Starbiz Entertainment ripoff Scottsdale Arizona
I was almost suckered into the scam. I found it kind of funny and unusual that the ask you for $695 up front. I've called Wilhelmina, and they are not even familiar with the "agency." I know all of us feel our children are very beautiful, they will definitely boost your ego about your child. Don't give into it. Do your research first.
The audition process took all but 2min
The place did not look very professional
Offered no information on talent that tehy have published
Do not guarantee work
I recommend you do your research first, and go directly to model source yourself.
FYI Pictures don't cost that much money.
Kian
Tempe, Arizona
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Kian
Tempe,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Go Pat! I will contact the AZ AG, as well
#6Consumer Comment
Mon, November 08, 2004
Pat
Sorry it took so long to get your response. I admire your standoff:) Yes I was told that she would be the only child picked and that she would get paid $1100 up front for her first job. I felt really stupid. I told family and friends about my baby being on the cover of a magazine. Something told me to investigate it. So that I did. I sometimes go to the website and look at the poor people that fell for it. I will contact the AZ AG, as well.
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Picket dates and times.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sun, October 31, 2004
Here are the dates and times for the picket:
Saturday, November 6th 9am - 1pm
Wednesday, November 10th 10am - 1pm
Thursday, November 11th 10am - 1pm
I will have flyers made for all to hand out. See you there!
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Want to picket Starbiz.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Wed, October 27, 2004
To everyone following these reports, I posted on another report that I may exercise my right to picket on the sidewalk in front of Starbiz. My wife thinks it is a bad idea as she would be concerned for my safety. I think that if others are willing to picket with me, she would feel better about it. So what do you say, anyone else up for a picket within the next few weeks? Please rebuttal and let me know. If I get it organized, I will post the dates and times here.
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
File a complaint with the AG.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 05, 2004
I just called the Attorney General's office to follow up on the complaint I filed. The person I spoke with said that my complaint was in the system and was being investigated by the legal staff.
He did indicate that everyone with the same complaint should file a report. I urge everyone to go to the following website and fill out a Consumer Complaint Form:
www.ag.state.az.us
If the AG's office sees a trend developing, they are more likely to pursue action.
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Can you help?
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, August 25, 2004
Kian,
Even though you were fortunate and did not pay Starbiz anything, I am hoping you can help those of us who were. I filed my own report (#103042) recently, and have decided to make it my mission in life to see that he does not do this to anyone else. I am obtaining all the information I can from everyone who posted a report here for possible legal action against Starbiz. Would you be able to help by answering the following questions?
1) Did the ad you responded to state that they were looking for babies and toddlers to participate in commercial print ad campaign? If so, did they use the name of a major clothing retailer, or use a brand name at all?
2) Did you expect to be paid if your child was selected to appear in the commercial print ad?
3) At any time were you told that the first commercial print appearance was for "experience only" and would not be a paid assignment?
Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.