Named & Shamed
Here we publish the details of 'scam' agencies and those
that claim to be introductory agencies, that have been
brought to our attention. We certainly would not recommend
any company, or person listed here and suggest you avoid
them!
Diesel
Models
This is a new method of obtaining money from parents which
we are receiving in excess of 30 complaints a day
for!
This company states they are not a model agency, but do
sell portfolios to parents at extortionate prices (up to
£1000!!). They have various studios across the country
(Blue Rooms, Pure Space Studios etc), which they have you
book into for a portfolio. They sound very impressive and
ask for £50 over the phone as a deposit. Once there they
dupe parents into paying high prices for portfolios which
are NOT necessary, yet they state you need if trying to get
an agent. They provide you with a list of agencies that
they claim they 'work with' and recommend you to apply to
them. We have spoken to leading child agencies and adult
agencies (Models1, Storm), who all confirm that they are
using their names and have statements on their websites
from models who have been signed as a direct result of
working with Diesel. We can confirm this is absolutely
incorrect and legal proceedings are currently being taken
out by a number of agencies concerned.
You do NOT need a portfolio for any adult agency, or child
agency. Storm and Models1, the two most high profile adult
agencies in the UK, both accept holiday snapshots for
applications so do not listen to any rubbish touted to you
from a company like this. You do not need to be introduced
to an agency, or pay hundreds of pounds to a company to
obtain a list of agents to apply to! All agencies are on
the internet, search for them, send some snapshots and wait
for a reply.......all for FREE!
Models
Direct
This agency was Named & Shamed by the Mail On Sunday,
Elle Magazine and was the subject of an investigation with
the BBC's Watchdog programme. If you do a simple 'google'
of their company name it makes quite interesting reading.
You would be amazed with the numbers of complaints we
'still' receive on a daily basis regarding this company,
especially with all the information there is out there!
Wilhelmina
Scouting Network
Trading name include Emodel, Edge Talent, Options Talent
Group & Trans Continental Talent. These were Named
& Shamed by ITV This Morning programme,
Mark
Vella & Brian Evans who ran several companies under the
banner of C.P. Promotions
You
may have heard of companies such as Rendevous, Regardez,
Open Door Promotions, B & M and Classic People.....
These were all names of scouting agencies that travelled
the UK seeking models and artists. The 'scam' was to place
an advert in a local paper for potential 'faces' to attend
a 'seminar' at a local hotel, or similar location. They hit
upon almost every major city and town that you can think
of.
Upon arrival potential models would be given a ticket
number, wait in a queue, then be interviewed by their
staff. Contracts would be offered, which had to be signed
on the day, at an extremely high cost (up to £450 in some
cases), with the guarantee that if they did not get your
child a placement with a 'top' agency within 12 months then
you would receive a full refund.
Within 12 months each candidate would then receive a letter
from a so-called 'top' agency, stating that they had
received their details and would like to offer them a
contract. Of course, this would be for another fee! This
now meant that the scouting company had kept to their
agreement and refunds could no longer be paid.
Following investigation, it was revealed by the BBC's UK's
Worst Agents television show (2003) that the 'top' agency
offering them the contract was actually owned by the same
company that had apparently taken the first fee (the scout)
and agreed to find them a 'top' agency to avoid refunding
them.
Thousands of excited 'faces' have fallen foul to this
'scam' and we STILL receive queries and complaints about
these today. To avoid prosecution they have regularly
changed their names and continue to trade.
Personally, I cannot understand why a person would even
consider paying a fee to a 'scout' to find you an agent
when you can do that yourself for free. However, I do
understand that it can be very easy to get caught up in the
'moment' and make decisions you perhaps normally wouldn't.
The ONLY way to avoid this scam (and I'm sure this is not
the only company out there doing it!) is to:
1) If you see any 'seminar' type advertisements in your
local paper that offer the above, then report it either to
BERR (Formerly DTI), or to us
2) Do NOT attend!
3) Tell everyone you know NOT to either!