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Modeling Scams

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Please note: only accredited sources will be posted.
The information posted below is not verified by Florida-Models.com. Florida-Models.com is not responsible for what other people feel, think or say. The scam information is provided to you as links to other web resources. We have nothing to do with what other organizations publish. Whenever possible, you should check with the source linked below to verify the accuracy of any complaints.

Tampa Bay Modeling Model Scam Definition Database
Contains model scam activity patterns, scam countermeasures, and scam fighting tactics for the professional model.

Florida Talent Agency Laws | Help for Scam Victims

Under Investigation Under Investigation: The Inside Story of the Florida Attorney General's Investigation of Wilhelmina Scouting Network, the Largest Model and Talent Scam in America

Click the book image to purchase from Amazon, or to find out more information.

Select from the list of the scams in the contents box below to view details.

Scams - Table of Contents
  • Allstar Models & Talent
  • American Child Actor and Modeling Association, www.acama.com
  • American Model Search, Scott Riddel
  • Bait & Switch Scam
  • Boom Talent & Model Agency, Hollywood Hotshots Photography
  • British/UK Modeling Work
  • Check Cashing Scam Used with Modeling Work  New!
  • Damon Salvatore Agostino, Deez Photography
  • Fashion Rock
  • Joseph A. Friend, Cherish Beauty, LLC
  • Gold Coast Talent
  • LA Looks Model Contest
  • Mario J Mercado, photographer
  • Mickey Jaye, Omolodumare Elguerrerr, Joe Mickey Robinson, El Omolodumare Guerreos
  • Model 2000 (see also Studio V)
  • Options Talent (Formerly eModel.com)
  • Out of State Solicitations
  • Pier Model Management
  • Reginald Foxx/RF Model Management
  • Show Biz Central of Southern Florida, Inc.
  • Screen Test U.S.A.
  • screentestusa.com
  • Studio V (Formerly Model 2000)
  • TCT, Trans Continental Talent (Formerly Options Talent/eModel.com)
  • Tomorrow's Stars, Inc.
  • Universal Entertainment, Steven Smith
  • Wilhelmina Scouting Network (Formerly TCT Talent)
  • WSN - Web Style Network (Formerly Wilhelmina Scouting Network)
  • Wizard Productions & Glenn Whitaker or William Glenn Whitaker

    		•


    Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    Public complaints against unlicensed talent agencies/individuals
  • Broward County
  • Dade County
  • Hillsborough County
  • Orange County

    		•

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    Florida Laws and Info:
    If you take the time to learn the laws, you'll be better equipped to avoid potential scams. The state licensing board has specific laws governing the conduct of talent agencies. Commercial agencies that are SAG-franchised also have rules they must follow, or be in violation of the Screen Actor's Guild code of conduct. Of course, there are always photographers, managers and other unscrupulous people that exist in the world, and on the Net. Although model searches and modeling/charm schools can be helpful, depending on one's circumstances, they are not necessary to enter the modeling profession. Fashion modeling agencies usually like to see a couple snapshots of potential models - it is never a requirement to have professional pictures or a portfolio. Commercial modeling agencies like to see comp cards, but also do not require a portfolio. If you are unsure what an agency would like to see for consideration, you can phone them and ask. Although usually quite busy, they are used to answering questions from those looking to get into the modeling industry, and are often very helpful. Please remember: an agent takes a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of work they book for you. You do not pay them to find you work. If an agency tells you that you need to pay a "registration fee," that is illegal in FL. They also cannot require you to subscribe to, purchase, or attend any publication, postcard service, advertisement, resume service, photography service, school, acting school, workshop, acting workshop, or buy video or audio tapes. That is also illegal in the state of Florida. If you run across someone who does this, please report them. There are enough scams already in existence. Check in with the Florida Statutes, Ch 468, part VII

    FYI: Each talent agency must maintain a permanent office and must maintain regular operating hours at that office. If they don't, they are in violation of Florida law. Please use a licensed talent/model agency.
    Florida Talent Agency Statute Information
    468.412 Talent agency regulations.
    468.406 Fees to be charged by talent agencies; rates; display
    468.410 Prohibition against registration fees; referral.
    468.407 License; content; posting.
    468.408 Bond required.
    468.415 Sexual misconduct in the operation of a talent agency.
    468.411 Labor disputes; statements required.


    If you have had a problem, or want to check up on an agency, the FTC has a helpful article:  If You've Got "The Look"...Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams.

    You can also phone the FL state licensing board, or check out the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. All that information is publicly available online, or by dialing information. It's a good way to check that someone is indeed licensed, possibly find out something about them, or be able to report them if they are operating without a license. You can use the DBPR database to search licensed Florida talent agents (TA) Online License Search. Of course, don't forget the Better Business Bureau, they are online too at www.bbb.org.
    We hope you never run into a modeling scam, but if you do, please report it! It helps make the world a safer place for everyone else.

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    Have you experienced a scam?

     Here is some information you might find helpful if you have been the victim of a scam. Of course, you can report anyone who has broken the law to your local law enforcement agency. Talent agencies that break the law can be reported to the state licensing bureau.

    If You've Got "The Look" . . . Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams
    The FTC published a helpful article, which also tells you where you can turn for help if you've been scammed.

    BBB Advises Caution When Dealing With Talent/Modeling Agencies
    The Better Business Bureau has an article as well, and can also be used to report a business.
    www.bbb.org

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation FL
    Department of Business & Professional Regulation
    Bureau of Investigative & Consumer Services
    Office of Consumer Complaints
    1940 Monroe St.
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-0782
    Find DBPR emails for each county in FL, Division of Professions, Talent Agencies. If you are going to email them to check on a license, use the Online License Search link above instead. If you have a complaint, you must provide specific information about what laws were violated, including facts, dates, etc. You should also consult an attorney and your local law enforcement agency if you feel the law has been broken.

    DBPR Online You can do an online search for a talent agency's license here.

    DBPR's online complaint form If you know of a licensed (or unlicensed) talent agency operating illegally in Florida, use this form to report them to the state. You must have specific information, dates, times, examples of violations, and witness information can also be provided.

    Fight Fraud in Florida
    Complaint form that goes to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. The department investigates complaints against its licensees and, if necessary, brings administrative cases against them. If you have a complaint against a licensed talent agency, you could use this online complaint form. However, you must provide specific information, facts, dates, etc. that clearly shows how the agency violated the law.

    Economic Crimes Division, Office of Attorney General
    110 Southeast 6th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
    Phone: 954-712-4600 FAX: 954-712-4658
    For reporting civil, not criminal matters. The Attorney General's Office investigates and litigates civil cases involving certain Florida Statutes, including civil theft, misleading advertising, and deceptive trade practices.

    Miami/Dade Small Claims Court
    Documents and information/guidelines for those needing to resolve civil disputes with monetary damages less that $5000. Helpful if someone owes you money, and will not pay you or has your property and will not return it, and you have been unable to resolve the situation any other way. Similar listings for other counties in FL.

    The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
    The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour office consultation for no more than $25.

    Most areas in Florida also have legal aid and public defender offices which provide legal help without cost, or at a nominal fee to persons who cannot afford to pay a lawyer. Every citizen in Florida has the right to be represented by an attorney in a civil lawsuit. Civil lawsuits are cases other than those in which a citizen is charged with criminal activity by the state or local government. If you have a civil legal problem, but cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, you may be able to obtain an attorney through your local Legal Aid or Legal Services organization, which provides free legal services to those in need. Legal Aid agencies available to you will be listed in the yellow pages of your phone book under "Attorney--Legal Services" or in the white pages under "Legal Services and/or Legal Aid." If you cannot find your local agency in this manner, then you should call either the local bar association in the area in which you live (for instance, Seminole County Bar Association) or The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service in Tallahassee and ask for the number of the Legal Aid office closest to you. The Florida Bar toll free number is 1-800-342-8011. Remember, most lawsuits or legal problems with which you may be involved have time limits, after the expiration of which your rights may be lost. You should act quickly. Therefore, contact your local Legal Aid office should you need assistance.

    If you have had a problem, or experienced a scam, you need to do something about it. When you do not report something, the person or company who victimized you, is allowed to move on and scam the next person. If someone has broken the law, or done something you feel is not right, report them to the appropriate places listed above. Those resources are there to help you, and all the other people unscrupulous persons/companies may hurt in a similar manner. If you are a photographer or business being accused of something, listen and try to work the problem out. There have also been reports of photographers being scammed by models, demanding free reshoots and the like. We must all take responsibility for our actions, and our reactions. If you cannot work out a situation, please report it in an appropriate way, to someone who can help you get the issued resolved.

