Complaint Review: Festival Latino de Canto - FESTICANTO

"The Freedom of speech Right, as stated in the 1st and 14th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, is to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content, a restriction is legitimate only if the speech in question poses a "clear and present danger" i.e., a risk or threat to safety or to other public interests that is serious and imminent."

As an agent, producer and former owner of an entertainment business, I had the opportunity to provide a free seminar to talent of different levels and trades. This seminar was to make people aware of certain types of scams that con artist use under the names of "modeling agencies, entertainment production company and/or scout talents"

Unfortunately, for the untrained eye, some of these so called "companies" have their act very well organized and can pass across as very reputable businesses.

I have taken a personal interest in this company FESTICANTO and after a few phone calls and a bit of investigation these are my conclusions:

Under a fictitious named, I called the company to the 888 number in their website and I asked to speak directly with the producer or the person in charge of this event. The receptionist (Yana) was very reluctant and hesitant to allow me to speak to the producer (Victor Soberanis), she insisted that in order to get to him, I needed to speak with her first. I told her I didn't like her attitude and requested to speak with someone else.

I was transfer to a person named Rom, whom was rude and incredibly defensive against all my LEGITIMATE questions. I stated that I wanted to participate but first I needed to hear some answers to the questions posted online about the company and he hung up on me.

I assumed that there is something this company is hiding because there was no need to threat me and say: "I know how you are and you are going to pay for this mother-......er"

It took me just a few minutes to get the answers I was looking for and I invite anyone who has participated or wishes to participate to do the following:

1- Unfortunately, the Hispanic Community doesn't make use of the internet as a daily tool to "function" in life as most people do. So, please "pass the word" if you know of someone how might be interested in this event, let them know.

2- If you have participated in this event: DEMAND ANSWERS, do not be afraid to request information to the following questions:

(a) Hows is FESTICANTO going to obtain $100,000 in prizes 9 months prior to the main event?

(b) Why FESTICANTO does not make public in their website the locations where this event is going to take place in the upcoming cities?

(c) Where in their website are the RULES AND POLICIES of participation? Do they expect you to register in an event that has not established any rules or will they tell the participants the day of the event?

(d) What proven production experience do the so called producers have? (i.e. what other events this company has done)

(e) Is there any legal actions of any kind pending against Festicanto c/o owners, associates, producers, and/or staff?

3- Where to Complain If you've think you've been scammed by a bogus model or talent scout, contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau.

They're in your local directory assistance. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad