Trans Continental Talent & Model Scouting ripoff Scam Draws Negative International Press & Government Investigations Orlando Florida *UPDATE: TCTalent/Monster.com affiliation, BBB cover-up *UPDATE ..TCT to become WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK ..early announcement yields insider trading potential *UPDATE ..TCT tells employees to file phony Rip-off Reports *UPDATE 8-18-03 ..more damning evidence!

I received an e-mail from these "gentleman" about a job at Crime of Persuation (aka coponline.org) as a "cybersleuth". It sounded odd, but I thought it could be right up my alley as an ex-IT professional so I copied the link into my browser and stripped off my personal info.

Ironically, the site was set up to supposedly help people NOT fall victim to scams. There were links to information about specific types of scams, and one for careers. Since I don't like giving out personal info to unknowns with a slick website, I did a search for them. Nothing came up. I did a whois to find out something about the company and when I put Ayman El-Difrawi into Google, up came your site...right at the top. Here is a copy of the whois report:

Domain ID:D149313644-LROR
Domain Name:COPONLINE.ORG
Created On:04-Oct-2007 14:34:50 UTC
Last Updated On:12-Oct-2007 16:38:27 UTC
Expiration Date:04-Oct-2008 14:34:50 UTC
Sponsoring Registrar:Network Solutions LLC (R63-LROR)
Status:CLIENT TRANSFER PROHIBITED
Status:TRANSFER PROHIBITED
Registrant ID:42224785-NSI
Registrant Name:Ayman El-Difrawi
Registrant Street1:16650 Royal Palm Drive
Registrant Street2:
Registrant Street3:
Registrant City:Groveland
Registrant State/Province:FL
Registrant Postal Code:34736
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.321948511
Registrant Phone Ext.:
Registrant FAX:
Registrant FAX Ext.:
Registrant Email:ayman.eldifrawi@gmail.com
Admin ID:42224785-NSI
Admin Name:Ayman El-Difrawi
Admin Street1:16650 Royal Palm Drive
Admin Street2:
Admin Street3:
Admin City:Groveland
Admin State/Province:FL
Admin Postal Code:34736
Admin Country:US
Admin Phone:+1.321948511
Admin Phone Ext.:
Admin FAX:
Admin FAX Ext.:
Admin Email:ayman.eldifrawi@gmail.com
Tech ID:42224785-NSI
Tech Name:Ayman El-Difrawi
Tech Street1:16650 Royal Palm Drive
Tech Street2:
Tech Street3:
Tech City:Groveland
Tech State/Province:FL
Tech Postal Code:34736
Tech Country:US
Tech Phone:+1.321948511
Tech Phone Ext.:
Tech FAX:
Tech FAX Ext.:
Tech Email:ayman.eldifrawi@gmail.com
Name Server:NS33.WORLDNIC.COM
Name Server:NS34.WORLDNIC.COM

It seems that the talent search must be getting thin, so Ayman is branching out and trying to keep the sheep safe from himself. Ya gotta give it to the guy...he's got miles worth of guts!

Hey Frank...

When are you going to tell us what is going on now that Lou is in prison? Did they finally "get" you?

Where can I read more?

I understand that there is more about ponzi scheme and less about the modeling now.

I'm an investor and I want as much information as I can get. (from as many different sources.)

As the proverbial fly on the wall, no one expects me to still have the contacts to know what is going on. The following is a recent conference call including Pete Antonacci, Lou Pearlman, possibly Greg MacDonald & Alec Defrawy, Steve Miller, and Michael Zwebner. Antonacci first scolded Zwebner for drawing so much negative attention and press. Suing CNN, Wolf Blitzer, Lycos? What was he thinking? Then when things don't go his way using ridiculous claims of being an invalid? Zwebner was told to adopt a lower profile.



Zwebner complained that his reputation has been severly tarnished and he should have the right to defend himself. He was furious that information about his sexual proclivities were revealed all over the Internet (thanks to yours truly) and that he was not even able to attend temple because of all the information about him. There was little sympathy.



Antonacci then went on to mention another area of concern. He praised Steve Miller for the work he and the attorneys from Federated Financial have done in effective neutralizing Ripoof Report. Miller said that they expect that all of the motions will eventually be defeated if Mr. Magidson can survive the financial legal requirements. They anticipate several other filings in the next couple of weeks, which will seal the fate of this pesky website. Discrete inquiries reveal that this websites legal bill in Florida alone approach $80,000. Another $50,000 legal obligation in Florida should effectively neutralize the website. However, Antonacci scolded Miller for the antic of >Chris McFarland, who has been going around claiming to be in-house counsel for Federated Financial. Private Investigators have checked on him and they not only know that he is not an attorney, but that he was disbarred in Pennsylvania for assaulting a judge. He was told to have him keep a low profile and stop threatening former clients at least until some of this blows over.



Antonacci went on to say that there was a looming threat to exposing there organization. He said that there was a New York attorney, Anthony LoPresti is making it increasingly more difficult to retain the confidentiality of the relationships that Defrawy had put together.



LoPresti is in the process of gaining way too much information to keep relationships confidential. Additionally, Eliot Spitzer has made it abundantly apparent that he would not allow legal abuse of Teresa Santiago of the Consumer Protection Board, however, Jon Sorenson seems to be the one taking up the attacks. Defrawy and MacDonald were assigned with neutralizing LoPresti and Sorenson. Embarrassment is an extremely vital tool in this... ask Zwebner.



Antonacci said that they should expect no problems from Nevada or Florida. He had gotten MacGregor to take the investigation after he got Jackie Dowd fired, who then dismissed it as a conspiracy theory drummed up by a bunch of Internet kooks. MacGregor had dismissed the "deep pocket" theory that Ms. Dowd was working on by an attack on her professionalism. He had planned to move the bankruptcy to Florida, but after it was leaned about the meeting in Mexico with the Trustee, it was called off. MacDonald needed to be more careful about letting his intentions and travel plans be made known. The attorney for the Nevada Trustee had let him know that he was not happy with the predicament his client has been put in. We have to get rid of this matter immediately because he has held off inquiries as long as he could.



Here is my analysis: allusions to relationships are what are most closely guarded. If that is uncovered and why they didn't want anyone to pursue the deep pockets theory will reveal more about the sinister nature of this organization, more than anything. I will not go down alone. I am



Def'nly NOT,

Juan Stumofu

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Thanks for the lovely picture Frank! In case you're unaware, your name appears under it.



WARNING: Legitimate agencies NEVER charge an upfront fee of any kind. Legitimate agencies profit ONLY after they have found their clients work.



Legitimate agencies profit by collecting a predetermined percentage of royalties, residuals, etc, etc, that has been agreed upon by both client and agency.



Upfront charges of any kind are scams and have already been proven many times before. The fact that the backbone of this so-called "agency" is run by a bunch of ex-convicts does not help it's cause.



EXAMPLE: A hardware store is in the retail business and more than likely carries hardware, tools, gardening equiptment, and the like as their primary source of PRODUCTS.



Hardware stores are entitled to purchase products by bulk and at a discount (wholesale), mark up

their inventory and resell them for a profit.



Hardware stores are not however, entitled to charge a fee to consumers to help pick up the tab for any of their marketing and or advertising expenses. Professional photographs, websites and the like are all considered OPTIONAL marketing expenses and therefore, are inclusive to any legitimate agencies services.



Legitimate agencies on the other hand, are service oriented businesses, where CLIENTS are the actual commodity, therefore, like any other legitimate business, any marketing and or advertising expenses are the sole responsibility of the so-called "agency".



Any business that charges an upfront fee of any kind, had better be able to justify the charges, which this agency clearly does not. Again, photography, websites, agency expenses are NEVER the responsibility of a client, unless he or she was self employed and marketing themselves, in which case, he or she would not seek the services of an "agency in the first place.



A few years ago, I appeared as a principal role in a national television commercial, so I am pretty well versed in LEGITIMATE agency procedures. Win/Win and I don't recall ever paying my agency's rent, stationary, electricity, etc, etc.



At the time, I had been discovered by a local casting director, through regular still color photographs. I'm not trying to brag or boast but rather make a valid point. How many clients of TCT with all their professional photographs, portfolios, website marketing, etc, etc, can say the same?



What's up with all the sound clips, that clearly PROVES without a doubt, that this company is a scam? What's up with all the false rip off reports? What's up with attempting to gather the heard to post a whole shlew of bogus reports?



The womans laughter in the background of that converstion sounded as though she actually condoned the stupid suggestion. Typical mentality of someone whose possibly brainwashed. She's obviously very feeble minded, easily persuaded and very possibly, a result of an abusive physical and or sexual relationship. Poor thing!!



What's up with accusing rip off report of extortion? Who's really in the extortion business? I bet hundreds, or possibly even thousands of people, that have fallen for your scam could care less, if in fact your bogus operation was being extorted.



The f#ck!ing BBB has been extorting money from businesses for decades, all while deceiving millions and millions of consumers. So extortion this is not. Any fees that rip off report may charge businesses for any retraction are service related charges, that I'm sure can be justified.



The fact that no individual from your bogus operation are willing and able to come foward to address issues and complaints and resolve them in the public eye, are by no means extortion and clearly no fault of the rip off report.



So with all the effort and money your company is wasting by attacking the rip off report, which is by the way very non-productive mind you, use the money to clean up your crooked operation.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Thanks for the lovely picture Frank! In case you're unaware, your name appears under it.



WARNING: Legitimate agencies NEVER charge an upfront fee of any kind. Legitimate agencies profit ONLY after they have found their clients work.



Legitimate agencies profit by collecting a predetermined percentage of royalties, residuals, etc, etc, that has been agreed upon by both client and agency.



Upfront charges of any kind are scams and have already been proven many times before. The fact that the backbone of this so-called "agency" is run by a bunch of ex-convicts does not help it's cause.



EXAMPLE: A hardware store is in the retail business and more than likely carries hardware, tools, gardening equiptment, and the like as their primary source of PRODUCTS.



Hardware stores are entitled to purchase products by bulk and at a discount (wholesale), mark up

their inventory and resell them for a profit.