    Here is another great suggestion from one of our website users:
    In Tampa Bay, WFTS Channel 28 has an investigative team and they are looking for things to investigate. They have a website WFTS.com If EVERYONE would write to them and request an investigation of these scams, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ADS ARE RUNNING ON TV perhaps we can keep the new aspiring actor/model from getting involved and losing their faith in our industry. Call and write any TV or Radio station running the ads and tell them what happened in their personal experience. I get phone calls all the time, from parents who went that route and are crying about all the $ invested with no results, and heartbroken kids. It breaks my heart as well. I also get calls from parents who have told their child "no," after turning down the scam, and the child is so angry at the parent for "ruining their life." Well, I try to encourage them to look for good reputable (acting) schools, consider their options and the cost, etc. But you can't stop people from hurting themselves. Anyway, my point is, if we can keep the TV and Radio stations from accepting this advertising, perhaps these people will stop coming to Florida to steal our money and hurt our kids.
    Corinne Broskette, Director
    Venue Actors Studio
    St Petersburg


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    Modeling/Talent Scams


     
    Allstar Models & Talent    , Casselberry.
    Complaints made against this agency with the BBB were unanswered, and this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB of Central Florida. They do not appear to be licensed with the state.

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    Tomorrow's Stars, Inc.    , 5301 North Federal Highway, Suite 180, Boca Raton, Florida 33487
    Screen Test U.S.A.
    Show Biz Central of Southern Florida, Inc.
    American Child Actor and Modeling Association ("ACAMA")
    screentestusa.com
    www.acama.com
    The above have promoted themselves via television, radio, newspaper, direct mail and the World Wide Web as Screen Test U.S.A. Were all operated to lure children and their parents into paying for "screen tests" and other goods and services to supposedly make them more marketable to agencies.
    Bogus "Talent Scouts" Use Smoke Screen To "Screen Test" Consumers
    ---------------------------------------------
    Screen Test U.S.A. Defendants Banned From Conducting Screen Tests or Assessing a Child's Acting or Modeling Abilities

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    American Model Search, Scott Riddel, Orlando.
    Article on Wftv9.com.
    Modeling Scam Suspect Accused Of Sex Crimes

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    Bait and Switch Scam
    This is a classic scam with many incarnations. In the modeling industry, it may be an ad for a job or modeling opportunity (such as a fashion show, magazine layout, or other type of modeling work). The model responds to the ad and is asked to come in for an interview,assessmentt, etc. Whether the model has experience, photos, composite cards, or not - the company or person offers training, photography services, requires a registration fee, etc. for which they want money. Do not pay anyone for a job! A legitimate agency makes their money by taking a commission (usually around 10-20%) off of the money you earn through them. They do not operate photography studios, require you to use a specific photographer, run training schools and classes, or operate model/talent pay websites. Check the Florida state statutes above for the laws regarding talent/model agencies in Florida.
    Boom Talent & Modeling Agency

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    Boom Talent & Model Agency, Hollywood Hotshots Photography, Tampa.
    Article in St. Petersburg Times gives full details of the alleged wrongdoings.
    Boom Talent & Modeling Agency

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    British/UK Modeling Work, Europe.
    We have copies of an email warning sent out by Onemodelplace.com, as well as solicitations to Florida-Models.com models from persons/companies in the UK claiming to have work. Our suggestions: Do not respond to overseas or out-of-state solicitations. Get a reputable agent to handle your bookings.
    The following is from the OneModelPlace.com warning: "The following names/company names/email addresses were used to contact models on OMP and a number of other sources: Gerrad Curtis (UK) Middlesex Models Inc., middlesexmodels_inc@o2.co.uk | middlesexmodels_inc@02.co.uk, Justin Pratt (UK) Beauty Queen Models Inc., info@beautyqueensmodels.com | beautyqueensmodels_inc@yahoo.co.uk, David A Kibler (US) beautyqueensmodels_inc@yahoo.co.uk, Scott Sherwood (UK) Urban Models Inc., urbanmodels_inc@yahoo.co.uk. Please note: These "former member" names may be the real names of victims of credit card fraud or identity theft. The perpetrator of this fraud may be covering his/her tracks by using real peoples' identities and paying for websites, etc. with these names. We strongly suggest that you do not answer any emails you may have received from these accounts, or from anyone claiming to use these email addresses or names (company or personal names). Additionally, when receiving overseas offers; make sure you have FULL and reputable references about a company/person before traveling. Prostitution rings and the slave trade are still realities of this world, and models must take extra care when dealing with offers from countries that do not afford the protection of US laws. Make sure when you receive a "pre-payment" or deposit from a client, that you do so in a manner that does not reveal any personal business information (such as bank account info, etc) and never accept a deposit or payment via wire-transfer. Accepting payments via wire transfer can give a potential scammer the information needed to later access your bank account. Another common scam is the "cashier's check scam", where the victim is sent a cashiers check as a prepayment or deposit, is asked to deposit the check in their account, then asked to wire (via a service like Western Union) part of the money back to cover hotel, or other expenses. The cashier's check is fake or a forgery. The victim loses the money they sent and gets nothing in return. A bank's insurance will not cover a victim in these situations."
    Also, an email received by a model listed here on Florida-Models.com echoed the same scam red flags as above: (Misspellings were left as they were written.) From British fashion advertiser, britishfashionadvertiser@yahoo.com - "hello warm greetings to you, this is a message coming to you from the british fashion advertiser, we are a fashion modeling company based in the united kingdom ,london with headquarter in liverpool, our job is based on contract to seek for beautiful young models around the world who are intrested in appearing on various magazines ad, tv advert, billboard advert, as well as various contract job on advertising and modelling,we are undergoing a current contract to get beautiful young talented models who are willing to appear on a magazine ad, commercial print, billboard ad,calendar,fashions, fitness we like to inquire from you if you will be willing to participate, all expences paid by the british fashion advertiser, including expenses on trip to the united kingdom, accomodation expences , feeding expences, clothing expence, we are paying out $30,000 out as payment. if you will be willing to participate. pls reply asap, if intrested thanks for your co-operation, British fashion advertiser, organising team mgt, mr kenneth rich"

