Hello PMAA Parents! Here is the Midday Update:
1.) Mary-Beth Haggerty-Shaw from the Attorney General's office (Investigator, Consumer Protection Section) 206-464-5478 is investigating all of the AG complaints received in Washington. For non-Washington folks, please give her name and number to your respective AG Offices.
2.) Washington Parents: Please call Bellevue Police - Officer Carlson - 425-452-6917 or you may e-mail him at dacarlson@bellevuewa.gov and add your name to Case #08-5892. It is critical that he have the names and information for each family to gather all of the counts of fraud. For some reason, Officer Carlson doesn't have many parent names and we need to make sure that he has everyone's name since this is where the alleged (although we know it is real) crime took place. Please note that Officer Carlson is a Field Officer and is hard to reach so e-mail may be best. This is urgent!
3.) There is a company called "ACT" (Not to be confused with the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco) that appears to be holding "auditions" in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area. We are investigating who they are and what information they are conveying and whether they are associated with PMAA. PARENTS Considering this - BEWARE!! As soon as we have more information we will update the blogspot. If anyone in New Jersey or Pennsylvania is reading this blogspot and can offer more information, please post it under comments of this section. We are monitoring the blogspot and updating it as information comes in.
4.) Need Parent Volunteers!! It has been suggested that in each area, we find what television and radio stations PMAA advertised on, contact the Sales Director for that station and have them forward any information that they have to the Law Enforcement in each jurisdiction investigating the case. In Seattle, it needs to be forwarded to the Bellevue Police Department (Officer Carlson) referencing the case listed above. If you want to volunteer for your area to do this, please post it in the comments section and send an e-mail to ljgossett@yahoo.com so that we know this effort is being worked.
5.) 1 More Parent Volunteer - we recently discovered that some people attended "auditions" in Washington at the Bellevue Hyatt, while others attended "auditions" at the Meydenbauer Center. We need a parent to contact the Meydenbauer Center and find out what information they have and again get that forwarded to the Bellevue Police Department referencing the case number. If you are willing to assist, please e-mail ljgossett@yahoo.com and let us know what you find out.
6.) We know of fraud in San Diego, CA; Nashville, TN; Tampa, FL; Albuquerque, NM; Las Vegas, NV; in addition to Seattle, WA. If you know of other locations, please post a comment and let us know what other cities. To assist Law Enforcement, I will set up a blogspot for each city so that names and contact information can be sorted by city. Stay tuned for the blogspot urls.
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32 comments:
When Tampa Police Department was called to the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday morning (5/31) they would not take a report. My husband was told that since the company was out of state there was nothing they could do. Did anyone else out there from Tampa try to get a police report filed? Do they have a case number? If not, I will call TPD on June 4, 2008, and try again to get them to take a report.
Hi Linda, you should push harder on the Tampa police and make them look at the blogspot. This has happened in many cities throughout the US and the local law enforcement has to provide you with a police report to get a refund from your credit card company. Also please contact the local media and let them know what kind of resistance you are encountering. The FBI won't investigate unless brought in by the local jurisdiction.
Hi Linda, you should push harder on the Tampa police and make them look at the blogspot. This has happened in many cities throughout the US and the local law enforcement has to provide you with a police report to get a refund from your credit card company. Also please contact the local media and let them know what kind of resistance you are encountering. The FBI won't investigate unless brought in by the local jurisdiction.
From what I can get from phone calls and web searching, the company that is holding the auditions as "ACT" is actually Edge 1 productions, the same corporation that is registered in the state of Washington that booked the Hyatt and Westin for PMAA. Looks like Stanley isnt bankrupt after all. I called ACT at 602.261.5800, and they didnt want to talk to me.
I left Linda a message regarding this but at our audition at Meydenbauer, Brandy Gold was there with the PMAA people. She and her father are agents and she spoke all about her father's clients and her sister's work in the industry. I think we need to contact them and file some sort of claim against them since they chose to be affliated with PMAA and they were holding "auditions" with PMAA and were part of the ruse. I will get their numbers and post them here. Sandra N.