Hardware stores are not however, entitled to charge a fee to consumers to help pick up the tab for any of their marketing and or advertising expenses. Professional photographs, websites and the like are all considered OPTIONAL marketing expenses and therefore, are inclusive to any legitimate agencies services.



Legitimate agencies on the other hand, are service oriented businesses, where CLIENTS are the actual commodity, therefore, like any other legitimate business, any marketing and or advertising expenses are the sole responsibility of the so-called "agency".



Any business that charges an upfront fee of any kind, had better be able to justify the charges, which this agency clearly does not. Again, photography, websites, agency expenses are NEVER the responsibility of a client, unless he or she was self employed and marketing themselves, in which case, he or she would not seek the services of an "agency in the first place.



A few years ago, I appeared as a principal role in a national television commercial, so I am pretty well versed in LEGITIMATE agency procedures. Win/Win and I don't recall ever paying my agency's rent, stationary, electricity, etc, etc.



At the time, I had been discovered by a local casting director, through regular still color photographs. I'm not trying to brag or boast but rather make a valid point. How many clients of TCT with all their professional photographs, portfolios, website marketing, etc, etc, can say the same?



What's up with all the sound clips, that clearly PROVES without a doubt, that this company is a scam? What's up with all the false rip off reports? What's up with attempting to gather the heard to post a whole shlew of bogus reports?



The womans laughter in the background of that converstion sounded as though she actually condoned the stupid suggestion. Typical mentality of someone whose possibly brainwashed. She's obviously very feeble minded, easily persuaded and very possibly, a result of an abusive physical and or sexual relationship. Poor thing!!



What's up with accusing rip off report of extortion? Who's really in the extortion business? I bet hundreds, or possibly even thousands of people, that have fallen for your scam could care less, if in fact your bogus operation was being extorted.



The f#ck!ing BBB has been extorting money from businesses for decades, all while deceiving millions and millions of consumers. So extortion this is not. Any fees that rip off report may charge businesses for any retraction are service related charges, that I'm sure can be justified.



The fact that no individual from your bogus operation are willing and able to come foward to address issues and complaints and resolve them in the public eye, are by no means extortion and clearly no fault of the rip off report.



So with all the effort and money your company is wasting by attacking the rip off report, which is by the way very non-productive mind you, use the money to clean up your crooked operation.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Thanks for the lovely picture Frank! In case you're unaware, your name appears under it.



WARNING: Legitimate agencies NEVER charge an upfront fee of any kind. Legitimate agencies profit ONLY after they have found their clients work.



Legitimate agencies profit by collecting a predetermined percentage of royalties, residuals, etc, etc, that has been agreed upon by both client and agency.



Upfront charges of any kind are scams and have already been proven many times before. The fact that the backbone of this so-called "agency" is run by a bunch of ex-convicts does not help it's cause.



EXAMPLE: A hardware store is in the retail business and more than likely carries hardware, tools, gardening equiptment, and the like as their primary source of PRODUCTS.



Hardware stores are entitled to purchase products by bulk and at a discount (wholesale), mark up

their inventory and resell them for a profit.



Hardware stores are not however, entitled to charge a fee to consumers to help pick up the tab for any of their marketing and or advertising expenses. Professional photographs, websites and the like are all considered OPTIONAL marketing expenses and therefore, are inclusive to any legitimate agencies services.



Legitimate agencies on the other hand, are service oriented businesses, where CLIENTS are the actual commodity, therefore, like any other legitimate business, any marketing and or advertising expenses are the sole responsibility of the so-called "agency".



Any business that charges an upfront fee of any kind, had better be able to justify the charges, which this agency clearly does not. Again, photography, websites, agency expenses are NEVER the responsibility of a client, unless he or she was self employed and marketing themselves, in which case, he or she would not seek the services of an "agency in the first place.



A few years ago, I appeared as a principal role in a national television commercial, so I am pretty well versed in LEGITIMATE agency procedures. Win/Win and I don't recall ever paying my agency's rent, stationary, electricity, etc, etc.



At the time, I had been discovered by a local casting director, through regular still color photographs. I'm not trying to brag or boast but rather make a valid point. How many clients of TCT with all their professional photographs, portfolios, website marketing, etc, etc, can say the same?



What's up with all the sound clips, that clearly PROVES without a doubt, that this company is a scam? What's up with all the false rip off reports? What's up with attempting to gather the heard to post a whole shlew of bogus reports?



The womans laughter in the background of that converstion sounded as though she actually condoned the stupid suggestion. Typical mentality of someone whose possibly brainwashed. She's obviously very feeble minded, easily persuaded and very possibly, a result of an abusive physical and or sexual relationship. Poor thing!!



What's up with accusing rip off report of extortion? Who's really in the extortion business? I bet hundreds, or possibly even thousands of people, that have fallen for your scam could care less, if in fact your bogus operation was being extorted.



The f#ck!ing BBB has been extorting money from businesses for decades, all while deceiving millions and millions of consumers. So extortion this is not. Any fees that rip off report may charge businesses for any retraction are service related charges, that I'm sure can be justified.



The fact that no individual from your bogus operation are willing and able to come foward to address issues and complaints and resolve them in the public eye, are by no means extortion and clearly no fault of the rip off report.



So with all the effort and money your company is wasting by attacking the rip off report, which is by the way very non-productive mind you, use the money to clean up your crooked operation.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Nathaniel,

First, I normally don't get on people about their spelling, syntax or grammer... but since you claim to be someone high up in the company and you are replying as a professional person from a professional company, then you really shoud do a bit better. "There" instead of "Their" is not a typo.



Secondly, transparency, is very important in a society. Yes, trademarks and such are protected as they should be. Conspiracy to commit fraud isn't protected. Actions which hurt customers, employees and investors shouldn't be hidden.



Lastly, reputation is everything! That is why it is so important to deal honestly and fairly! If the reputation of a company is damaged through the actions of its owners or employees then there is a price to pay. Actually, I wish consumers had a longer memory than they do.



If your company is still paying for the sins of its past then I think that is only fair. Firing the employees, changing the names, buying other companies to use them as a front... whatever is done is the price to pay for the prior bad behavior.



Just as with the individual and the criminal justice system... there can be redemption... but it ain't easy. That is why it is best to treat people ethically from the very beginning.



I do hope that things have been cleared up... but repairing reputation will take a long time... and it will take action instead of words.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



The following is not a rebuttal of minds. It's clearly the work of a shill. I have however, answered most of the ridiclous questions asked in the rebuttal, for the sake of sheer entertainment.



All answers and responses follow ANSWER: or RESPONSE: and ends in a double exclamation or single question mark.



I just had to respond to this rebuttal and put in my two cents, because it is by far one of the most ridiculous rebuttals, that I have ever seen. Enjoy!!



nice report....how long have you been a reporter?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



whom have you been a reporter for?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



or do u just work and only worked for rip-off.com?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



out of all the information you have posted throguht your report how much of it have you yourself presonally found and not received from your so called "insiders" those insders are comminting fraud themselves duh!!! ANSWER: What fraud?



and you frank would be aiding in there fraud and provoking them by asking for more "insider" info...just like any company all practices done behind the doors remains behind those doors thats why theres things called copyrights and trademarks...one thing that i picked up on was the magazine ad's you posted from some Jax. model show.... the first one does not say one word or promote TCT Options or WSN none...and the second one...take a long look at it....why does it seem so fake?? ANSWER: Are you able to prove that it's fake, or does it only seem fake?



the RED outline aroudn Options Talent's trademark just stands out so much?? ANSWER: Are you able to prove that it's fake, or does it only seem fake?



i wonder why?? did u go pick up that magazine in Jax. or did someone send it to you digitally?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



i wonder?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



but thats what reporters do dont they?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



they only should the bad side RESPONSE: Of course!! Are your serious?!! What the hell are you babbling about?!! That's the job of an investigative reporter!! To expose bad businesses!! This is an advocacy site!! It's the job of your company (boss) not yourself, to prove any allegations made against him or the company to the contrary!! But he or she is obviously not interested in doing so, or probably can't!! Your questions are pointless!! Your statements are pointless!! Your entire rebuttal is pointless!! The point of the rebuttal box is for companies to come foward, resolve issues, prove any reports false, prove any statements false, prove any investigations false, your rebuttal does none of these!! Your rebuttal is hardly even a decent opinion!!



it creates more of an audience...look at 9-11 and Iraq thats all the media does jsut like yourself they show one side of the story...the bad side....yeah this is rip-off.com but be honest with your readers show both sides.....RESPONSE: Once again, this is an advocacy site!! Don't you think it would defeat the purpose to have advocates show both sides? For anyone to come to an advocacy website to show both sides of a bad business, is a little contridictive wouldn't you say? The burden to prove complaints against a company to the contrary, lies upon the company in which allegations, complaints, reports have surfaced!! You Nathaniel, have failed miserably to prove any of Franks reports and statements to the contrary!!



the whole thing with the top exec's of the comapny all of those charges were decades ago....RESPONSE: Bad business practices do not go away with time!!



yes granted E-model and Options talent had some major problems...but they have all been overcome RESPONSE: Are you sure they have all been overcome? Doesn't seem so!! Exactly what is the upfront fee for? What's the actual success rate to failure rate ratio? Why haven't any of the top executives come foward to resolve any of the complaints against the company and defend themselves, from any of the allegations? A legitimate business would NEVER have allowed this many complaints against it, to have gone unacknowledged!!



especially no becoming WSN....it has been a great improvement over the years...thats why over 70,000 people believe in the company and have paid there 695-995 fee just like you would with any other agency to create your paper comp card.... RESPONSE: Legitimate agencies never charge upfront fees of any sort!! Legitimate agencies profit ONLY after they have found their clients work!! Nobody really cares about how many people believe in your company!! What's far more important is, how many people of this 70,000 have been placed in jobs, have made their investment back and have actually profited!! over a million people could have paid there 695-995 fee, it doesn't prove a d**n thing, or that your company is legit!!



