- Report: #333173
Complaint Review: Lornik Modelling Agency - Burlington, Ontario
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Lornik Modelling Agency
5500 North Service Road, Canada Burlington,, L7L 6W6 Ontario, Canada
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Lornik Modelling Agency suspicious "modelling agency" Burlington, Ontario
We responded to an ad in a local paper for modeling jobs for babies. We set an appointment with Lornik with our baby. We had set a specific time but were made to wait over 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon to see Lorraine Lornik. This was with a small child.
Over the 2 hours, we had the opportunity to make some observations about this mother-daughter team and the offices.
1. People waiting in the office clearly would never have a career in modeling.
2. For a modeling agency, they only had photos on the wall of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Fabio, all bought at Walmart, in other words, no real models!
The office was very clean... very clean, no papers, no computers, no evidence that any real work was done there by anyone at all.
Then, after the two hours and threatening to leave, we finally meet the wonderful Lorraine Lornik, who promptly informed us that two hours of waiting was "the nature of the business", and she made no apologies for the wait. This is not professional.
Her office, like the rest of the offices, had no computer, no paperwork at all save for one well-used binder of "casting calls" that we could not see. Framed on the walls: emails from models who got jobs, with the names and addresses removed. The desk had no papers on it, the rest of the furniture was hardly even used. Lots of promise of work with big names like Canadian Tire, but nothing verifiable. She then outlined the contract, with 20% commission, and a $200 annual administration fee.
At this point, we new immediately we were in the middle of a confidence scam.
We took home a copy of the contract and actually carefully read it -it contradicted what she stated to us in person, including the fact that they took power of attorney or cheques and they would get a commission if the model got a job through any other agency. This is NOT standard, or common to the industry.
In one afternoon, this pair of con-artists signed up 5 people for $200-$750 each. They will not contact you, and if you contact them saying you got a job with another agency, they will attempt to get a commission for doing nothing. Look carefully around the office -this is a fly-by-night scam operation.
They are targeting everyone, including people with babies. We cant believe we let them hold my child. We cannot take this to the police because we were not defrauded for money, but we have filed a complaint with Burlington OPP Fraud squad.
If you have paid money to these vile women, please report it to the Burlington police or OPP office. The police should be able to verify whether these people have ever placed anyone in a modeling job, I seriously doubt it.
And if Renee and Lorraine are reading this, for con artists, youre not even good at it.
Concerned parents
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
Over the 2 hours, we had the opportunity to make some observations about this mother-daughter team and the offices.
1. People waiting in the office clearly would never have a career in modeling.
2. For a modeling agency, they only had photos on the wall of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Fabio, all bought at Walmart, in other words, no real models!
The office was very clean... very clean, no papers, no computers, no evidence that any real work was done there by anyone at all.
Then, after the two hours and threatening to leave, we finally meet the wonderful Lorraine Lornik, who promptly informed us that two hours of waiting was "the nature of the business", and she made no apologies for the wait. This is not professional.
Her office, like the rest of the offices, had no computer, no paperwork at all save for one well-used binder of "casting calls" that we could not see. Framed on the walls: emails from models who got jobs, with the names and addresses removed. The desk had no papers on it, the rest of the furniture was hardly even used. Lots of promise of work with big names like Canadian Tire, but nothing verifiable. She then outlined the contract, with 20% commission, and a $200 annual administration fee.
At this point, we new immediately we were in the middle of a confidence scam.
We took home a copy of the contract and actually carefully read it -it contradicted what she stated to us in person, including the fact that they took power of attorney or cheques and they would get a commission if the model got a job through any other agency. This is NOT standard, or common to the industry.
In one afternoon, this pair of con-artists signed up 5 people for $200-$750 each. They will not contact you, and if you contact them saying you got a job with another agency, they will attempt to get a commission for doing nothing. Look carefully around the office -this is a fly-by-night scam operation.
They are targeting everyone, including people with babies. We cant believe we let them hold my child. We cannot take this to the police because we were not defrauded for money, but we have filed a complaint with Burlington OPP Fraud squad.
If you have paid money to these vile women, please report it to the Burlington police or OPP office. The police should be able to verify whether these people have ever placed anyone in a modeling job, I seriously doubt it.
And if Renee and Lorraine are reading this, for con artists, youre not even good at it.
Concerned parents
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Josie
Burlington,Ontario,
Canada
Response to Lorraine
#2Consumer Comment
Wed, January 13, 2010
We have carefully read Lorraine's posted message on this website and can only state that the majority of it is untrue. We DID receive a letter with a bank draft in the said amount but it should be stated by us that the "good faith" offering was never negotiated. We intend on returning the cheque and continuing with our legal action.
Quite frankly, Lorraine's cheque is an insult. Neither Michael, I-Josie or the teens ever had any DREAMS or aspirations in making it into the fashion/movie industry. Our teens saw this as an opportunity to make some extra cash over the summer months. This message was very clearly communicated to Lorraine.
The facts are that we spent over $1,200.00 and our teens have never received a single phone call or an opportunity to make even $1. We were assured we would at the very least recoup our initial investment. All who are reading this, we ask you to google and search "Lornik" and INmodel Management" and "Lorraine Nickel" and make your own judgements based on what you read. In every case, there are very common denominators.
Please understand that this is NOT a rebuttal of vengence. This is not written in anger. We do not seek vengence; we seek justice in what is right. The truth is the truth. The intent of this and our legal actions are to prevent this from happening to other unsuspecting, honest, hard working individuals. We are conscientious people who care deeply about others.
The purpose of these web postings, is to inform you, the trusting people, to just be informed and unlike us, do your research ahead of time. Don't be duped by people like Lorraine.