Brandy Gold is with Talentworks and their website is http://www.talentworks.us/twaboutus.html
Their number is 818-972-4300. I called her and they "claim" she is calling me back. I will find out what she knows and how involved she is.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/everett-wa
This forum is getting very interesting . . . see page 7.
I posted on another part of the blog that I have contacted two radio stations so far, one I wasn't sure if they ran the ad - funky monkey/Kube 93 (PR run by the same lady and The New Movin 92.5 - I know that is where I heard the ad. I contacted them on Monday and gave them both the blogspot address.
According to the website
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/everett-wa
they were in Greensboro, North Carolina (see posting #128).
Brandy Gold called me back. Claims she had no idea about the scam PMAA was running. Claims that JR Power is legit and Stanley worked for them for years and then started his own school. She claims he is a "really nice guy with bad business sense." She claims she is just sure he did not plan to rip anyone off. Now that I read the Everett Blogs I see she and other people from her agency attended things in different states. We need to have our office carlson call her and get a paper trail for how they were paid. If they were paid to promote PMAA then they are liable to and Talentworks has a pretty penny we can go after.
I'm not sure if anyone else did this or thought about it, but I wrote an email to both Hannah Montana and Mario Lopez and told them what their names were being affiliated with. Don't know if they will actually respond or read the emails, but it is an avenue worth taking a shot at. If these stars can rebuff these cons, that will definitely bring nationwide press if not worldwide.
I never thought about e-mailing Mario Lopez or Hannah Montana but that is a very good idea hope you get an e-mal back.
I was also scammed by this company how do I get my name on the list for a lawsuit. Tampa police are not doing much about it.
Another avenue to try is the agent list they gave us. I have it and it says, "The following is a list of agents, managers and casting directors that currently utilize PACIFIC to find new talent. Though we have strong relationships with the industry professionals listed, this list continually evolves as we build new realtionships by referral." It then goes on the list 20th century Fix, MGM and a bunch of agents in LA and New York. Would someone like to help me contact each of these people to let them know that we have, in writing, their affiliation to PMAA and perhaps this too would spawn some additional press and also help prove this was a scam from the start. If we can prove this was a scam from the start, credit card companys can also work with authorities to get you a refund. Contact me at nich1679@comcast.net.
I've been reading your posts and I hope you find some answers and resolve this, hopefully in your favor.
Concerning A.C.T. I don't know if this will help or not to better understand the business aspect of this school..selling their "product" to consumers and the incentive behind the salespeople. They can receive a compensation for sales up to $100,000!
This is a Craigslist post looking for a Talent Coordinator. Its from Los Angeles. It mentions DGS productions, which is referable to A.C.T. per the Better Business Bureau info.
Advice to anyone who is thinking about signing their kids to any school (not being specific to any particular school) is to leave your credit cards at home, don't leave a deposit and take the contracts home with you to look over and research the companies. You will always be pressured to sign right then and there with someone telling you if you don't your child will lose the opportunity to enroll...if this is what is being said, then I would walk away! You have the right as a consumer to read over contracts and rearch the schools or modeling agencies.
HERE'S WHAT I'VE SEEN GO BY:
--------------------------------
Talent Coordinator
Reply to: job-695839422@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-26, 1:46PM PDT
Are you looking for more in a job than just a paycheck? Are you interested in partnering with a company that is in business to help people change their lives? We are DGS Productions, a group that operates cutting edge training centers that have revolutionized education in the performing arts. Our mission is to attract talented team members by creating an exciting growth-oriented environment in which to work and develop, where hard work and a focus on quality is valued and rewarded. Our management team is experienced and focused with backgrounds that range from former CEOs of publicly traded companies to marketing specialists and educational gurus. We are constantly striving for growth, not only in expansion but also in the quality of education that we offer.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Talent Coordinators are responsible for the overall successful operation of the admission department and are reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer with doted responsibilities to the CEO. The specific management of this function constitutes a high degree of applied skill and proficiency in several key areas including essential high level customer service concepts, verbal and written communications, overall product and market knowledge and strong critical and analytical thinking processes.
COMPENSATION:
*Guaranteed draw of $3000 a month against monthly commissions.