Questionhow bout you talk about what WSN does for there talent sometime compared to your local agnecy if you walked in the door one day and said you wanted to be a model....anyways thats all for now im sure ill be back soon to write more.... RESPONSE: Please don't!! You'd just be wasting more space, by filling in ridiclous questions, statements and excuses, all of which have nothing to do with anything!!



i currently work for WSN as a Talent Executive and the company again is under going some changes...and that brings me to one thing...u said TCT attacked Model Search America or some comment u made??? RESPONSE: Where are you going with this?



well thats odd seeing as how MSA is joining hands with WSN go figure?? ANSWER: What does this have to do with anything?



get a better story RESPONSE: This is a wonderful story, in that it's clear, precise, to the point and accurate!! The fact that no top executive from your company is willing and able to come foward and address issues in the public eye, makes it an even better story!!



Finally a photo of the elusive Jason Hoffman from another report...



JASON HOFFMAN aka Jay Wallace aka Jerry King aka Kyle Hart aka Zach Baumel aka Dee Snyder aka Frank Torrelli aka Modeling Scam Warning



that doesnt involve a comapny that is no longer involed in over half of the statements you made... RESPONSE: throughout your entire rebuttal, you haven't proven a single thing innacurate and or to the contrary!! In other words, you haven't proven a d**n thing period!! Call me stupid, but all of your questions and statements have absolutely nothing to do with anything!!



or at least start your reprort over as of April 1st when WSN started

have a great evening frank



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey Miles,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



True, the majority of reports posted on this site are not as professional as they could be, however, the majority of the world's population are not staff columnists, professional investigators, writers, etc, etc.



That's what the media, newspapers, private investigators, FTC, BBB, etc, etc, are supposed to be for and look where it's gotten us? Nowhere.

All these so called professionals, and their professional fact filled articles and editorials... And still nothing.



I truly believe, that many people are totally missing the point of this website and don't fully understand the purpose of it's existence. It's not a forum for professionals to gather, but rather a forum where people have an opportunity to post their grievances and hopefully have them resolved in the public eye.



Any and all legitimate businesses, that have nothing to hide and are conducting business the way they're supposed to be, would definitely have no problem addressing complaints in a public forum, while searching for a peaceful resolution.

It's really that simple. No if ands or buts about it.



Anything but acknowledgement and resolution to reports are just excuses in attempt to justify any and all wrongdoings. Finding fault in peoples grammer, spelling, writing ability and everything else, that has nothing to do with these reports, are also nothing but excuses.



I think by now, most people have figured out that this is not an english, writing, spelling or grammer website and that these subjects have absolutely nothing to do with anything here.



Also, I think everyone is also aware that, anyone that would even attempt to bring these subjects up in their defense, are not really worthy of any serious attention. But hey, I'm a cool guy. What can I say?



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I will do my absolute best to impress you with my postings. Fair enough?

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Man, look at all these reports on this scam company. YEAH, just the kind of agency I'd like to do business with. Just like walking into a store, dropping a thousand dollars, and leaving with nothing but empty promises.



You could be the but f#ck#ng ugliest person on the face of this planet, but to someone who is trying to scam you out of possibly thousands, you'd be compared to that of hollywood's elite.



SCAM!!



Hey, maybe fatman should invest $795.00 in his own company, for himself. This way people will not want to puke when they see his lard a*s on television.



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



This company is a scam and they know it. Listen to the first sound clip and you'll hear some bonehead, attempt to convince people to post phoney rip off reports posing as disgruntled ex employees or victims of their scam.



They don't have to do this, because they obviously have many GENUINE disgruntled ex employees and victims of their scam. They only do this in attempt to sabotage this website.



LEGITIMATE companies, are not interested in concealing the truth, by quieting the public and sabotaging public message boards, where victims of scams may warn others. THIS IS WHAT FRAUDULENT COMPANIES DO!!



As I said before, if I were a judge, I'd throw out any and all lawsuits, that this scam company imposes upon others. I'd also overturn any and all previous lawsuits, that resulted in this scam company's favor, SIMPLY because it's the right thing to do.



LEGITIMATE companies NEVER charge an upfront fee of any sort over and above the expenses of the materials, that they provide to their clients. LEGITIMATE companies are able to justify any and all expenses that they pass on to consumers.



The only reason why any company would charge an upfront fee of any sort, is to attempt to profit from many, regardless of whether or not it produces what it has promised. SCAM!! SCAM!! SCAM!! SCAM!! SCAM!!



They cannot use their services as a defence, because the service that they have provided more times then not, were non existant and or non delivered.



How many people make this money back? How many people actually find work as a result of being enrolled in this agency? How many "superstars" have been produced as a result of fat boy's blood, sweat and tears?



Why should anyone have to pay an agency for a service, that has yet to be rendered? Why should anyone pay an agency at all? You are working for them!! Agencies profit from collecting a percentage off of their clients, after they have found them work.



Since this company refuses to DISCLOSE all this important information in the public eye before collecting fees from unsuspecting victims, it's very safe to assume far less than three to five percent.



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. Anyone in Hawaii, that feel the same way about scams as I do, and would be interested in starting a picketting campaign, feel free to contact me through this website.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Don't ever enroll with an agency that charges an upfront fee of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER

charge an upfron fee of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies recieve a pre determined percentage of any and all their clients, in which they have assisted in finding jobs.



Any up front fees, that are charged by an agency is just an attempt for the agency to profit, regardless of whether or not, they have placed their clients in jobs. SCAM!!



You could be the fugliest person in the world, but to someone who is trying to sucker you out of $900.00, you'd be considered a prince or princess.



In exchange for money, there is something called consideration. SOMETHING OF VALUE!! If an agency insists on an upfront fee, they'd better be able to justify the fees and also be willing and able to offer a written and signed guarantee.



I don't want to hear photographs. No photographs are worth $900.00. A f#cking roll of film costs no more than $5.00, so how in the world does an agency justify a $900.00 enrollment fee?



Why should any agency be allowed to profit from enrollments? Then they expect a percentage of their clients hard work? F#CK THAT!! SCAM!! $900.00? LOL!! Still LOL. Still LOL.



How many people actually make this money back? How many people actually find work? Ten percent? Five percent? Three percent? Forget I asked. I know I'll either get some made up figure, or my question will be ignored all together.



When my local cable company, cell phone company, etc, etc, charges me a fee, they'd d**n well better deliver something in return.



You can't make money unless a product or service has been rendered in exchange. If you're interested, I can take photos of your clients for only half the price. LOL. I may not be a professional yet, but I will be, once the huge profits starts rolling in.



And stop wasting your time frivilously suing everyone for merely exercising their constitutional rights to free speech.



Any and all LEGITIMATE businesses would definitely not find, what you refer to as hate sites, a treat to their business in any way, shape or form.



As a matter of fact, any LEGITIMATE company would not waste it's time, unless it was willing and able to prove a report(s) to the contrary. So don't be to concerned about what is said about your company, unless you can prove a report(s) to the contrary.



So what if you got lucky in the past and succeeded in shutting down a few websites? I can assure you, another one just like it will be up and running in a matter of weeks or just a few months. Probably new and improved. You can run from the truth, but you can't hide.



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER charge upfront fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies profit by finding clients work and collecting a percentage off of their clients royalties, residuals, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies are NEVER concerned about profiting off the sales of portfolios, photographs, photo shoots, etc, etc. The only people who should be profiting off the sales of pictures are the ones who shot them.



Besides, many if not all casting directors, will tell you that a simple head shot will suffice, for they are NEVER interested in the quality of a photographers work, but rather a persons look.



$900.00 is flat out OUTRAGEOUS and if it's not a scam, I'd hate to see what is. You see, blimpy and child predator are banking on the sales of photos, rather than finding their clients work like they're supposed to.



They have found yet another stream of income that borders on ethics and they attempt to use intimidation to quiet those that they've flat out deceived, frauded, stolen from, cheated, robbed, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies could give a rat's a*s, regarding the qulity of ones photos, for they NEVER offer any guarantee in writing. Hell for $900.00, one better receive a WRITTEN & SIGNED guarantee from fatso himself. SCAM!!



Never enroll in any businesses, where they tie photography and agency together. Sure these two businesses go hand in hand, but an agency is NEVER entitled to profit off of sales of photograhphs, just as photographers are NEVER entitled to a commision of their clients work.



Get it? SEPERATE ENTITIES! That's why we have photography studios and we have agencies. Why should anyone have to pay for any product or service twice?



And don't give me this referral fee crap, I aint trying to hear it. LEGITIMATE businesses are confident in what they do and NEVER resort to profiting off of clients which they have found no work for. Fat boy is very dishonest and his SHAAADY past clearly demonstates this.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around much faster. Fat boy's day will inevidibly come, just as Simon's from American Idol nearly did, when Randy Jackson almost gave him a backhand, in order to bring this arrogant guy back to earth.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER charge upfront fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies profit by finding clients work and collecting a percentage off of their clients royalties, residuals, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies are NEVER concerned about profiting off the sales of portfolios, photographs, photo shoots, etc, etc. The only people who should be profiting off the sales of pictures are the ones who shot them.



Besides, many if not all casting directors, will tell you that a simple head shot will suffice, for they are NEVER interested in the quality of a photographers work, but rather a persons look.



$900.00 is flat out OUTRAGEOUS and if it's not a scam, I'd hate to see what is. You see, blimpy and child predator are banking on the sales of photos, rather than finding their clients work like they're supposed to.



They have found yet another stream of income that borders on ethics and they attempt to use intimidation to quiet those that they've flat out deceived, frauded, stolen from, cheated, robbed, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies could give a rat's a*s, regarding the qulity of ones photos, for they NEVER offer any guarantee in writing. Hell for $900.00, one better receive a WRITTEN & SIGNED guarantee from fatso himself. SCAM!!



Never enroll in any businesses, where they tie photography and agency together. Sure these two businesses go hand in hand, but an agency is NEVER entitled to profit off of sales of photograhphs, just as photographers are NEVER entitled to a commision of their clients work.



Get it? SEPERATE ENTITIES! That's why we have photography studios and we have agencies. Why should anyone have to pay for any product or service twice?



And don't give me this referral fee crap, I aint trying to hear it. LEGITIMATE businesses are confident in what they do and NEVER resort to profiting off of clients which they have found no work for. Fat boy is very dishonest and his SHAAADY past clearly demonstates this.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around much faster. Fat boy's day will inevidibly come, just as Simon's from American Idol nearly did, when Randy Jackson almost gave him a backhand, in order to bring this arrogant guy back to earth.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER charge upfront fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies profit by finding clients work and collecting a percentage off of their clients royalties, residuals, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies are NEVER concerned about profiting off the sales of portfolios, photographs, photo shoots, etc, etc. The only people who should be profiting off the sales of pictures are the ones who shot them.