Sam
Woodbridge,Internet,
United States of America
Hi JOSIE!!
#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tue, January 12, 2010
Hello Josie!
It's quite interesting to see what you've written. Firstly, it seems you are one petty not to mention jealous woman - calling me the 'vile Lorraine'! Thank you for the compliment - such a sweetheart you are! Are you 'the victim'? Really? Did you forget that you came in THREE times before signing on? Did you forget the 'so-called family meetings/discussions' you mentioned you had with your husband and two teens, Jonathon and Teresa??
You seem to want to pass the buck on two people - ME and your husband for 'falling for the vile Lorraine'! Yet, you don't want to accept any responsibility for dreams YOU had! It seems you are upset, as your dreams didn't work out the way you wanted them to! WORK WAS NEVER GUARANTEED - YOU HAVE THE AGREEMENT IN YOUR POSSESSION!!!
I was a 'nice' person when you first came in and then when YOUR DREAMS didn't transpire the way they were supposed to, I became this wicked and evil and 'vile' person! Do you actually hear yourself when you speak or re-read what you've written? It must be easy for you to go through life blaming others for things that don't work out for you!!
By the way, it was brought to my attention that there were some scoundrels out there trying to defame me; therefore, I do my research Josie, just as you attempt to do! YOU must have a lot of free time on your hands to read over these letters, as you've mentioned. So, while your husband is working .... you're on the net most of the time! WHY DON'T YOU try running a business! Do you think one can keep everyone happy??? If so, you truly do live in a dream world!
It's funny how you don't mention the full truth in your letter....so, here goes:
1. You paid for a service and a photo shoot! YOU have the photos in your possession!
2. You paid for a workshop and it did take place, YET, your kids didn't show up the first day (well, they did; however, decided not to join in). We then had them show up on another day - midway throughout.... Again, you, claim that the instructor 'Jane Christensen' is bogus, as you mentioned that your son went through a binder that she left on the table, which didn't have anything important in it! A lady that has 40 years experience in the business! So, you have brought your son up to snoop, while an instructor is on a break? Very interesting!
Josie, your son has been contacted a few times, only to botch up times and dates of classes and the photo shoot. Every time we either contacted you or your son, you would always want me to call your husband. Why? Are you that incapable of taking a message? Really? Well, since we had problems, it was apparant that your son definitely needed the class!
Your kids were submitted for an audition, which you're well aware of; however, the clients needed to see them ASAP!
YOU seem to be upset as you've been asked to pay for promotional tools! Gosh, I really feel for you!!!! I should go to a printing shop and ask for 'free business cards', go to Bell and ask for free phones and service, go to the Landlord and ask for free rent, etc..... WHAT WORLD DO YOU LIVE IN??? REALLY????
EVERY AGENCY ON EVERY CONTINENT WILL ASK YOU FOR MONIES FOR SOMETHING OR OTHER......THAT IS LIFE!!!! THAT IS THE COST OF GETTING INVOLVED IN OUR BUSINESS OR ANYTHING ELSE!
WHY DO YOU or OTHERS think modelling should be free? WHO tells you this nonsense? When one registers kids or adults for tennis, soccer, swimming, dance, etc..... IS THIS FREE???????????????????????????????????
You failed to mention that YOU did INDEED obtain a refund on your workshop, in 'good faith', for the classes that your kids did not attend, when in fact you should not have, as they waltzed in and out and decided to do what they wanted! This is not how it's done in the 'real world'! AND....YOU THINK ANY AGENCY IS GOING TO WANT TO SEND A TEEN WITH THAT KIND OF BEHAVIOUR OUT on a paying assignment??? Imagine, if they 'just didn't feel like showing'??
JOSIE, you are NOT a victim, but a bully!!! THIS IS TRULY SHAMEFUL!!! You are telling me how your neighbour's think you're such a nice person and that you are such a sweet person....YET.....listening to your yelling and threats on our machine....we would beg to differ!!!!
Josie, perhaps, you may want to go to another agency and see what you're faced with. THAT'S THE REAL WORLD!!
SHOULD YOU CONTINUE ON THIS PATH OF SLANDER AND DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER.....YOU MAY BE FACED WITH SOME CONSEQUENCES, AS WHAT YOU AND OTHERS ARE DOING IS CLEARLY HARRASSMENT.....TO SAY THE VERY LEAST!!! I, too, am one of the 5% out there, that WILL NOT ALLOW SOMEONE LIKE YOU TO intimidate me.... You should do some research on 'extortion' and Ed Magedson.....and then we'll talk!!!! I have letters from this 'rip off report' and they want $5000 to remove this garbage!!!! YOU think about what you are doing .... seriously!!!!
Good luck to you!
Josie
Burlington,Ontario,
Canada
You are right on!
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, December 02, 2009
I've been spending a lot of time reading all the complaints and I especially agree with yours. The first thing I noticed was the pristine office with very little clutter. My immediate thought was fly-by-night as well. Unfortunately, my husband paid over 1200.00 to the vile Lorraine and we like so many others were duped. Lorraine Nickel is now in Oakville on Lakeshore under INmodel Management and when trying to search up her website, it can't be found. We will be checking with the police to see if indeed these women (tag team) have ever placed anyone in a modeling job.
Think about it. Who in business spends time searching for complaints against their own company? Everything Lorraine has written in her rebuttals, we've heard over and over again. Bottom line - she totally misrepresented herself to my husband, our two teens, and me. We are going to do everything in our power to stop this woman. We've also read stats where it is stated that for every 100 dissatisfied customers, less than 5 actually take the time to complain to the appropriate people. My husband and I are in that 5%. Very disheartened in Burlington, Ontario, Canada
