Model Agency Scam in Sheffield 26 & 27 July -

Joerispoli · 23-07-2008, 22:47

Hi,

Just to warn any of you out there who have children who want to be actors or models...

Beware there is a scam agency coming to Sheffield on 26/27 July at the Novotel hotel. The adverty was in today's 'Metro' page 40.

Last weekend BBC TV North West took their cameras to the previous hotel venue in Bolton, see my website to see the video, anactor.net this is the 4th TV programme to highlight these tricksters, who charge parents £250 to find you an agency, which in most cases is an agency set up by themselves, who charge a further £100; making a total fee of £350; where you stand little or no chance of getting any work...

Of course the advert just states 'free photoshot'. The Advertising Standards Authority has made ten adjudications on the people behind this agency, but nothing can stop these people, it would appear...

The agency is called 1st Class Images/Trading, they put you in touch with Model Factor. The previous companies they ran were, West 1 Casting/Model Management & Hidden Faces/Talent; which have just been put into liquidation...

Look out for the 'Daily Mirror' report tomorrow Thursday, 24 July!

Best,
Joe

PreferNot · 23-07-2008, 23:19

Thanks for the warning

fallen_star · 24-07-2008, 10:36

Hi

I know this has already been posted but I don't want anybody to miss out on this information.

This weekend 26/27 July, a rogue model agency called 1ST CLASS IMAGES are visiting Sheffield. They will be holding auditions at the Novotel hotel, 50 Arundel Gate. This company will charge you £250 to sign up with them. They will promise to put you in touch with another agency, which will charge you a further £100.

I know this because I have been scammed by them myself.

Don't pay any money to them, they will not give you a refund.

And if you are sucked in by the photographs they say they will take for your portfolio, remember that they will be the most terrible quality you have ever seen! I have a good right to post mine just to show people what you really do get for your money.

Please, I would urge you to avoid this company at all costs.

Kat

sandyb · 24-07-2008, 11:28

Cant anyone gather outside the hotel to advise all the uninformed (gullible) people who are going to be turning up , ready to part with their cash to these con merchants? We were conned last year by the same scam , this time at the Bristol?(victoria station approach) Ended up costing us around £200 for a portfolio (6 pictures) ,and not hearing anything . How do these people keep getting away with it? Only by letting people know/advising them not to go ,hence they dont make any money -can stop this. Please pass on and tell EVERYONE!!!! What agency CAN you trust? If only we knew!!

fallen_star · 24-07-2008, 11:38

Unfortunately the only thing that seems to get to these con merchants is having their custom turned away by people who have been scammed in the past. If it wasn't going to cost me £60 in petrol to get to Sheffield I would go myself. I can't wait until they come to somewhere closer to me so I can give them a piece of my mind.

They are most definately breaking the law, I have had a letter from my local MP confirming this and at least they are taking the matter very seriously. I would advise anyone who has had money taken by these people to inform their MP's their experence, because they are the only ones who can put pressure on the appropriate body to do their job and prosecute criminals like this rogue agency!

puddinburner · 24-07-2008, 11:52

I saw Dylis Humphries at meadow hall last week with her parade of really sickeningly good looking pretty and very tall girls. I would have thought this is THE only reputable company in Sheffield.

Anyone else is either a perv or a scam! If you've got what it takes surely you don't have to pay someone to push you. Fame will find you in the shape of a talents spotter, which I've heard are common in Sheffield.
So just keep walking round town, looking good and you never know?:hihi

I missed my chance years ago! but got offered a cover for a cat food company once..lol

sandyb · 24-07-2008, 19:46

[QUOTE=puddinburner;3826308]I saw Dylis Humphries at meadow hall last week with her parade of really sickeningly good looking pretty and very tall girls. I would have thought this is THE only reputable company in Sheffield

Maybe so , but would they accept 5' 2" models, and 17 years old?

Manorblade · 24-07-2008, 21:57

Glad i came on here as there is an add in todays Sheffield Star and my wife thought of taking the little uns so thank you very much everyone.