Besides, many if not all casting directors, will tell you that a simple head shot will suffice, for they are NEVER interested in the quality of a photographers work, but rather a persons look.



$900.00 is flat out OUTRAGEOUS and if it's not a scam, I'd hate to see what is. You see, blimpy and child predator are banking on the sales of photos, rather than finding their clients work like they're supposed to.



They have found yet another stream of income that borders on ethics and they attempt to use intimidation to quiet those that they've flat out deceived, frauded, stolen from, cheated, robbed, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies could give a rat's a*s, regarding the qulity of ones photos, for they NEVER offer any guarantee in writing. Hell for $900.00, one better receive a WRITTEN & SIGNED guarantee from fatso himself. SCAM!!



Never enroll in any businesses, where they tie photography and agency together. Sure these two businesses go hand in hand, but an agency is NEVER entitled to profit off of sales of photograhphs, just as photographers are NEVER entitled to a commision of their clients work.



Get it? SEPERATE ENTITIES! That's why we have photography studios and we have agencies. Why should anyone have to pay for any product or service twice?



And don't give me this referral fee crap, I aint trying to hear it. LEGITIMATE businesses are confident in what they do and NEVER resort to profiting off of clients which they have found no work for. Fat boy is very dishonest and his SHAAADY past clearly demonstates this.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around much faster. Fat boy's day will inevidibly come, just as Simon's from American Idol nearly did, when Randy Jackson almost gave him a backhand, in order to bring this arrogant guy back to earth.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER charge upfront fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies profit by finding clients work and collecting a percentage off of their clients royalties, residuals, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies are NEVER concerned about profiting off the sales of portfolios, photographs, photo shoots, etc, etc. The only people who should be profiting off the sales of pictures are the ones who shot them.



Besides, many if not all casting directors, will tell you that a simple head shot will suffice, for they are NEVER interested in the quality of a photographers work, but rather a persons look.



$900.00 is flat out OUTRAGEOUS and if it's not a scam, I'd hate to see what is. You see, blimpy and child predator are banking on the sales of photos, rather than finding their clients work like they're supposed to.



They have found yet another stream of income that borders on ethics and they attempt to use intimidation to quiet those that they've flat out deceived, frauded, stolen from, cheated, robbed, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies could give a rat's a*s, regarding the qulity of ones photos, for they NEVER offer any guarantee in writing. Hell for $900.00, one better receive a WRITTEN & SIGNED guarantee from fatso himself. SCAM!!



Never enroll in any businesses, where they tie photography and agency together. Sure these two businesses go hand in hand, but an agency is NEVER entitled to profit off of sales of photograhphs, just as photographers are NEVER entitled to a commision of their clients work.



Get it? SEPERATE ENTITIES! That's why we have photography studios and we have agencies. Why should anyone have to pay for any product or service twice?



And don't give me this referral fee crap, I aint trying to hear it. LEGITIMATE businesses are confident in what they do and NEVER resort to profiting off of clients which they have found no work for. Fat boy is very dishonest and his SHAAADY past clearly demonstates this.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around much faster. Fat boy's day will inevidibly come, just as Simon's from American Idol nearly did, when Randy Jackson almost gave him a backhand, in order to bring this arrogant guy back to earth.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



LEGITIMATE agencies NEVER charge upfront fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE agencies profit by finding clients work and collecting a percentage off of their clients royalties, residuals, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies are NEVER concerned about profiting off the sales of portfolios, photographs, photo shoots, etc, etc. The only people who should be profiting off the sales of pictures are the ones who shot them.



Besides, many if not all casting directors, will tell you that a simple head shot will suffice, for they are NEVER interested in the quality of a photographers work, but rather a persons look.



$900.00 is flat out OUTRAGEOUS and if it's not a scam, I'd hate to see what is. You see, blimpy and child predator are banking on the sales of photos, rather than finding their clients work like they're supposed to.



They have found yet another stream of income that borders on ethics and they attempt to use intimidation to quiet those that they've flat out deceived, frauded, stolen from, cheated, robbed, etc, etc.



LEGITIMATE agencies could give a rat's a*s, regarding the qulity of ones photos, for they NEVER offer any guarantee in writing. Hell for $900.00, one better receive a WRITTEN & SIGNED guarantee from fatso himself. SCAM!!



Never enroll in any businesses, where they tie photography and agency together. Sure these two businesses go hand in hand, but an agency is NEVER entitled to profit off of sales of photograhphs, just as photographers are NEVER entitled to a commision of their clients work.



Get it? SEPERATE ENTITIES! That's why we have photography studios and we have agencies. Why should anyone have to pay for any product or service twice?



And don't give me this referral fee crap, I aint trying to hear it. LEGITIMATE businesses are confident in what they do and NEVER resort to profiting off of clients which they have found no work for. Fat boy is very dishonest and his SHAAADY past clearly demonstates this.



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around much faster. Fat boy's day will inevidibly come, just as Simon's from American Idol nearly did, when Randy Jackson almost gave him a backhand, in order to bring this arrogant guy back to earth.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



I can't stand it when people think they're the reason for others success. True, blimpy may be a great producer, that's not even a question, but I believe his producing had very little if anything to do with his bands success.



Again, does Blimpy sing? Does Blimpy dance? What does Blimpy do, that's so different from the many other producers, which makes him feel so special?



Why does all the bands he produces eventually run away from his fat a*s? Does this fat a*s honestly think that the Backstreet Boys would have been any less successful, had another producer signed the group? FAT CHANCE!!



There are many producers out there, who might have discovered this talented bunch, had fatso not and they too, very well could have taken this group to the top where they deserve to be.



My point is, finding talent does not necessarily require one to posses the talents, which he or she is searching for.



Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for successful people. I respect most of Hollywood's celebrities. What I don't respect are those who are filthy stinkin' rich, but due to tremendous arrogance and greed, still find it necessary to stiff others.



I am really sympathetic that blimpy and the Dahmer look alike had rough childhoods, in that one probably had to battle obesity most of his life, while the other guy resembles the strange child predator next door.



I understand one wanting to have wealth, however, running a bad business is not the way to do so. I bet these guys never honestly feel for even one second, that people respect them. I bet these guys are constantly wondering, whether or not someone spit in their food when they eat out.



I bet these two guys don't know who their real friends are, if they have any at all. I bet they don't even care about their friends.



I bet fatso, if he's married, honestly believes somewhere down deep in his diluted mind, that his wife married him for him and not because of all his undeserved wealth. This shows the extent of his arrogance.



I mean this guy is gross. Like a walking, talking, pot bellied pig. This guy discusses me and I'm sure many others. He is arrogant in that he thinks he has the ability to create successful bands.



He also has the public believing this crap, so they often fall for this guys pipe dreams. He's like a white Don King. No conscience!!



LEGITIMATE talent agencies, NEVER charge up front fees of any sort. LEGITIMATE talent agencies make their money from pre determined percentages of their clients compensation.



Yes, they may suggest someone obtain professional photographs, but there is absolutely no way in hell, it would cost someone over $900.00.



Professional prints average any where from $100.00-$150.00 and are totally optional in the first place. Most casting directors would even exept snapshots and will tell you that obtaining professional prints, hardly increases ones chances of getting an audition.



Trust me, most casting directors don't have the time to be worried about the quality of someones prints and could care less how good or how bad someones portfolio is. You either have it or you don't.



Put it this way, all the money in the world, couldn't possibly make blimpy look any better, agree? Trick photography is his only hope. That's why he produces and is hardly seen on the big screen.



For $900.00, one may purchase a digital camcorder, digital still camera, and still have money left over. Anyways, these two clowns bore the hell out of me. Anyways, just my thoughts and opinions.



Until next time, take care cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. Be nice and stop ripping people off is all I'm saying. You have enough money already. Start exercising and eating better, Never mind with all the shrimp.



Don't you know that it's rude to eat shrimp while people are discussing issues? Lose weight and start a hygeine regiment. Look in the mirror every morning for motivation.



Purchase some of Anthony Robbins materials and start bettering yourself. Don't take advantage of others. Be good and God just may except you into his kingdom after all.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



Man, there's nothing I hate more than scammers. There's a great chance of getting sued nowadays, for telling the truth. It's just a matter of who has money and access to corrupt and money hungry attornies. How jacked up is that!!



Well, since that's the case, I won't use any names in my rebuttal. I might inadvertantly insult the wrong person, by stating an opinion and find myself on the wrong end of a libel lawsuit. I will use despriptions instead, and leave the rest to everyones imagination.



Here we have a disgustingly obese dude, who constantly insists on taking credit for a few pop groups success and uses past accomplishments to engage in deceitful business practices. Sort of resembles an angry Chris Farley on a "bad body day".



We all knew one of these guy's right?. Rejected by society as a child, no friends, own family probably shuned him, weight was constantly a factor, no talent, couldn't even pay a woman to look at him, regardless of his "four chins", I meant fortunes.



His low self esteem is probably what caused this fellow to go on a scamming rampage. I mean society is partially to blame for this poor overweight and hygeine enept soul.



Our society often has a tendency to give people who posses no talent what so ever, far too much credit for his or her miniscule accomplishments.



Low self esteemer's heads, eventually swell up, like this fat f#cks did and they in turn, feel above the law and free to do whatever they wish, regardless of whether or not their business ruins peoples livelihood.



If any of the groups, in which this over indulging pig so adamantly wants to take credit for, honestly felt as if he was the procuring cause for their success, do you think they would have left him? Does he sing? Does he dance? What the hell does this fat f#ck do so differently, that makes him feel so special?



He apparently does absolutely nothing different, then that of your typical producer, besides jack his own clients. When I purchase a CD, I do so, because of a particular group or song, not because of the discustingly overweight fellow behind the scenes.



We also have a Jeffrey Dahmer look alike, only about 20 years older. You can almost see the dishonesty in his eyes. Decrepid and heinous looking fellow, with the same upbringing as mr. Pilsberry himself. How pathetic!!



