Is your Child a Star? BBB Warns Parents to Beware of Talent Agency Sales Practices

MARLBOROUGH, MA, December 12, 2011 – The Better Business Bureau is warning parents to be skeptical if approached in shopping malls by talent scouts touting their services to get their children into television and motion pictures.

BBB has received inquires and complaints about the sales practices and contractual issues involving one such company, InterFACE, which has offices in Florida, New Jersey and Connecticut, in addition to Framingham, MA.  InterFACE describes itself as a talent marketing agency that connects aspiring models, actors and singers to industry professionals.

In a pending lawsuit filed in June, 2011 by the New Jersey Attorney General and State Division of Consumer Affairs , Interface 1, LLC is accused of engaging “…in deceptive practices in order to entice consumers to enter into written agreements to pay for services that would purportedly assist their children in obtaining modeling and acting careers.”    

The company offers ‘free’ screenings for children to be connected to modeling agencies.

“Modeling can be an exciting opportunity for children, but signing up with a deceptive talent agency can be a waste of time and money,” said Paula Fleming, BBB spokesperson. “Even if the agency tells you that your child has ‘the look’, it is important to always take the time to do some research and be able to spot empty promises.”

BBBs have received 376 complaints about this business. Complaints state that parents are approached by InterFACE talent scouts at public places which include malls, sporting events, theme parks, etc. Parents are told that their child could be a model or actor and offered a ‘free’ screening at the company’s office. Complaints indicate during the screening, parents are pressured to schedule a date for a photo shoot, make a payment of up to $1,500 and sign a contract.

Complaints to BBB indicate that the contract includes a clause that states the contract cannot be cancelled once the photo shoot has been scheduled, but this is not made clear before the contract is signed. Parents state that when they try to contact InterFACE to cancel the contract, they are denied. Parents of children who complete the photo shoot reported that they were asked for additional fees of up to $1,800 to post the photos online or to create composite cards.

Before signing any contract with a modeling or talent agency:

• Do your research. Always check the business out with your BBB at bbb.org/reviews. Some states may require a talent agency or modeling school to be licensed and bonded; confirm the business meets those requirements if applicable.
• Beware of big promises and high pressure sales pitches. In the modeling world, income is never guaranteed and jobs can be sporadic. Consider it a red flag if the sales pitch promises a lot of jobs and big earnings or uses high pressure tactics to get you to sign up without thinking it through first.

• Read the fine print and get everything in writing. Take your time and read the agreement or contract carefully, paying close attention to details regarding refunds and your recourse if you are dissatisfied. Make sure that all verbal promises are in the agreement.

• Get references. Ask for references from other satisfied clients who have a similar background and qualifications.

• Complain if you’ve been ripped off. If you feel you’ve been misled by a talent or modeling agency, file a complaint with your BBB at bbb.org, State Attorney General and the FTC.

For more advice on finding businesses and services that you can trust, visit bbb.org.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.