*Our top sales people earn 90K to 110K+ a year
DUTIES:
*To conduct interviews and final testing of potential students to accept or decline them to our schools
*To complete all necessary paperwork for accepted students into our schools
*Contribute ideas and strategies with upper management and other directors.
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:
*Have at least 3 years of sales and marketing skills includes telephone appointment settings and follow-up skills
*Sales experience in admission in a proprietary school is a BIG PLUS
*Track record of multi-tasking skills in managing admissions in a fast-paced, performance driven environment
*Have patience and problem-solving approach to admission issues
*Have excellent organizational skills with the abilities to consistently think outside of the box.
*Have strong goals and results orientation
*Demonstrate a high level of integrity, intelligence, and professionalism
*Have high motivation and passionate about achieving strict goals and deadlines
for the admission team
*Have persuasive communication skills with an excellent customer focus
*Have proven ability to interact effectively with students, staffs and faculties
*Frequent travel.
About DGS Productions:
DGS Productions, LLC owns and operates private schools for the performing arts. We focus on acting, modeling, singing and dancing. We are extremely proud of our continued commitment to education, and helping our students earn, and maintain, an edge over their competition in the entertainment industry. The board of directors have over 40 years experience in the entertainment business. The concept of our schools originated over 10 years ago and since has been developed extensively. Our mission is now simple: Create cutting edge training centers that revolutionize education in on-camera acting, modeling, singing and dancing. Our directors have worked extensively with companies like ClearChannel, CBS, Comcast, Cox Communications, Bonneville, Entercom, ABC, The CW, FOX, and MGM. We have surpassed every educational goal established by our Board of Directors over 10 years ago. Our satellite program and our main facility in Phoenix, Arizona, have now helped thousands of students nationwide to achieve their educational goals in on-camera acting... and much, much more.
Compensation: 80k-100k
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 695839422
RE: A.C.T.
Just some additional info. Again, I don't know the quality of the classes given or specifically spoke with anyone, but this is just some general info.
The above Craigslist AD mentioned "DGS" Productions. There are a few names connected with A.C.T. Per the Better Business Bureau:
Additional DBA Names
Academy of TV and Cinema
DGS Productions, LLC
Edge One, LLC
ACT
THIS IS POSTED BELOW AS WELL.
http://central-northern-western-arizona.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=30&bbb=1126&firm=97008060
BBB issues Reliability Reports on all businesses, whether or not they are BBB accredited. If a business is a BBB Accredited Business, it is stated in this report BBB Definition:
report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB Accreditation information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.
.
Name: Academy of Cinema and Television
Phone: (602) 261-5800
Fax: (602) 261-5801
Address: 40 N. Central Avenue #2250
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: www.academyofcinemaandtv.com
Original Business Start Date: February 2007
Principal: Mr. Andrew G. Andrekopoulos, Member
Customer Contact: Mr. Andrew G. Andrekopoulos, Member - (602) 261-5800 or gecdesign@msn.com
Email Address: gecdesign@msn.com
Entity: Limited Liability Corporation
Incorporated: March 2007, AZ
Employees: 75
TOB Classification: Drama Instruction, Schools-General Interest, Schools-Private
BBB Accreditation: This organization is a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names
Academy of TV and Cinema
DGS Productions, LLC
Edge One, LLC
ACT
BBB Accreditation Status
This company has been a BBB Accredited business since February 2008. This means it supports the BBB's services to the public and meets our BBB Accreditation standards.
Program Participation
This company has agreed to use special procedures including arbitration BBB Definition:
arbitration - http://www.dr.bbb.org/ComSenseAlt/bindArb.asp
, if necessary, to resolve disputes through their participation in the following programs: BBB Accreditation Identification, BBBOnLine BBB Definition:
BBBOnLine - A national BBB dispute resolution program offered to companies who transact business via the Internet and allows the company to display the BBBOnLine Reliability Seal. Refer to https://www.bbbonline.org/reliability/Rel_EN.asp for a fuller description of the program and eligibility requirements.
.