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    Check Cashing Scam Used with Models
    So far, most of these check cashing scams have come from out-of-state (see Out of State Solicitations for additional information). A person who claims to be a representative of an "up-and-coming" clothing line or a photographer contacts models with the promise of modeling work: a magazine cover, a fashion shoot, etc. The model is sent a (large) check and asked to deposit it to their bank account, and wire part of it to someone, perhaps a makeup artist or the photographer. The rest of the funds are to be used for travel expenses and/or payment for the "modeling job." Warning: it is possible your bank will cash the bogus check for you, and you will be able to withdraw the portion of funds asked for. It can often take 24 hours or more until the bank discovers the check is a fraud, and YOU must not only return the amount posted to your account, but will also be short the portion wired to the scammer, and cover any fees, penalties and possibly have to explain to authorities why YOU are cashing a bad check.
    Here is how it happened to a local model: I was contacted by a man out of Fort Worth, TX. He claimed to be a rep for an up and coming clothing line. He FedExed me at check (drawn on a CA address) for $1,800 dollars. He then asked me to cash it and Western Union a "make up" artist $200 dollars. I contacted the bank the check was drawn on (Wells Fargo) and they told me the check was drawn on an invalid account number. I then contacted FedEx, and was told the shipping account was registered in GA.
    New twist on Nigerian scam targets aspiring models

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    Damon Salvatore Agostino, Deez Photography, New Port Richey
    Damon Salvatore Agostino, who purportedly operated as Deez Photography, was arrested and charged in Pinellas County on charges of lewd and lascivious battery, sexual performance by a child and lewd and lascivious conduct. His victim was a 15-year-old girl who had known him for more than a year, and who had modeled for him before. Allegedly, Agostino went into America Online chat rooms using fake names and pretended to be a teenage girl praising Agostino (apparently to get lure young girls into doing modeling photography with him). Detectives retrieved the pseudonyms Damon A, Skipper 15 and Swiper 1900 from his computer. You can read the archived article in the St. Pete Times:
    Archives: St. Petersburg Times

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    Fashion Rock (part of Trans Continental Talent), Orlando.
    WFTV9.com story on Lou Pearlman and the company formerly operated as the Wilhelmina Scouting Network.
    NY Issues Warning Over Orlando Promoter's Talent Contest
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    WTEV.com Local Woman Victim of Scam

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    Joseph A. Friend, Cherish Beauty LLC, Tampa.
    Pictures Of Nude Girl, 17, Land Man In Jail
    Joseph A. Friend, 50, who the FDLE says is a computer technician freelancing as a photographer, faces five felony counts of using a child in a sexual performance. Each count could yield up to 15 years in prison.

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    Gold Coast Talent, North Miami Beach.
    Multiple complaints filed with the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation by talent alleging Gold Coast did not pay them for work performed.
    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case with Larry Pesce and Gold Coast Talent Agency was in 6/20/03

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    LA Looks Model Contest, Nationwide.
    Lawsuit filed alleges fraud, breach of contract: Cases of Interest Index

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    Mario J. Mercado, Alias: Mario Mercado, Mario Juan Mercado.
    Mercado is a sex offender under Florida law, and currenly in prison. He was convicted of lewd or lascivious molestation, with the victim 12-15 years old
    FL Dept. of Law Enforcement
    If you have information concerning this individual, please contact his probation officer: Robert Cascio at (813) 744-6313

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    Mickey Jaye, AKA Omolodumare Elguerrerr, Joe Mickey Robinson, El Omolodumare Guerreos. Dade County.
    Charged with false imprisonment, battery and aggravated assault with deadly weapon. He was released from Dade County jail out on a bond for $25,000. His court date was June 6, 2004. His Judge was scheduled to be Darrel Trawick: (305) 548-5110.
    'Looking for love in the wrong places' Former Miss TSU survives abduction, torture after online dating match.

