Phaze2

Review: In December of 2012, I was approached at Roosevelt Field Mall by a talent scout representative working for an agency called Phaze2, offering to take pictures of my 8-year old daughter to see if she has a chance in the modeling world. I agreed, thinking I have nothing to lose. A few weeks later, someone from Phaze2 called me to say that my daughter was chosen for her looks to come down to the offices of Phaze2 located at [redacted] to discuss what the agency can do to promote her. I went on 1/*/2013 and met with a gentleman by the name of [redacted], who identified himself as the manager of Phaze2 and who went on to describe what an amazing opportunity this would be for my daughter if Phaze2 were to represent her. The only thing I would need to do is sign a one-year contract with Phaze2, during which they will take professional photos of her and promote her to modeling agencies in the NY area. [redacted] explained that during this year, my daughter will be invited to attend free workshops held at their offices and her online portfolio will be updated every 3-4 months. Seeming like a legitimate offer, I agreed to sign a 1-year contract with Phaze2, and charged the amount of $1500 onto my Visa credit card. True to his word, I scheduled an appointment to come back with my daughter where she had her photos taken by a professional photographer on 1/**/2013. I was given a copy of the photos on a CD and promised that within 2 months, her online portfolio will be up and running and I will be contacted & given a user name and password where I can log online to view her portfolio. A few weeks later, I received a call from Phaze2 saying that they would like to schedule an appointment with me to discuss the possibility of having my daughter participate in a talent show held by IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) which will be taking place in New York City in July 2013. I went on 3/**/2013 & met with [redacted], the manager who handles the IMTA contestants from Phaze2. [redacted] tried to convince me to sign up my daughter for the IMTA convention for a fee of $7,000; this fee will cover the entry fee, training and preparation of my daughter by Phaze2 staff for the show. I told her I would think about it and walked out. A few days later, [redacted]'s secretary called to ask me about my decision and I told her I will not sign up my daughter for the IMTA convention in July because we do not have that kind of money to spend. That was the last time I heard from Phaze2. I tried calling them several times after that to inquire about my daughter's online portfolio, left a couple of messages with their secretary, who promised someone will call me back, but no one ever called. A few weeks ago, their phone was disconnected and no further information is provided. That is when I realized that something is not right about this company.Desired Settlement: When all my attempts failed to get in touch with Phaze2 after I declined to sign up my daughter for the IMTA convention, I did some research online, and realized that Phaze2 is a scam, a ripoff company that preys on parents hoping to give their kids a chance to enter into the glamorous world of modeling. I realize I was a fool to fall for this and I am hoping that by filing a complaint with Revdex.com I would at least get my money back ($1.500) and warn other parents not to fall for such practices by companies hoping to make some quick money and close shop. Therefore, I am asking that Phaze2 refund me the $1,500 I paid when I signed the contract with them for failing to honor their agreement. The company has an obligation to follow up with their promises and conduct transparent and honest practices, that is if they are a legitimate business.

Review: My son was signed with this agency on January 2013, they promised a lot of classes which they failed to provide. One class was scheduled but upon showing up we were told "oops we forgot to call you to say it was cancelled." They refuse to return calls or answer questions with a lot of run around. Now when I call I go into voice mail hell and/or the number is disconnected. The owner asked me to call him back the next day at 12 noon and when I called I was told he was in the city for fashion week and it was planned months in advance, he knew full well he wasn't going to be in and when I called every day that week he didn't take my call or return it. Now their Phaze3 site no longer has our son's photographs on it and when it did the photos were not to my liking and I repeatedly asked them to change them. It has been 6 months and nothing has been done and when they call me "[redacted]r" I half wonder if they are using the curse word after it in their head.Desired Settlement: We paid $500 for "headshots" that could have been done at [redacted] or [redacted]s for less money. We want our money back as clearly they haven't used them for any of their adverstising or marketing of our son. I tend to doubt we will ever get the other two photo shoots for our son as promised and I want our money back.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Phaze2 regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,