Connecticut Better Business Bureau alert: Beware of “talent agency” sales practices

Sept. 16, 2008 - PRLog -- Wallingford, CT -  If you are walking through a shopping mall, someone approaches you and tells you your children “have the look” to be models or work in show business, beware.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau has received more than a dozen complaints since July about a South Norwalk company, InterFACE Talent Network, that has been using this tactic to attract clients, leaving a trail of unhappy consumers who feel they were bilked out of money by high pressure sales tactics, undelivered verbal promises and cancellation issues.

According to CT BBB President, Paulette Hotton Scarpetti, “We have processed a significant number of complaints since July, 2008 and there is a clear pattern of questionable sales practices, advertising issues and cancellation problems.  Parents should be made aware of these.”

While sixteen complaints about InterFACE were filed with Connecticut Better Bureau in July and August alone, 139 complaints were received by the Trenton, New Jersey BBB during the past three years against the New Jersey-based Industry Model & Talent Studios, which is run by the same principal as InterFACE, Roman Vintfeld.

BBB has given InterFACE Talent an unsatisfactory rating.  The company also goes under a variety of names in Connecticut and New Jersey, including Industry Model & Talent Studios, LLC, Nijah Models & Talent, NIJAH, InterFACE World Group, and Interface SoNo, LLC.

Better Business Bureau case files show that company representatives recruit individuals, particularly children in major shopping malls in Danbury, Milford, Trumbull and Manchester.  Parents are told their children have “the look” to be models and that they should bring their children to the company’s South Norwalk headquarters for a “free” consultation.

BBB has moved quickly to warn shopping mall management about this company’s business and selling practices.

Parents who have gone to the appointments with their children have complained to BBB about high pressure sales tactics, and that the sales representatives of InterFACE misrepresent the company’s products, services and fees.

Complaints reveal the company offers packages ranging from $500 to $5,500, and that a photo shoot is required for composite cards and posting on the company’s web site.  Some parents complain that they were never told about these additional fees for those services. When some parents complained, the company arbitrarily dropped the price to accommodate the consumers and secure an on-the-spot deposit.  

Moreover, parents also complained they were told they may cancel the contract, only to find out written cancellation was required, sent by certified mail and received within a specified time frame, which parents claim is impossible to meet.

Though the company has provided refunds to consumers who complained through BBB, it has not addressed consumers’ concerns about the company’s high pressure sales tactics and misrepresentation of the company’s products and services.

Scarpetti summarizes, “This is another example where people will make a decision  based on a verbal promise.   BBB recommends consumers ensure that all verbal promises for all contracts be put in writing.”

InterFACE Talent Network operates a number of websites. For a full list enter the name InterFACE Talent Network in “Search for a business or charity” at the BBB web site.

Though visions of stardom may blind some people, consumers should steer clear of high pressure sales tactics and promises, and check companies’ Reliability Reports at www.bbb.org

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Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.