Options Talent NOW TC Talent via Emodel Lou Pearlman is a ripoff lying thief crook, no morals no ethics San Diego California *UPDATE
Cary's comments about Lou Pearlman are quite accurate. Our San Diego office was told on August 29th, Lou Pearlman had bought the company. Later, we were told it was a merger. Like many here, I thought this would be a great plus for Options. That is---until I started doing research on Lou Pearlman.
As w/ myself, most people are under the impression Mr. Pearlman has a good relationship w/ his groups. The truth is, practically every group he has managed has sued him. He no longer manages them, but he still collects residuals, etc. from them. He has, one way or another, managed to keep a financial hold on them.
Mr. Pearlman is NOT the paternal type portrayed by many. He is, admittedly, in it for the MONEY. Where morals and ethics are concerned, people in his caliber don't consider them. So, just because you see his name associated w/ Options Talent, don't think he isn't fully aware of what he has involved himself w/. I'm sure the man did his homework before signing on the dotted line. He is not ignorant and he isn't all that nice.
After some hesitation, I went ahead and filed a report against this business w/ the Better Business Bureau. I know this website has somewhat discouraged us from doing so, but I am a firm believer in 'squeaky wheel gets the grease'. I figure whatever steps we can take to get these individuals exposed, it is better than doing nothing. These young potential models are somebody's baby. They are being exploited by a bunch of perverts.
I was told some legal proceedings were in the works, but after sending much information to parties concerned, no one responded back to me. Can anyone tell me if things are still in motion? Is anyone investigating the models missing who were sent on assignments overseas? Should I contact my local authorities? I would appreciate some answers.
The Better Business Bureau did respond to me immediately and said they would soon be sending a follow-up letter. Again, at least it is a step. The research I did on most all of the individuals involved w/ these businesses turned up some very negative past/present histories. It was EXTREMELY disturbing. I found Google searches to bring up the best results.
You would think that, since the 911 tragedies, people would be more compassionate and less selfish. Not so w/ these guys. What a sick environment they dwell in.
Enough said for now.
Robin
Morongo Valley, California
1 Updates & Rebuttals
BBB Complaint Update
#20
Sat, October 19, 2002
Received my second letter back from the BBB San Diego. They have forwarded my complaint to the main BBB headquarters in Florida. I also checked the Better Business Bureau complaints for the Florida Options Talent offices. They are negative reports and the BBB does not recommend Options.
As of yet, I haven't told my personal experiences w/ Options Talent. I would like to share ONE now. I have a few. This one is almost comical.
When I signed on as a Model Scout, I was told we must ATTEND one 'open call' a week. Little did I know, you actually are placed in unassigned job positions. Model Scouts were even doing the model interviews. Keep in mind, we don't get paid for these OTHER jobs we are doing. I was placed at the front desk. Toward the end of the interviewing process, two of the potential models approached me and asked me to please call them a taxi. I had to search for a phone book. Found one in another room. When I lifted the telephone handset, there was no dial tone. I quickly discovered, this was no cordless phone. The phone cord had been removed from the handset to the telephone base intentionally. I had to go get my personal cell phone and call long distance to the taxi company. I was totally embarassed, as there were a number of people in the waiting area observing this rediculous scene.
During the couple of hours I sat at the front desk, the telephone rang numerous times, but the calls were obviously going directly to a voice mail service. I can guarantee, no one was answering the phones.
What kind of a business uses such practices?