Although I'll never condone this kind of behavior, after seeing two of the many who are involved with this scam, I can honestly say, I understand why these people are so angry and against the world.



Until next time, take care, Aloha, and God Bless.



To the Pearl man:



Start taking better care of yourself, for all the money in the world can't prevent a major heart attack from occuring. Find yourself a woman, who loves you for you and not your money and "four chins".



Exercise, so you can start feeling better about yourself, so that you can someday find it in your heart to treat others better. Life is way too short to be stiffing people. Donate to a few charities.



Do something good and honest for once, regardless of your past, so that you may HONESTLY feel good about yourself, instead of living such a huge lie. Remember, you can't take it to the grave with you.

Hey Everyone,



I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.



"I am injured by this statement".



Are you kidding me? My kindergarden cousin, which is a girl, wouldn't be injured by this incident, which happens to be nothing more than name calling at worst.



How does being called a "scamster" injure ones reputation? It's hamster with an sc, minus the h. How the fck did that injure you? You injured yourself, by not being willing and able to prove what's been said about you to the contrary.



You've stated a lot of things about yourself, obvilousy wanting to prove your wonderful character, then PROVE IT!! Proving an accusation to the contrary, would simply put an end to all doubts. Simple as pie!! No if ands or buts about it. Otherwise, you're just wasting space on this website.



Accusing someone of injuring your reputation, by merely calling you a name, which you are not willing and able to defend anyways is ubsurd.



Exactly where are you planning on going with this? Aren't you embarassed for behaving like no first grader would? Man, if I were a judge, I'd just laugh in your face and tell you to get the hell out of my courtroom! Judge Judy would probably be angry as hell.



If everything you've stated about yourself in your rebuttal is true, you would have absolutely no problem PROVING IT!! It seems like slander, libel, defamation in any form are fast becoming the EXCUSES of choice nowadays.



Nothing but a last ditch and desperate attempt to turn the table. These characters have no problem wasting peoples time, flooding the judicial system with frivilous lawsuits, and wasting tax payers hard earned money.



Until next time, take care everyone, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Hey there Frank,



I hope that this message finds you and everyone else in good spirit and health.



You better not ever refer to me as a "scamster", because if I can't prove to the world, that I'm not a "scamster", I will become upset, throw a fit and blame you for tarnishing my flawless reputation. LOL. Name calling can do that you know.



Man, this defamation thing has gotten far out of hand. I will mention it once again for eveyone who is mentally defective. The TRUTH is an absolute defence against slander.



Michael you've stated "I never have, do not, and never will mislead or misrepresent myself, any company I work for or represent, nor any product or service with which I am associated". If this is true, PROVE IT!! How hard could it be? How did something so petty, as name calling injure your reputation? What are we, in the third grade? LOL.



Businesses nowadays are so quick to use the terms slander, libel, defamation, ruined, injured, etc, etc, in attempt to intimidate and quiet victims of their scam. Why waste time? Such frivilous accusations only make the complainant look worst than even.



Once again, this is just a classic case of someone who is desperately searching for someone to blame, for not being able to defend himself and PROVE complaints against him to the contrary.



If something so miniscule as name calling injured your reputation, I don't feel you are worthy of being in business in the first place. HOW PATHETIC!! Happy fourth of July Buddy!!



Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. Hey Frank, you still haven't gotten back to me about our possible meeting here in Hawaii.



P.S.S. If you desperately need someone to take responsiblity for injuring your reputation, contact me through this website. I've always been fasinated by the whole roberry behind closed doors thing. This would also give me an opportunity to demonstrate how a poor man would conduct business on his end.

Oh ooh,



Not another person desperately looking to blame his injured reputation on a statement made by another.

FALSE!!



Your own actions is a thousand times more likely to ruin your reputation, than someone else's "STATEMENT". In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty. There is not a single thing, that could be said about myself, that would make me go crying to the person that said it.



Therefore, I seldom need worry about being defamed, slandered, libeled, etc, etc. "WAAAAH".

There are far too many people today, desparately looking to catch someone on a technicality involving slanderous statements and it's ridiculous.



In America, the TRUTH is an absolute defence against frivilous accusations of slander. If you belive you have been wrongly accused of something, PROVE IT!!



NOTHING easier than that!! The burden of proof usually lies on the complainant. Everyone is getting sick and tired of hearing excuses. You pathetic people are flooding up the courts with nothing but garbage.



As I said many times before, If you're living correctly, you have nothing to worry about, regarding any statements made against you, for you'd be able to prove the statements otherwise. You'd also not find any public forums a threat to your "FLAWLESS" reputation.



So before going around crying and desperately looking for someone to blame, for your self inflicted, "ruined" reputation. Correct yourself, because if you have an affilliation with this company in any way, it's no wonder why many will throw around their "OPINIONS" regarding it. Their reputation clearly speaks volumes.



Until next time, take care everyone, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. We have far more important issues in this world besides your "ruined" reputation. Something that needs to be corrected by yourself. Take your ACCUSATIONS and EXCUSES and go cry somewhere else.

Oh ooh,



Not another person desperately looking to blame his injured reputation on a statement made by another.

FALSE!!



Your own actions is a thousand times more likely to ruin your reputation, than someone else's "STATEMENT". In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty. There is not a single thing, that could be said about myself, that would make me go crying to the person that said it.



Therefore, I seldom need worry about being defamed, slandered, libeled, etc, etc. "WAAAAH".

There are far too many people today, desparately looking to catch someone on a technicality involving slanderous statements and it's ridiculous.



In America, the TRUTH is an absolute defence against frivilous accusations of slander. If you belive you have been wrongly accused of something, PROVE IT!!



NOTHING easier than that!! The burden of proof usually lies on the complainant. Everyone is getting sick and tired of hearing excuses. You pathetic people are flooding up the courts with nothing but garbage.



As I said many times before, If you're living correctly, you have nothing to worry about, regarding any statements made against you, for you'd be able to prove the statements otherwise. You'd also not find any public forums a threat to your "FLAWLESS" reputation.



So before going around crying and desperately looking for someone to blame, for your self inflicted, "ruined" reputation. Correct yourself, because if you have an affilliation with this company in any way, it's no wonder why many will throw around their "OPINIONS" regarding it. Their reputation clearly speaks volumes.



Until next time, take care everyone, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. We have far more important issues in this world besides your "ruined" reputation. Something that needs to be corrected by yourself. Take your ACCUSATIONS and EXCUSES and go cry somewhere else.

Oh ooh,



Not another person desperately looking to blame his injured reputation on a statement made by another.

FALSE!!



Your own actions is a thousand times more likely to ruin your reputation, than someone else's "STATEMENT". In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty. There is not a single thing, that could be said about myself, that would make me go crying to the person that said it.



Therefore, I seldom need worry about being defamed, slandered, libeled, etc, etc. "WAAAAH".

There are far too many people today, desparately looking to catch someone on a technicality involving slanderous statements and it's ridiculous.



In America, the TRUTH is an absolute defence against frivilous accusations of slander. If you belive you have been wrongly accused of something, PROVE IT!!



NOTHING easier than that!! The burden of proof usually lies on the complainant. Everyone is getting sick and tired of hearing excuses. You pathetic people are flooding up the courts with nothing but garbage.



As I said many times before, If you're living correctly, you have nothing to worry about, regarding any statements made against you, for you'd be able to prove the statements otherwise. You'd also not find any public forums a threat to your "FLAWLESS" reputation.



So before going around crying and desperately looking for someone to blame, for your self inflicted, "ruined" reputation. Correct yourself, because if you have an affilliation with this company in any way, it's no wonder why many will throw around their "OPINIONS" regarding it. Their reputation clearly speaks volumes.



Until next time, take care everyone, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. We have far more important issues in this world besides your "ruined" reputation. Something that needs to be corrected by yourself. Take your ACCUSATIONS and EXCUSES and go cry somewhere else.

Oh ooh,



Not another person desperately looking to blame his injured reputation on a statement made by another.

FALSE!!



Your own actions is a thousand times more likely to ruin your reputation, than someone else's "STATEMENT". In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty. There is not a single thing, that could be said about myself, that would make me go crying to the person that said it.



Therefore, I seldom need worry about being defamed, slandered, libeled, etc, etc. "WAAAAH".

There are far too many people today, desparately looking to catch someone on a technicality involving slanderous statements and it's ridiculous.



In America, the TRUTH is an absolute defence against frivilous accusations of slander. If you belive you have been wrongly accused of something, PROVE IT!!



NOTHING easier than that!! The burden of proof usually lies on the complainant. Everyone is getting sick and tired of hearing excuses. You pathetic people are flooding up the courts with nothing but garbage.



As I said many times before, If you're living correctly, you have nothing to worry about, regarding any statements made against you, for you'd be able to prove the statements otherwise. You'd also not find any public forums a threat to your "FLAWLESS" reputation.



So before going around crying and desperately looking for someone to blame, for your self inflicted, "ruined" reputation. Correct yourself, because if you have an affilliation with this company in any way, it's no wonder why many will throw around their "OPINIONS" regarding it. Their reputation clearly speaks volumes.



Until next time, take care everyone, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.



P.S. We have far more important issues in this world besides your "ruined" reputation. Something that needs to be corrected by yourself. Take your ACCUSATIONS and EXCUSES and go cry somewhere else.

Pearlman Cuts Ties With Modeling Agency



5 hours ago



ORLANDO, Fla. - Boy band impresario Lou Pearlman formally cut ties with a model scouting company that is being investigated by Florida authorities and has been the subject of hundreds of complaints of misrepresentation.



Pearlman, who launched the careers of the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, rescinded a merger agreement Friday between his company, Trans Continental, and the model scouting firm formally called Wilhelmina Scouting Network.



In a statement, Pearlman said he felt duped by the company. "His right to rescind the agreement is his legal right," said Marcia Horowitz, a spokeswoman.



In October, Pearlman filed a $100 million lawsuit against the company and his former associates, alleging violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, trademark infringement, trademark dilution and defamation.



No one answered the phone at Wilhelmina Scouting Network's Orlando office on Friday.