MODELS & EXTRAS
Do you think you have the necessary qualities to be a model or an extra? is so come along to the
NOVOTEL HOTEL
50 Arundel gate, Sheffield city centre S1 2PR
SAT26th & SUN27th july 2008

for a FREE PHOTO TEST SHOT & PHOTOGRAPH

We are looking for children 1-12 for catalogue photographic and film/tv extra work
Teenagers 16-17 years for catalogue photographic and film/tv extra work fashion and catwalk
Adults 18-75 for catalogue photographic and film/tv extra work fashion and promotional work

No experience necessary. Arrive anytime between 10am & 5pm the earlier you arrive the quicker you will be seen. Under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

That is the advert in the Star tonight on page 35

annb3811 · 24-07-2008, 22:45

i took my daughter to this a few years ago.go in wait in reception then sent to another floor to fill out a form.i read the form before starting to fill it and guess what ,right at the bottom of the form they ask you for a fee £150 I think it was ,luckily my daughter was old enough to understand when i explained to her that it seemed to be a scam.she was still pretty upset though.i wonder how many parents gave into their kids so they were not upset

Mathom · 25-07-2008, 09:23

Shouldn't a company like Novotel be more careful about hiring premises to scammers like this? Or do they not give a damn?

rubydazzler · 25-07-2008, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathom

Shouldn't a company like Novotel be more careful about hiring premises to scammers like this? Or do they not give a damn?

And the Star for taking the ad?

Although they'll get the cherry of the ad and then the later cherry of posting pix of sad looking children and angry parents when they find out they've been conned. Win-Win for them?

sandyb · 25-07-2008, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathom

Shouldn't a company like Novotel be more careful about hiring premises to scammers like this? Or do they not give a damn?

Cant we all bombared the Novatel with calls ,as from now ,in the hope they will tell these con merchants to "do one" when they arrive to set up their scam. I"ll start calling now.

NEKRO138 · 25-07-2008, 09:39

As far as blaming Novotel and the Star are concerned, you can't blame them really.

In both instances, someone has paid for space and they've rented it out. It's very difficult as a company to look into each and every advertisement or booking.

puddinburner · 25-07-2008, 09:42

Even if your 5' 2" you can become a model, if you have what they're looking for...my mate years ago, did adverts for hair products and hand care lotions, as she was'nt tall enough for cat walk.

If your serious, why not DIY it's cheaper, get a portfolio made up yourself via a reputable photographer and then bang on some doors? It sure as hell won't cost £250 on a promise of success then no deliver.

Modelling of any sort is hard work and you must be prepared to do the leg work and only go with agencies you trust and have an excellent reputation.

Good Luck, Everyone! I wish you all the success in the world but be careful out there!

peakview · 25-07-2008, 09:45

The event has been cancelled. There's something about it in today's Star.

sandyb · 25-07-2008, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandyb

Cant we all bombared the Novatel with calls ,as from now ,in the hope they will tell these con merchants to "do one" when they arrive to set up their scam. I"ll start calling now.

Just rung Novatel -----THE BOOKING IS CANCELLED!!! - THIS IS A NON EVENT. (even though people are still going to turn up , who have seen the ads) Just look out for future similar scams at a hotel near you!!!

BasilRathbon · 25-07-2008, 10:07

Here's a man who's set up his own website to expose this company and its scams.

http://agencyhelpline.blogspot.com/

Beware - they trade under many different names......

Even more reports of the scam here, if you have a few hours to spare......

http://newspaper-reports-up-front.blogspot.com/

chris101 · 25-07-2008, 10:26

Well if these people are known scam artist you have to ask why the Novotel and the Sheffield star are sealing with them. Bet they got there money up front

Strix · 27-07-2008, 13:31

if anybody feels strongly enough would they put an email together linking to the news stories and tv progs and circulate it to all the big hotel chains to make it much more difficult for them to book venues?

partypixie · 13-03-2010, 09:48

looks like they've been at it again this time up at mosborough hall hotel last weekend under the name of runway models. and again the star ran the advert cos I saw it myself. has anyone got any advice for anyone who's been scammed? is contacting your mp the only/best way?