'American Idol' It Isn't
"The organizer of a nationwide talent competition has denied allegations that it misled winners with promises of 'more than $100,000 in contracts' as models, actors or singers." [AP/CBS News]
Alleged Unethical and Illegal Behavior Practiced b
In Los Angeles, Options Talent employees do not need to show any identification when recruiting child and adult models, posing a potential threat to other employees and the community. [PR Web]
Better Business Bureau Report: Wilhelmina Scouting
The Central Florida BBB's report of customers' experiences with this company.
Better Business Bureau: Fashion Rock LLC
The Central Florida BBB's report of customers' experiences with this company.
Council Member Questions Pearlman's Dealings
Brief article regarding Orlando city Commissioner Vicki Vargo's concerns about the city's possible partnership with entertainment king Lou Pearlman to revitalize Church Street Station. By Jill Krueger. [Orlando Business Journal]
Embattled Modeling Agency Owner Must Pay Restituti
"After months of investigations touched off by an ABC Action News report, the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation has found Model 2000 guilty of fraud and deception." [ABC Action News Tampa]
Hidden Cameras Expose Talent Agency Scam
"Hidden cameras exposed the conniving side of the catwalk inside Transcontinental Talent's Ferndale office, Ruth Spencer reported." [NBC 4 Detroit]
High Priced Talent
Family was going to pay to list 14-year-old, but changed their mind after consulting the Internet about the company. By Michelle Mauch. Free registration required to view article. [KRIS-TV]
Hunting for Models
Investigative report of allegations of bogus model scouting. Interview with former employee, BBB president, general manager. Company president's previous convictions for fraud. [New Times Broward-Palm Beach]
Model Scam, The
"Former talent scouts looking for models claim they weren't selling a dream, they claim they were hired to sell a scam! Fox 61's consumer reporter Shelly Sindland discovers that sometimes pursuing a dream can mean a trip to fantasy land." [Fox 61 Connecticut]
Modeling Scouts: An Action News Special Report
Undercover investigation. Interviews with company spokesman and Deputy Attorney General. Spokesman reveals that all clients make the cut to appear on their website, after a $595 photo shoot and $19.95/month listing fees. [WPVI-TV 6--Philadelphia]
Nationwide Fashion & Talent Competition Offers
Press release by New York State Consumer Protection Board. "'No Reuben, no Clay, no answers' from contest tied to former Wilhelmina modeling scam."
NYS Slaps Model 'Scam'
"The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is hounding Louis J. Pearlman--the Florida-based music promoter responsible for teen bands the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC--for alleged model-scouting scams in Manhattan and Buffalo through the Wilhelmina Scouting Network, now called the Web Style Network." [Backstage.com]
Options Talent Group: An I-Team Investigation
Special report after undercover investigation by I-Team reporter Randy Travis on the modeling scouting company based in Orlando, Florida, called Options Talent, previously known as eModel.com. [Fox 5 Atlanta]
Pearlman's Jihad
Lou Pearlman's reaction after the Florida State Attorney General's office dropped their case against his companies. Report by Jeffrey C. Billman in the Orlando Weekly.
RipOff Report
Details personal experiences and claims to expose unethical business practices by Emodel, TcTalent, Options Talent and Wilhelmina Scouting Agency.
Talent Scout Accused of Sex Abuse Out on Bond
"A talent scout arrested on sex abuse charges is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond." [NBC 13 Birmingham]
Trans Continental Talent: An I-Team Investigation
Followup report on new name, Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, and protest by former client outside Atlanta office handing out copies of company's unsatisfactory Better Business Bureau record. [Fox 5 Atlanta]