The Florida Attorney General's Office has been investigating the company for more than a year. More than 1,500 consumers and former workers have complained of misrepresentation and deceptive advertising.

I just learned of WFTV's connection to the on-going talent agency scandal in my town, Orlando. I was absolutely flabbgergasted. Off and on for nearly a year I have worked with consumer Reporter Todd Ulrich of WFTV in attempting to stop the scams of another company, Eyeglass World. Todd has impressed me as being competent, caring and highly ethical.



A few minutes ago I went to the WFTV website looking for more information. What I found smells like cover-up!



First, I wanted to see if the text of the stories that were removed from the website had been restored to public view. It appeared that not only have those stores NOT been restored to view, it appears that the text of ALL the past consumer reports have been yanked -- including the ones in which I was interviewed as a victim of Eyeglass World.



Second, I wanted to see if a list of the corporate partners of WFTV 9 Family Connection would reveal if Lou Pearlman's companies were still involved and sending their $11,677 a month to WFTV. There is no list published.



Third, I discovered a link to a page titled "2002 Summary for WFTV 9 Family Connection." That Summary states that WFTV "RAISED" $9,682,500 and "PROVIDED" $1,103,282 to "Our Central Florida Communities with a public service schedule, including station and partner support...." Unless I'm missing something, it sure looks to me like only about 11% of the funds raised by WFTV for charitable uses actually went to the organizations and people that WFTV claims to be benefitting.



Is it any wonder that WFTV looks the other way when they have $140,000 a year coming in from Lou Pearlman's companies. That $140,000 a year appears to contribute nicely to an $8,000,000 a year slush fund!



How many other news stories about other "partners"

of WFTV 9 Family Connection has the management suppressed?



Is it any wonder that television news viewership has declined? The pity is that honest news and honest reporters like Todd Ulrich get buried by the "marketing" decisions of their bosses.



I predict that in the next few days the page showing the "2002 Summary for WFTV 9 Family Connection" will be altered or eliminated. Stay tuned! Team coverage at 11PM

Approximately 3 1/2 months ago, I responded to a Monster.com ad that said Wilhelmina was looking for an Office Director in their local Tulsa office. I was looking for a new challenge so I replied. Last week I received an email inviting me to an interview in OKC. Upon arriving I noticed a room full of people of various backgrounds ostensibly all candidates for the same position. The Office Manager began her pitch. Let's see what we learned...



1. There was no Tulsa office as it had been shut down.



2. They were hiring "scouts" who could possibly grow into the Office Directors position.



3. How the model "business" had operated for the past 100 years.



4. How it still operates and still preys on the unsuspecting - especially in the small towns where naivety is an easy target.



5. That all the competition had gone out of business. (No wonder! They all merged and then changed names as fast as a chameleon changes colors.)



6. That Lou Pearlman, the man behind the horrible boy bands, is the mastermind behind the scenes.



7. That there was some upcoming litigation over the Wilhelmina name.



8. That there are more than two schlocky "success" stories.



9. That the Office Manager / Franchise Owner could neither spell words nor multiply numbers properly but that the business of scouting "was a numbers game".



10. That the whole presentation was nothing but a big old bag of smelly BS that couldn't be disguised or covered up with all the carpet in Las Vegas.



If you are looking for a fun gig, this might have been it under different circumstances and a fresh market perspective. But charging someone $1000 bucks for a digital comp card along with $20 / month internet maintenance fee seems excessive in any economy. My suggestion to all prospective scouts is don't go. Don't waste your time like I did. The smell of desperation was thick in the air.

An article just published on this scam gives the viewpoints of both models and scouts. Hopefully it will get the word out to the masses.



http://clevescene.com/issues/current/feature.html/1/index.html

I've taken time to read quite a few of the rip-off reports on the Wilhelmina Scouting Network and TCT. It seems that most of the complaints come from previous employees who worked under unqualified management. I myself started as a scout for WSN about 2 and a half months ago, and have recently been promoted to a Scout Manager. I've always been paid for the work I've done. When hired you are told that this is a strictly commission based job, and if that intimidates you, maybe you shouldn't consider employment. During one pay period our payroll was really messed up due to the incompetence of a certain office director. He has since been terminated. I also took it upon myself to get the payroll squared away with our corporate offices.



I work out of the Philadelphia office where myself and the other scout manager have taken it upon ourselves to turn this office around. We don't lie to new hires or talent who walk through our doors. We believe in telling it like it is. As a company we don't guarantee that our talent will get jobs. But we recently have started guaranteeing our talent that within their first 6 months with us they will receive a specified number of job offers based on their current look and demographic. We've had talent enrolled with us for less than a week, call us up and boast that 3 agencies are fighting to sign them. We do have success stories, and our talent is getting work. We don't even accept everyone who walks through our door. We let people know if they need to get their teeth fixed, get their skin cleared up, or become more proportionate. In Philly we strive to not set talent up for failure. I can't speak for the rest of our offices, but that is how we operate.



I know a lot of people think we are the devil, but people have dreams, and we are here to either give these people a stepping stone to those dreams, or tell them what they need to change to achieve those dreams. I can honestly say that I enjoy what I do, and I strive to help people succeed. I try and stay in contact with people I scout, to find out what they've done, and continue to push them in the right direction. I know that we will still continue to get both positive and negative feedback, but I needed to be that one person who had a good word to add. I will be satisfied if what I've said has even helped only one person see this differently. But no hard feelings to those who have been let down, I'm doing what I can to turn things around.



Positive & Poison Free,



Zach O.

Scout Manager

Philadelphia Office

I was hired on at one of Wilhelmina's offices as a scout about two weeks ago. I showed up to a "group" interview which was extremely half assed and vague with information. Being that I already had a day job I decided maybe I could do this on the side. The following day I was asked to fill out a 1099 during "training" (in which only 5 of the 30 people who were there the day before showed up to) that had lasted about 30 minutes.



After training (in which we were told not to discuss the fee or promise work to prospects) I was asked to go out and scout and come back. I did not return b/c I had things to do. Since then I was asked to come to meetings which I also did not go to due to my work and school schedule.



I discovered that the supposed 60-90k advertised on Monster is extremely out of reach and impossible for any one to make. I found out about this scam on a message board I frequent and decided to look into it.



When I conducted a search on Wilhelmina I found tons of links, this being one of them with lots of bad rap pertaining to the so called company. Although I have seen I am not the only one that has been taken advantage of I still feel very dumb founded and taken advantage of. I have scouted 8 people since and have quams about approaching strangers so I scouted people I knew.



I have contacted these people and asked them not to call for a one on one with the company. I am extremely embarrassed and cannot take back the broken dreams I was promised and in turn promised others. The dream of an opportunity that would be hard to reach otherwise without this "company's" help. However I am thankful I found out about this before another victim was born.



Now that I put 2 & 2 together it all makes sense. I thought it was strange that the company showed two names on the walls and business cards, why we were asked to sign on as independent contracters, why they could not back up affiliation with the people they claim to have scouted and why it was my interviewers last day on the job (she was claiming that she was ripped of her salary but I didnt really think about it).



I am getting this new information out to all the people who may think Wilhelmina sells dreams which are really broken promises disguised with glitz, glitter and lies. I will not have earned a dime off of anything I have done this past couple of weeks. I was robbed of precious time, my dignity, hope of a better future and the trust of my friends. I have now e mailed my "scout manager" about my quitting scouting and provided her with the informational link - -

I was hired on at one of Wilhelmina's offices as a scout about two weeks ago. I showed up to a "group" interview which was extremely half assed and vague with information. Being that I already had a day job I decided maybe I could do this on the side. The following day I was asked to fill out a 1099 during "training" (in which only 5 of the 30 people who were there the day before showed up to) that had lasted about 30 minutes.



After training (in which we were told not to discuss the fee or promise work to prospects) I was asked to go out and scout and come back. I did not return b/c I had things to do. Since then I was asked to come to meetings which I also did not go to due to my work and school schedule.



I discovered that the supposed 60-90k advertised on Monster is extremely out of reach and impossible for any one to make. I found out about this scam on a message board I frequent and decided to look into it.



When I conducted a search on Wilhelmina I found tons of links, this being one of them with lots of bad rap pertaining to the so called company. Although I have seen I am not the only one that has been taken advantage of I still feel very dumb founded and taken advantage of. I have scouted 8 people since and have quams about approaching strangers so I scouted people I knew.



I have contacted these people and asked them not to call for a one on one with the company. I am extremely embarrassed and cannot take back the broken dreams I was promised and in turn promised others. The dream of an opportunity that would be hard to reach otherwise without this "company's" help. However I am thankful I found out about this before another victim was born.



Now that I put 2 & 2 together it all makes sense. I thought it was strange that the company showed two names on the walls and business cards, why we were asked to sign on as independent contracters, why they could not back up affiliation with the people they claim to have scouted and why it was my interviewers last day on the job (she was claiming that she was ripped of her salary but I didnt really think about it).



I am getting this new information out to all the people who may think Wilhelmina sells dreams which are really broken promises disguised with glitz, glitter and lies. I will not have earned a dime off of anything I have done this past couple of weeks. I was robbed of precious time, my dignity, hope of a better future and the trust of my friends. I have now e mailed my "scout manager" about my quitting scouting and provided her with the informational link - -

I was hired on at one of Wilhelmina's offices as a scout about two weeks ago. I showed up to a "group" interview which was extremely half assed and vague with information. Being that I already had a day job I decided maybe I could do this on the side. The following day I was asked to fill out a 1099 during "training" (in which only 5 of the 30 people who were there the day before showed up to) that had lasted about 30 minutes.



After training (in which we were told not to discuss the fee or promise work to prospects) I was asked to go out and scout and come back. I did not return b/c I had things to do. Since then I was asked to come to meetings which I also did not go to due to my work and school schedule.



I discovered that the supposed 60-90k advertised on Monster is extremely out of reach and impossible for any one to make. I found out about this scam on a message board I frequent and decided to look into it.



When I conducted a search on Wilhelmina I found tons of links, this being one of them with lots of bad rap pertaining to the so called company. Although I have seen I am not the only one that has been taken advantage of I still feel very dumb founded and taken advantage of. I have scouted 8 people since and have quams about approaching strangers so I scouted people I knew.