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    Model 2000
    The Department of Business and Professional Regulations has filed formal charges against "Model 2000" in June of 2002 (case #2000-09392)
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    28 News - WFTS ABC 28 News Report 6/11/2002 Model agency owner faces charges
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    St. Pete Times 6/13/2002 Modeling agency owner charged
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    ABC Action News report 10/23/02 Former clients slam modeling agency in court
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    ABC Action News report 01/16/03 Embattled modeling agency owner must pay restitution
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    St. Pete Times 1/22/2003 Model agency faces penalties

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    Options Talent (Formerly eModel.com) See also TCT/Trans Continental Talent
    Report from WAGA-TV Fox 5 Atlanta Options Talent Group: An I-Team Investigation

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    Out-of-state solicitations
    Be aware that there have been a number of recent email spam blasts to models on Florida-Models.com. These solicitations include promises of modeling work that you are "perfect for" mailed out to multiple recipients at a time, with titles like "Model Job Opening", "Modeling Job Opening." "Modeling Job Offer" and the like. They usually come from outside the state of Florida, and if identifying information is used (such as the name of a store, magazine or photographer) the business either doesn't exist, or has never heard of or worked with the individual sending the solicitation. This is why we strongly suggest that you use an agent. You can forward inquiries to them, and let them verify whether or not the inquiry is legitimate. Obviously, if the email contains multiple misspellings, or if the person is offering a job to a model in Florida from outside the area, that can be a red flag. If the name of a business is given, verify that they are a real business, and they know the person who is sending out the email. If you are a 5'4 commercial print model, and the offer is for a fashion job, or you're an amateur and a magazine rep/photographer suddenly emails you out of the blue, again, that can be a red flag. Trust your instincts - if it sounds fishy to you or too good to be true - it probably is.
    More: Solicitations from Texas claiming to be from a rep or or photographer for of an "up-and-coming" clothing line is being used for the old check cashing scam.

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    Pier Model Management
    Complaint filed with the BBB against "Pier Model Management" alleging that this company acted as a talent agency (they are not licensed as such by the state) and also took money for services (photos, etc.) that were not performed.

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    Reginald Foxx/RF Model Management
    Post from industryblacklist.com Reginald Foxx
    A person claiming to represent this company has been contacting models via email with a representation form for them to sign. He then asks for money to be wired to him.

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    Studio V - (Formerly Model 2000)
    Report from ABC Action News Tampa (10/31/02) Embattled modeling agency Model 2000 gets makeover ---------------------------------------------
    Report from ABC Action News Tampa (video 10/31/02) Model 2000 revamps

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    TCT - Trans Continental Talent (Formerly Options Talent)
    Numerous reports, charges and multiple lawsuits filed against this company when operating under the name eModel, then Options Talent. Now has changed it's name again to TCT (Trans Continental Talent), but continues to operate in the same manner. The FL Attorney General's office has a civil investigation against TCT.
    Fox 5 Atlanta news report Trans Continental Talent: An I-Team Investigation

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    Universal Entertainment, Steven Smith
    WFTV.com news report: Con Man Claims To Be Will Smith's Cousin

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    Wilhelmina Scouting Network (Formerly TCT Talent)
    Reports that TCT Talent has changed it's name again, now is operating the same old modeling scam under this new name. Florida Attorney General: Active public consumer-related investigation of Options Talent, Inc. f/k/a eModels Inc. f/k/a Trans Continental Talent n/k/a Wilhelmina Scouting Network. Also, further references to news articles on TCT talent: Trans Continental Talent in The News.
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    Help for victims, and link to the FL Attny. General. SCAM WARNING-WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK AKA TRANS CONTINENTAL TALENT
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    NY State Consumer Protection Board report on Wilhelmina Scouting Network: Young people need protection from modeling scams

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    WSN, the Web Style Network (Formerly Wilhelmina Scouting Network)
    Report from the New York State Consumer Protection Board on the latest name change of this long-running scam: New name for modeling scam is not so new.

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    Wizard Productions & Glenn Whitaker or William Glenn Whitaker
    A 28 Tampa Bay News report 02/01/02 and 02/15/02
    Talent/model agency may have been a front for child pornography. If you have dealt with Wizard Productions, you should call the sheriff's office.
    Man accused of child porn faces judge and
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    Talent agency may have been front for child pornography
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    St Pete Times article 02/02/02: Deputies say talent agency was phony

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