“Modeling can be an exciting opportunity for children, but signing up with a deceptive talent agency can be a waste of time and money,” said Paula Fleming, vice president of the Boston area BBB. “Even if the agency tells you that your child has ’the look’, it is important to always take the time to do some research and be able to spot empty promises.”
The state of New Jersey sued the company in June, alleging it engaged in deceptive business practices.
The BBB said the complaints they've receive involve parents who were solicited in public places by the company's "talent scouts." After the pitch, the parents bring their child to the supposed free screening, where they're then asked to sign a contract pay up to $1,500 in advance for a photo shoot that can't be canceled.
The complaints also say that if the shoot goes forward, the parents are then asked for more money to produce the photos or post them online.
The BBB recommends the following steps before you sign any talent or modeling contract:
- Check out the company,
- Resist high-pressure sales tactics,
- Beware any promise of big money or jobs,
- Get all promises in writing and read the contracts before signing them.