I have contacted these people and asked them not to call for a one on one with the company. I am extremely embarrassed and cannot take back the broken dreams I was promised and in turn promised others. The dream of an opportunity that would be hard to reach otherwise without this "company's" help. However I am thankful I found out about this before another victim was born.



Now that I put 2 & 2 together it all makes sense. I thought it was strange that the company showed two names on the walls and business cards, why we were asked to sign on as independent contracters, why they could not back up affiliation with the people they claim to have scouted and why it was my interviewers last day on the job (she was claiming that she was ripped of her salary but I didnt really think about it).



I am getting this new information out to all the people who may think Wilhelmina sells dreams which are really broken promises disguised with glitz, glitter and lies. I will not have earned a dime off of anything I have done this past couple of weeks. I was robbed of precious time, my dignity, hope of a better future and the trust of my friends. I have now e mailed my "scout manager" about my quitting scouting and provided her with the informational link - -

I was hired on at one of Wilhelmina's offices as a scout about two weeks ago. I showed up to a "group" interview which was extremely half assed and vague with information. Being that I already had a day job I decided maybe I could do this on the side. The following day I was asked to fill out a 1099 during "training" (in which only 5 of the 30 people who were there the day before showed up to) that had lasted about 30 minutes.



After training (in which we were told not to discuss the fee or promise work to prospects) I was asked to go out and scout and come back. I did not return b/c I had things to do. Since then I was asked to come to meetings which I also did not go to due to my work and school schedule.



I discovered that the supposed 60-90k advertised on Monster is extremely out of reach and impossible for any one to make. I found out about this scam on a message board I frequent and decided to look into it.



When I conducted a search on Wilhelmina I found tons of links, this being one of them with lots of bad rap pertaining to the so called company. Although I have seen I am not the only one that has been taken advantage of I still feel very dumb founded and taken advantage of. I have scouted 8 people since and have quams about approaching strangers so I scouted people I knew.



I have contacted these people and asked them not to call for a one on one with the company. I am extremely embarrassed and cannot take back the broken dreams I was promised and in turn promised others. The dream of an opportunity that would be hard to reach otherwise without this "company's" help. However I am thankful I found out about this before another victim was born.



Now that I put 2 & 2 together it all makes sense. I thought it was strange that the company showed two names on the walls and business cards, why we were asked to sign on as independent contracters, why they could not back up affiliation with the people they claim to have scouted and why it was my interviewers last day on the job (she was claiming that she was ripped of her salary but I didnt really think about it).



I am getting this new information out to all the people who may think Wilhelmina sells dreams which are really broken promises disguised with glitz, glitter and lies. I will not have earned a dime off of anything I have done this past couple of weeks. I was robbed of precious time, my dignity, hope of a better future and the trust of my friends. I have now e mailed my "scout manager" about my quitting scouting and provided her with the informational link - -

nice report....how long have you been a reporter?? whom have you been a reporter for?? or do u just work and only worked for rip-off.com?? out of all the information you have posted throguht your report how much of it have you yourself presonally found and not received from your so called "insiders" those insders are comminting fraud themselves duh!!! and you frank would be aiding in there fraud and provoking them by asking for more "insider" info...just like any company all practices done behind the doors remains behind those doors thats why theres things called copyrights and trademarks...one thing that i picked up on was the magazine ad's you posted from some Jax. model show.... the first one does not say one word or promote TCT Options or WSN none...and the second one...take a long look at it....why does it seem so fake?? the RED outline aroudn Options Talent's trademark just stands out so much?? i wonder why?? did u go pick up that magazine in Jax. or did someone send it to you digitally?? i wonder?? but thats what reporters do dont they?? they only should the bad side it creates more of an audience...look at 9-11 and Iraq thats all the media does jsut like yourself they show one side of the story...the bad side....yeah this is rip-off.com but be honest with your readers show both sides.....the whole thing with the top exec's of the comapny all of those charges were decades ago....yes granted E-model and Options talent had some major problems...but they have all been overcome especially no becoming WSN....it has been a great improvement over the years...thats why over 70,000 people believe in the company and have paid there 695-995 fee just like you would with any other agency to create your paper comp card....how bout you talk about what WSN does for there talent sometime compared to your local agnecy if you walked in the door one day and said you wanted to be a model....anyways thats all for now im sure ill be back soon to write more....i currently work for WSN as a Talent Executive and the company again is under going some changes...and that brings me to one thing...u said TCT attacked Model Search America or some comment u made??? well thats odd seeing as how MSA is joining hands with WSN go figure??

get a better story that doesnt involve a comapny that is no longer involed in over half of the statements you made...or at least start your reprort over as of April 1st when WSN started

have a great evening frank

Hello,



I worked for TC TAlent for three weeks. I have a lot of guilt inside of me for the people I outright lied to.



I want to help in any way I can to close down this dirtbag of an operation. How do I know for sure that you will not give out my information?



In three short weeks I learned and saw a lot. I was a Talent Executive and was forced to lie to these potential models to "steal" the 795 (at that time) from them.



I used to pull up the digital comp cards of the people I was talking to on the phone and I had to look at their name to even know if they were male or female.



Please, I have so much more to write but I must know that my personal information will be safe. What is the best way for me to do this?



I wished I had enough money and the names and numbers of the people I "sold" to so I could mail each of them a check for a FULL REFUND! I am an honest good person and am really not happy i was ever involved with this company.

Multiple sources inside the newly-renamed modeling scam, which was the subject of the recent NBC Dateline - Rip-off Report collaboration, have reported that Niki Taylor is about to, or has signed as a Wilhelmina Scouting Network representative. Of interest is how this deal will affect her current representation with IMG. MARK McCORMACK, CEO of IMG, is still not able to be reached for comment as he remains in the hospital. His condition is apparently not very good at this point, according to one IMG employee. Rip-off Report has placed a call to the IMG Women's Division for comment on the situation and will report the results of that call as soon as it is revealed. Any information that IMG has made a deal with Wilhelmina Scouting Netwowrk is of considerable interest. Please refer all tips to Frank Torelli at (305) 832-2949. UPDATE: It has been learned that Niki Taylor is no longer with IMG. Details to follow.

COMING UP ON DATELINE NBC

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

9:00 P.M. ET



NBC's Victoria Corderi has a hidden camera look inside a multi-million dollar company that offers wannabe models a chance to be in the spotlight. But are they sincere in their efforts, or are they preying on people's gullibility and dreams?



http://www.msnbc.com/news/DATELINE_front.asp



Jane Pauley & Stone Phillips

Orlando, Florida

U.S.A.

COMING UP ON DATELINE NBC

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

9:00 P.M. ET



NBC's Victoria Corderi has a hidden camera look inside a multi-million dollar company that offers wannabe models a chance to be in the spotlight. But are they sincere in their efforts, or are they preying on people's gullibility and dreams?



http://www.msnbc.com/news/DATELINE_front.asp



Jane Pauley & Stone Phillips

Orlando, Florida

U.S.A.

COMING UP ON DATELINE NBC

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

9:00 P.M. ET



NBC's Victoria Corderi has a hidden camera look inside a multi-million dollar company that offers wannabe models a chance to be in the spotlight. But are they sincere in their efforts, or are they preying on people's gullibility and dreams?



http://www.msnbc.com/news/DATELINE_front.asp



Jane Pauley & Stone Phillips

Orlando, Florida

U.S.A.

COMING UP ON DATELINE NBC

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

9:00 P.M. ET



NBC's Victoria Corderi has a hidden camera look inside a multi-million dollar company that offers wannabe models a chance to be in the spotlight. But are they sincere in their efforts, or are they preying on people's gullibility and dreams?



http://www.msnbc.com/news/DATELINE_front.asp



Jane Pauley & Stone Phillips

Orlando, Florida

U.S.A.

Several months ago, Todd Ulrich's stories about eModels/Options Talent/TCT were removed. This reporter spoke with Todd and directly asked him if the removal was related to the coincidental TCT partnership with the WFTV community charity, "9 Family Connection." Todd assured me that he had been told that there had been a migration to another server and that data had been lost. This reporter offered to aid Todd in the reconstitution of the stories as they had been saved. He reminded this reporter that his integrity as a journalist was at stake.



I spoke by phone with Bill Hoffman, General Manager, WFTV, on March 31, 2003. I informed him that I was going to send an e-mail to Jackie Dowd memorializing our conversation. I agreed to include Bill on my e-mail to Jackie Dowd, the Assistant Attorney General investigating TCT/Wilhelmina Scouting Network and its principals, so that he could rebut anything I might say to her.



I communicated two things resultant from that conversation:



1. Bill told me that the decision to remove Todd Ulrich's stories from their website was connected to TCT's contributions to 9 Family Connection.



2. Bill also told me that the recent meeting between TCT and WFTV also played a part in their decision not to pursue a story on TCT personalities because, in part, it had been communicated that you would be "relaxing your investigation" based on your recent exchanges with TCT.



Note: Ms. Dowd reported to Mr. Hoffman that if he had been told that the investigation was being relaxed, he had been deceived. This lie has been repeated to other members of the media by TCT/WSN representatives.



Commentary:

I wish to share some insights pursuant to this conversation with Bill Hoffman.



I am concerned that Lou Pearlman and TCT/WSN are corrupting ABC's "9 Family Connection," diminishing it to a mere protection scheme, which I believe is in keeping with their "gangsterism" attitude. I have additional irrefutable evidence which I believe proves that TCT specifically entered into the arrangement with WFTV for the express purpose of having negative reports removed from the WFTV website and to discourage or even eliminate negative reports in the future on them. If this behavior is not illegal, it should be.



I am suspicious that 1) Pearlman/TCT is attempting to manipulate the media, and 2) the "9 Family Connection" arrangement with TCT, included the removal of Todd Ulrich's stories from the WFTV website. Hoffman admitted the connection in point number two. Interestingly, Todd denied this situation to me earlier when I directly asked him. He said his journalistic integrity was at stake. This is no doubt at the center of Ulrich's current distress.



Hoffman told me that he did not understand at the outset that I was an investigator. I asked him if that would have changed his answers, which he denied, but I clearly believe that he wished he had not been so forthcoming.