Nature Of Business
This company offers drama school instruction services.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record BBB Definition:
satisfactory record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on BBB files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the BBB with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the BBB's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.
with BBB. A satisfactory record BBB Definition:
satisfactory record - A business identified in our report as satisfactory has, based on BBB files, been in business for at least one year, and has voluntarily provided the BBB with all information requested about the business and its product or service. If any complaints have been received about the business, their number has not been considered by the BBB to be extreme, given the nature of the company's business and the volume of business transacted. Complaints are also generally typical of what might be expected for this type of business. A business stated to be satisfactory has not been the subject of any recent law enforcement actions concerning its dealings with the public. If the business has been contacted by the BBB about its advertising or selling claims, it has modified or substantiated its practices to the BBB's satisfaction. In addition, the BBB has a clear understanding of the company's business, and the business is not in an industry which has raised significant marketplace concerns.
means a company has been in business for at least 12 months, and properly addressed matters referred by the BBB. The company does not have an unusual volume of complaints, or any government actions involving its marketplace conduct. The BBB understands and has no concerns about the company's products, services and type of business.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
The BBB processed a total of 4 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.Of the total of 4 complaints closed in 36 months, 4 were closed in the last year.
Sales Practice Issues BBB Definition:
Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service, high pressure sales practices, failure to disclose key conditions of the offer, and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
2 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
Product Issues BBB Definition:
Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant, including defective merchandise.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined that while the company addressed the complaint issues, the complainant was dissatisfied and the matter was outs
ide the BBB Rules of Arbitration BBB Definition:
Arbitration - http://www.dr.bbb.org/ComSenseAlt/bindArb.asp
.
Licensing
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Company Management
Additional company management personnel include:
Ms. Elizabeth Solis-Santana - CFO
I posted this at the bottom of this blog by misteak...
I looked at the US Courts website:
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
and couldn't find anything listed under Pacific Modeling or Stanley Robinson
PACER information is usually quite helpful.....it costs 8 cents per page after you establish an account, but it can be very informative.
Good luck and best wishes to all those affected.
There were about 90 people in Las Vegas that were scammed. We also had three classes and then received the email. Our local police department will not take a report or do anything because the company was based out of Seattle Washington. We also have been on the News.
I felt as if it were a scam after I paid my money and returned home. I wrote a letter canceling and PMAA had Brandy Gold from Talent Works call me and tell me what a wonderful company it was and that she had worked with them for many years. I was affraid it was not really Brandy Gold so I called her back at the Talent Work Agency and asked her assistant Mark Cline to speak with her. He put me through and we continued our conversation. Had it not been for her I would have cancelled. I believe she needs to be held accountable also. I am the one that has volunteered to handle the Las Vegas group. I have most of the contact information. They are advertising the commercial again on the Disney Channel as well as the Nicoleadon Chennel. Several of our parents have called and when they give there childs name the do not call the parent back. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do to get our name added to the list.
Thanks,
Kelli
I am shocked that Brandy Gold that would do that. You should absolutely notify the Screen Actors Guild which certifies agencies. That is absolutely a violation, a serious one actually. You can find them at www.sag.org
Kelly, the commercial you are seeing is for ACT out of Phoenix. They are business partners of Stanley Robinson. That is where Zac and Kathy are employed now. Thier phone number is 602-261-5800, I have called several times, and they hang up on me. They say they have no affiliation but run the exact same commercials, have the exact same photos in thier materials, have the exact same price structure, and the exact same employees.
If you are one of the parents scammed by these guys in Albuquerque, CALL THE F.B.I.!!!!!
We arrived for our third class and they were not there, nor anywhere else that we have met them before, all lines of contact were inoperable, if you have been scammed notify the F.B.I. in your area!! Please, DO NOT LET THESE GUYS GET AWAY. This scam is an ongoing nationwide event!!
They have also been to Greensboro, NC
This is Detective Borg of the San Diego Police department. I would like to submit a post regarding my San Diego Police Department cases and observations on Pacific Modeling cases. I am not to blog saavy. Can the manager of this blog contact me?
