and charges the account the remaining balance for prints and composite cards without authorization.
The company also failed to provide a breakdown of fees when requested.
Another complainant was told the company needed a $200 deposit for a photo shoot before representation could take place. The complainant was unable to schedule a photo shoot. Others were told that they needed photographs before they could represent them.
She was the owner of:
Glamour Models, Inc.
This Report was developed from various sources, including the business, governmental agencies, and the experience of the company's customers.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
Glamour Models, Inc.
211 South Beverly Drive, Suite 110
Beverly Hills CA 90210
Business Started: 01/01/80
File Open Date: 11/25/91
Last Report Date: 01/16/04
Principal Contact: Michael A. Douglas Sholto
Phone: (310) 859-3989
Fax: (310) 859-3988
Email: Not Available
Web Address: Not Available
Bureau ID: 16001807
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing model and talent management services.
Bureau File Experience
Our files show disconnected phone numbers, returned mail or both. The company appears to be out of business. The Bureau cannot trace addresses of companies or principals. General information is available upon request which may assist you.
We rate this company as having an unsatisfactory business performance record.
This company has a pattern of complaints alleging misrepresentation regarding employment opportunities, and general dissatisfaction with photo services. Specifically, some complainants alleged company representatives led them to believe employment would be obtained as a result of using thier services. Most complainants requested refunds.
The company generally responded to refund requests by denying refunds, and referring clients to specific contract terms relating to their refund policies. Their contract specifically states they do not provide refunds. The company disputed allegations of misleading clients on employment related issues. Once again, they directed complainants to review contract terms which clearly state they can make no representation which implies employment probability, or offer any guarantee of employment. Some complaints were closed as unresolved, meaning the customer was not satisfied with the company's response. One complaint remains unanswered.
In February of the Los Angeles District Attorney's office filed a Criminal complaint in Los Angeles District Superior Court charging the company, and it's principals, Douglas Michael Sholto, and Francesca Detolomei with fraud and misrepresentation in association with their business practices. The company's principals remain out on bail. Glamour closed its doors shortly after.
On March 27, the Los Angeles District Attorney filed a 9 count amended Felony Complaint (case # BA198638) against the above named defendants. The Complaint charged the couple with Conspiracy to Defraud, and Grand Theft, in connection with the business practices used by Glamour Models. The complaint alleged the company mislead clients into believing that by purchasing a photo portfolio, they would obtain employment in the modeling industry, and, without a Talent Agency License, they could procure employment for their clients. The couple plead " No Contest " to all counts. Sentencing is set for September 24.
We routinely suggest you read and understand all contract provisions, including cancellation and refund policies before making a buying decision. As of January 1 new California laws relating to " advance fee talent services " allow 10 days to cancel contracts without penalty or obligation. Re-payments must be provided within 48 hours, or the company is required to pay the artist an additional summ equal to the original amount of the fee. Cancellation procedures should be outlined in your contract or agreement.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend or disapprove of any product, service or company.
Additional Phone Numbers
(310) 859 - 4899
Additional Trade names
Glamour Kids
Glamour Models
Additional Addresses
8344 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/criminalindex/
Case Number LACBA198638-01 Filed At Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
Filing Date 02/09 Limited Jurisdiction
Count Charge Code Charge Description Disposition Disposition Date
01 182 (A) (4) PC CONSPIRE: CHEAT/DEFRAUD PERSON Guilty/Convicted
03/28
02 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
03 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
02/08
04 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
05 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
06 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
07 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
08 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
09 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
Case Number XCNBA198638-01 Filed At Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
Filing Date 03/28 General Jurisdiction
Count Charge Code Charge Description Disposition Disposition Date
01 182 (A) (4) PC CONSPIRE: CHEAT/DEFRAUD PERSON Dismissed per 1203.4 P.C.
10/07
02 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
04 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
05 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
06 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
07 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
08 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
09 487 (A) PC GRAND THEFT: PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28
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