Todd learned that his story that he was working was killed on March 27 and he immediately went away "on vacation." He was to have returned April 7th. I suspect he will not remain at WFTV much longer.

I just started working tor TC Talent about a month ago. At first I was happy to be working the the man who "discovered such superstar acts as The Backstreet Boys, NSync, OTown..." But after a while I was sick to my stomache. Since entering into a "Partnership" with Wilhelmina, they have raised the sign up fee ...yet again... to $995!



I work at the call center and when people ask if there's a fee, we're told not to say anything and to say that the "Open call" is free.

Knowing full well that it's not what they meant. It is very misleading to the people that call that have real dreams and aspirations in life. Yea sure, the open call is free but if you want to sign up, the fee is unaffordable! Everytime I pick up that phone it breaks my heart what they're doing.



Dave Elliot is heading up the new Call Center and all he's worried about is "Numbers!" (For every appointment that we set that actually shows up to the open call, we get $2! If we get 5 people to actually enroll that week, we get a $500 bonus!!) What about these kids. I'm not worried about how much money I can make setting appointments! I'm worried about shattering someone's soul.



I am currently seeking employment elsewhere (I refuse to be a sell out. I actually care about people). I hope this helped a little. Have a great day. You're doing a great job. Let me know what I can do to help.

Lest anyone think that TCT is the only culprits in this media circus, both TCT and Wilhelmina are bringing their own brands of mud. The beauty of all this mud for TCT and Wilhelmina is that this is just part of a plan to muddy the water.



[CLICK HERE to trace the chronology of the major negative stories on TCT in the media.]



It is ironic that Wilhelmina would have linked up with TCT just before the "Fashion Rock" convention, after all the bad blood between them in the past. SEAN PATTERSON, Wilhelmina's current vice president and, when Dieter retires in August, the succeeding president, has stated,



"If there was one thing I could change about the industry it would be to institute a more rigid policing of the model conventions that are being held all over the country.



You see, the people who run these hotel conventions charge registration and attendance fees anywhere from $300 to $1,500 to young guys and girls who want to be models.



And what they do is, they invite one agent from this agency and one agent from that agency, and they offer these agents an all-expenses-paid trip to the host city -- give them a stipend of $150-$200 for the day. It's a free trip for these agents.



Now the advertisements go up -- ads luring aspiring models by saying that there will be in attendance agents from Wilhelmina, Elite, Ford -- European agencies too.



So these young people, mostly girls, pay these fees to the conventioneers, who clean up."



Quite an indictment of the Trans Continental Talent scam, when they now support the company that is about to hold one of their biggest convestions of the year.



However, Wilhelmina is not without its own problems. Dieter Esch, the current president of Wilhelmina and also a high-profile German financier, was convicted for the largest bank fraud in Germany since World War II. Our observation that one almost needs a rap sheet on their resume as a pre-requisite for employment, certainly seems to hold true with not only for TCT but also for Wilhelmina .



Also, in a twist of hypocrisy, Wilhelmina sued of a number of its employees, three of whom were "bookers" (KATIA, GUBITOSI & GRILLI) that were to begin working for MAJOR MODELS MANAGEMENT INC., while meanwhile they "stole" Ray Lata from NEXT. I guess that what is "good for the goose" is not necessarily "good for the gander."

Rip-off Report received a call from one of its sources today at about 3:30 PM EST to let us know that tomorrow there would be a public announcement that Trans Continental Talent would offer an option to their franchises to become part of the WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK. Here is their new website: http://wscouts.com/home/





[CLICK HERE to see the new WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK website homepage.]



Incidentally, WILHELMINA is one of the targets of a recent Anti-trust lawsuit, which was recently settled, according to Alec; also included in the suit are Ford, Elite and several other modeling (management) agencies. The suit claims that these New York City-based agencies conspired to maintain matching, nonnegotiable commissions of 20 percent. What is yet undisclosed is the role that TCT may have played in the settlement with these already financially troubled businesses.



Alec Defrawy is the architect of the plan that carved out the WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK. Ray Lata, a talent scout with legal problems of his own, (Ray broke the terms of his contract with "NEXT" of New York before Lata's most recent contract with "NEXT" expired on July 15, 2000) secretly devised this plan with Alec, even leaving Edward Bell out in the cold. Bell, who claimed not to know anything about e-Model, when questioned by Todd Ulrich, went ballistic upon learning this development progressed without him, because he ironically prides himself in knowing everything that goes on inside the company. (According to Alec, that comes from Bell's CIA background : )



Alec was careful to "warn" the employees of TCT, "Do not trade stock until after the public announcement - wink, wink."

Cort Randell, who is also part of the power base of TCT and former president of a previous iteration of this enterprise, also comes from a troubled legal past, having been in prison for securities fraud convictions. I wonder if Alec got around to giving Cort the same warning?



Coming Next: TCT strikes out at Rip-off Report

Rip-off Report has been investigating the Options Talent AKA TC Talent - Monster.com affiliation (as well as other companies reported by consumers on Rip-off Report) ever since it became apparent that Monster.com had become complicent in a scheme to post a bogus job announcement for an Investigator position with Rip-off Report (Monster job #15626388) in August 2002.



Since then, Monster.com has been contacted numerous times about the unprincipled business practices of Options Talent AKA TC Talent, as was Hotjobs.com. The latter dissolved their relationship with TCT, while Monster.com maintains its lucrative relationship, scamming those hoping for bona fide employment.



Additionally, Rip-off Report informed the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Boston of the problem and only within the last month was Mobster.com removed as a member in good standing. The BBB indicates that they only receive ONE complaint in a three-year reporting period?



SEE ALSO THE ATTACHMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING REPORT:



/Talent-Scouts/TCTalent-Industry-Ma/tctalent-industry-magazine-tct-J58J2.htm



FOOTNOTE: Rip-off Report is in contact with an Office Director who has been posting using the moniker, "Good Scout." We have contacted this individual, established the individual's bona fides and find the information provided highly credible.



Rip-off Report has been in contact with the Assistant Attorney General and is volunteering information concerning a TCT (Options Talent) conspiracy to defame other businesses and manufacture lawsuits, including the recent lawsuit of Bill Rosenberger, as reported by Jill Krueger in the Orlando Business Journal last week.



TCT is merely an extremely troubled company taking desperate measures, which cannot bear the close public scrutiny under which it finds itself. This also explains why Greg MacDonald would storm into the office of Vicki Vargo, Orlando Commissioner, and rant so outrageously about her righteous non-support of Lou Pearlman, so as to require ejection by a plain clothed police officer.

Sources reveal that the leadership of TCT frequently refer to their company as a modeling company, despite the fact that they officially list themselves as a scouting company to keep themselves out of governmental hot water. Look at the screen shot of an MSN search. "Is transcontinental a scam?"



Attached is the results. Look at #7! I thought Options/TCTalent was a scouting company? Well, if you read the information at that link you will see it is from Options Talent in Washington State at the time Katie Ludwig was the Office Director.



CLICK HERE To see Screen shot of MSN Search results of Trans Continental Talent alleged scam



NEXT: The Monster-TCT mutual enrichment association issue is vital and we will include it. Look at search results #8 in the screen shot. There are many Rip-off Reports by scouts who feel scammed after obtaining their TCT job through Monster.com

Despite the fact that TCT claims not to be a talent agency, it appears that it is illegal to operate any advance-fee talent service in California.







California Labor Code Section 1701.12: "An advance-fee talent service, or its agent or employee, may not do any of the following.... Charge or attempt to charge, directly or indirectly, an artist for creating or providing photographs, filmstrips, videotapes, audition tapes, demonstration reels, or other reproductions of the artist, casting or talent brochures, or other promotional materials for the artist."







... and this is only an example of one portion of the statute they violate. One must read the entire statute to truly get the full flavor of the trouble TCT has created for themselves, with regard to the manner in which they operate their enterprise.







See Reference -



http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/lab/1701.12.html







LABOR CODE SECTION 1701.13 affixes fines up to $10,000 against anyone who willfully violates this statute. Furthermore, the restitution to the artist takes presidence over any payment of fines.







It appears that if California litigators are up to their reputation, TCT may soon be out of business in that State. Additionally, the people of California may get every penny taken from them by eModels/Options/TC Talent.







Coming soon: more information on the validity of whether or not TCT can dodge the talent agency bullet (especially in California) by merely claiming they are a scouting company.

The top executives have focused on Jay AKA Jason recently. All the major players are in discussion with Reca Rene Chamberlain, the corporate attorney. What they are discussing may be announced later on this site.



And, in response to Alec's question, who made me a consumer advocate... who made your people "talent scouts?"



The word is, according to those very close to the situation, that after the NY Post article was published Lou was so mad that he was ready to quit, take his "Trans Continental" name and go home, unless all the criminals leave the company. "But then, who would be left?" one insider asked.



Stay tuned to see who wins this tug-o-war.

wait and see.

Frank Torelli refers to me as a 'scamster'.



I have never met nor heard from Mr Torelli and have absolutely no idea where he has received information of this sort.



I never have, do not, and never will mislead or misrepresent myself, any company I work for or represent, nor any product or service with which I am associated.



I am injured by this statement.



Michael Ennis

I read your report of TCT's alleged rip-off scams and I would like to offer a suggestion. I feel sure that the reporter was reporting this story with the best intent but from reading it I could only gather about 20% that was provable fact and the rest was hearsay and what appeared to be the subjective opinion of the reporter.



There was also a bit of "conspiracy" assumptions based on incomplete information. Much of the report also included the alleged mistreatment of a TCT former employee, Tara. This came across as a disgruntled employee on a vendetta. She may be perfectly right and was truly wronged by TCT but your reporting does not make it appear so, at least not in my opinion. There is also the suggestion that someone else got mugged or attacked and this was somehow related to TCT. Reporting this without proof is just bad journalism. The fact is, we are an awesome company.



This was the first time I visited your website and your reporting credibility is not very good. My suggestion is to be more objective and report more FACTS and let the reader decide instead of trying to sell the reader on what YOU believe to be a scam. TCT may be guilty of everything and more that your report suggest but I wouldn't beleive it based on this report. I think you have a great service, just make it more professional. Thanks for reading my suggestion.