Detective Borg SDPD
pdsentinel@gmail.com
ACT was in Cleveland this weekend, and will be again next weekend. Said they only took 35 out of the 800, but they took everyone we were there with (12 kids. Said I would have to pay up front, sign tonight. I told them I had a flat tire and couldn't get up there for callbacks and they requested a credit card on the phone. It was at the Crown Plaza. Dates for workwhops to be at hotel, still were not booked as of today. Phone numner was 877-214-0770, call back number was 8772141882, and Zack caller id call back number was 4806865104. Lilly was modeling scout. Asked over and over to confirm occupation and if I could pay tonight by cashier check or credit card, no personal checks.
I'm a student of ACT in Secaucus NJ. Is it really a scam? Please e-mail me to let me know how i can help in any way.
kmt71093@gmail.com
They are in columbus ohio at the hyatt off north high street using the number 8772141882 calling them Act
WATCH OUT SCAM//// WHEY ARE IN GOLDEN/DENVER CO NOW 1877 214 1887 AS //(THE)\\/ www.expthe.tv ASKING FOR $1950. TO 4900. PLUS $895. FOR PARENT
http://www.abc6.com/news/40804477.html
NEW INVESTIGATIVE REPORT - also referring to PMAA.
ABC6 News - Rhode Island
Definitely give a watch, perhaps it may answer some more questions.
Hello Everyone,
I'm currently interested in having my daughter enrol with the ACT company but I'm very hesitate on pursuing this due to the large amount required for tuition. I feel as though this could possibly be a scam of some sort. Does anyone have any suggestions, feedback, or knowledge about this company. Currently the BBB does not have a rating for the company which gives me a red flag. Any advice or information would greatly be appreciated. Oh FYI, they are currently holding auditions in the Baltimore, MD metro area (Hunt Valley, MD).
Thanks Much and good luck.....
Some of the same names are affiliated with "The" (h is itallicized). On AZ BBB site, ACT is also known as "The". They were in Columbus, Oh this weekend. My son was so excited, and when we were called back, we went to see what they had to say. Lily was our scout, and when we were thinking of not doing it b/c of the cost and a gut feeling, she reeled us in by telling us we should think of our son and not miss out on this opportunity. Why would we not want to give him a chance like this - were we not as confident in him as she is? Right in front of him - what's a parent to say. At 8 yrs old, you take words at face value and don't think about motives behind them. They use these kids' emotions to push you into something you otherwise would not have done. We're waiting on a refund - we canceled as soon as we got home and saw all this negative info online. Why couldn't we find anything before we went? Because when you google "The", you get a bunch of nothing b/c is the same as the. Smart of them. Scary, pre-meditated smartness. We'll be taking it to authorities if we don't get our refund - they're trying to keep $1000 deposit b/c they spent so much time with us! We were called back and spent an extra 15 minutes with Lily. Why should we pay $1000 for her to pressure us into $8000? We thought we'd go with the basic, "cheapest" level of $2800... but she made us feel like we were cheating him by not letting more agents see him. Because in her words, "they're going to fight over him". Never did get a last name, but have her contact info as well as Ceasar's info - he's the "The" event director and called me once they got our cancellation notice to pressure me to stay in it for our son's mental health - "what kind of parents are you to put him through such an emtional roller coaster???" I understand their business of training children, and putting them out there in front of agents and such... but to use such terrible business practices to get people's money? If only 30 people signed up the same day we did and everyone canceled... they'd walk with $30,000!!!!! For NOTHING! I also called the Swan and Dolphin resort in Orlando where the competition is being held, and the lady said she had never heard of them and could not tell me anything, but they had reserved the resort, and there were hundreds of people registered already.
My 8 year old niece got scammed by a fake acting agency. She heard on the radio about a disney auction and she had her mom called and they set her up with a appoint at a hotel in Philly. she went there and read a commercial line and they told her she was great and then she was told she would hear back but when she hears back she needed to be able to come back the next day and sign up. she was told she would get a vacation in disney to appear with the princesses and also meet thousands of celebrities. they got the call the next day and she got it. so they went back and signed up. they signed up for 8 events and to meet one on one with 4 stars. the website is www.2011theevents.com. she was told that she has what it takes to be the next hannah montana and they know when they see a star.
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