Complaint Review: Photo Art Resource Book Publishing - NYC Internet

The following is a letter I had received from Anna Wu, model scout for the Photo ARt Resource Publishing house (book). When I first checked them out everything seemed okay. Website and phone number matched. I waited to receive my two books I had ordered and after a few months past, I decided to follow up and contact them. No response from them as I noticed that email address had changed, name had changed and by the time I filed a rebutal against them they were gone. I only lost $40.00 dollars to these scam artist. However, they also have my personal information that could be used for identity theft. I already filed a report and red flagged the credit report companies but this may not be enough.

Due to my high profile on the Internet as a Professional Model and Actress, I am aware that such things can happen. However, every model and actress with profiles on the Internet should be very careful when approached by anyone offering such deal. "If it sounds too good to be true it usually is" isn't that the saying that we always hear. Most likely the names and information provided are false in the letter, but rest assure that this letter will also circulate the Internet to make all models beware of what to whatch out for.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, but I hope to inform many of you of such scam. This letter has also been turned over to the FBI for investigation on the Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3. If anyone else out there has come accross such scam, please report it to the IC3 and leave a report here with RipOffReport.com.

The following is a copy of the first letter I received out of several.

This is a fashion book invite:

Greetings,

My name is Anna Wu and I am one of the internet model scouts working for the Photo Art Resource Publishing house. I've reviewed a few of your online photos and would like to offer to place your comp card information and 2 photos in our upcoming Special Edition book "New Faces 2006". This listing and feature is completely free to you, the model. All you need to do is email [email protected] 2 photos of yourself. Keep in mind this book is a FASHION BOOK and we are looking for photos along these lines. Please don't send lingerie or non-professional photography.

As a model myself, I am always looking for great ways to get my face out there without having to pay alot of money. But this listing is FREE and theres no obligation to buy anything and theres no hidden fees later down the road. I have received literally HUNDREDS of offers through the internet, most of them asking for alot of money for the same type of listing. This company doesn't believe that any listing can guarantee generating business for a model and likewise they don't believe in charging money for this listing.

I work as a freelance model and subscribe to many websites and pay around $80 every month to these sites. But I know that the industry standard is PRINT! Websites are fine but nothing can substitute my compcard being printed in a high quality industry publication. The fact that this listing is FREE just made the offer more attractive. These books are sent to 70 agencies nationwide to their print division.

What you need to do:

Email 2 (low resolution - 50kb - 100 kb) photos to [email protected] - subject line: New Faces - model. You must submit professional photography. This is a fashion book, we will not consider photos that do not convey professionalism and good taste. We urge you NOT to enter lingerie photos. We will then email you back to get your information, instructions for large file upload and publishing release.

(if your email is bounced back to you, please wait a few hours and try again)

***If you'd like to order a copy of the book that you are in for your own use, you may pre-order for $20 via credit card or paypal. This includes shipping as well. We do not print extra copies! We print the books for exclusive use by modeling agencies. If you want a copy of the book you are in, you MUST pre-order it. A link will be provided in your confirmation email. You are encouraged to purchase one copy but there is no obligation to buy.

About the book:

Limited spaces available, email us now to reserve your space.

9" x 12" oversized book, 12 point laminated covers and 90# gloss paper, b/w through out.

More info at

www.PhotoArtResource.com (hit reload if it doesn't open the first time) or call 212-330-8272.

This book is printed 2 times per year, Spring and Fall.

*We are NOT a model agency. This offer is for models that are looking for another way to promote themselves in a professional and high quality industry publication. We reserve the right to refuse anyone listing in the book for any reason at any time.

About us:

We are a small company in NYC that specializes in limited edition art books. We began the model listing book because we also work with alot of models and agencies and the agencies stated a need for a convenient book (not a magazine or a pile of comp cards) that would facilitate their model selection. We send this book to over 70 legitimate agencies print divisions and we deal in fashion only (no adult, no playboy style). The agencies have let us know that they do not like using most websites since the photos vary greatly in quality and the formats change from site to site and not the easiest to navigate. They have left it to us to get high quality accurate photos and more importantly, accurate contact information in a book. Word-of-mouth has been our best friend although unless you are an art book collector or figure photography aficionado, you may not have heard of us. Many industry professionals have told us repeatedly, "I just don't have the time and patience to look at websites with unprofessional photos and old contact information. I wish I had a high-quality book that I could reference instead...professionally speaking, printed matter is far more engaging than a computer screen."

Yvette

Reno, Nevada

U.S.A.