- Report: #299722
Complaint Review: John Casablancas
| John Casablancas 2635 Camino Del Rio S
SAn Diego, California United States of America |
|
John Casablancas is a big fat scam, I would know I used to work at that place! San Diego California
*Consumer Comment: a little weird
*Consumer Comment: It has to be a scam
*General Comment: Its a scam
*Consumer Comment: John Casablanca yay or nay...
*Consumer Comment: the ex-employee is right
*Consumer Comment: Casablancas Definitely a Scam
*UPDATE Employee: I do not believe this report
*Consumer Comment: John Casablancas is not a scam.
*Consumer Comment: best career move ive made
*Consumer Comment: John Casablancas- definitely not a scam
*Consumer Comment: jhon casa bloncas is not a scam
*Consumer Comment: Interesting
*Consumer Comment: john casablanca is a total rip off! i used to go there for acting, modeling
*Consumer Comment: why no call back?
*Consumer Comment: SCAM to the fullest
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: The facts
*General Comment: I was going to sign up for this modeling agency but decided not to after a background check
*Consumer Comment: Been Ripped off by MTM Denver
*General Comment: John Casablancas is not a scam!
*Consumer Comment: Hmmm... Scam??
*Consumer Comment: i agree i was scamed by them
*Author of original report: Beware...poorly run company!!!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Now Lets Hear the Truth
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Now Lets Hear the Truth
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Now Lets Hear the Truth
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Now Lets Hear the Truth
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Even if you have had training they will tell you that you need more. They may have you take a test to see if you have had the training you say, this is the same test the students take to graduate (Even the students who went threw the JC training dont pass that test.) Roger Rose tells people that he has never signed anyone who did not make all there money back ($2,250.)
In the time that I worked at the San Diego office I never saw anyone make that money back. Almost all of the "jobs" the models get are non paying jobs; Roger says that its for experience. When people sign for classes Roger will say anything to get you to sign. He will say you can work with the company to help pay for your classes, but there is almost no work and hundreds of scouts trying to help pay off there classes.
After an open house they will always have everyone come back, but schedule everyone at different times so they dont see the other people from the day before. If you are willing to pay then John Casablancas will except you into there programs. This company is a complete rip off, all they want is our money and they give nothing in return. The classes are menial and unstructured. It seams that the teachers are just trying to fill up the 3 hour minimum for each class.
I have heard several instructors talking in privet about how difficult it is to make the class last the full 3 hours. There were a lot of complaints about not being paid on time or not being paid at all for jobs that they preformed. I feel that this company has ripped me off and thousands of others dont help this company get rich off of you or anyone else who has a dream of modeling or acting.
Mad san diego, California
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/13/2008 07:27 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/John-Casablancas/SAn-Diego-California-92108/John-Casablancas-is-a-big-fat-scam-I-would-know-I-used-to-work-at-that-place-San-Diego-C-299722. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#1 Consumer Comment
a little weird
AUTHOR: ashleymrl - ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 02, 2013
POSTED: Thursday, May 02, 2013Last month, at the beginning of Apri, I was contacted by John Casablancas. I was out of state and my phone's battery was dying. The lady that spoke with me, Lisa, at the Langhorne, PA School, was settinPune up for an audition that same weekend.
While we are on the middle of setting my appointment,nut phone shut off since my battery had died. She called back and left me a message saying "I'm assuming you hung up on me. if you are serious about pursuing this you may call me back. If you're not the I wish you luck, bye." And it's funny because she never left a call back number and when she first called it came up BLOCKED.
Exactly a month layer, she calls me to see if I was still interested. As soon as she identified herself, I clearly told her that I never hung up on hand and explained to her what had happened. She apologized like 10 times. We went on and scheduled for this coming Saturday. I asked her if I needed to bring in ID or anything like that and she said no. I found that a little weird.
She told me to come dressed casual!! I googled "what should I wear for a modeling audition?" and all these types of links came up about it been a scam, what should I do??
#2 Consumer Comment
It has to be a scam
AUTHOR: NuKring2Night - ()
SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 17, 2013
POSTED: Sunday, March 17, 2013When I arrived at the hotel there were TONS of people waiting outside the room filling out applications. When you completed your application everyone was let inside to sit and listen to a presentation about the talent agency and all the famous people that it helped out. After awhile they divided us into groups based on age and we did a run way walk down a ramp. When you got to the end of the stage they would ask you a few questions and take some notes.
After the audition part had concluded we were told that everyone would be called up to make an appointment with them. If you were not chosen as someone with potential then you would receive a call canceling the appointment. They said this was to save you from the embarrassment of not being chosen.
When you had made your appointment you were told to leave to help clear out the really packed room. After about the first half of people had made appointments and left they paused for a few minutes. After they were sure everyone had gone they laughed and told all of us that those people who left were the ones that were not chosen and we were the lucky ones with potential. I thought this was strange after the remark about not embarrassing people.
I ended up being one of the last ones called up to make an appointment. The lady signing me up seemed to be the one in charge and she had been telling me she really liked my look and I was perfect for runway modeling since I walked in the room. When she asked me why I hadn't already started in modeling before I told her it was because I didn't have much money. (I had been told of other "opportunities" but they always wanted lots of money)
As soon as I said that her expression changed completely and she got very defensive saying that you have to pay money in the beginning to get anywhere. She then quickly wrote down the appointment and went straight for the next potential customer with her expression changing from grumpy back to the "excited wow you have so much potential" look.
I was currently in high school still at the time and I didn't end up being able to make it for the appointment I made at the audition so I rescheduled. When I came to the appointment I was surprised to see a few people I recognized as the people "not chosen" from the audition. How do I know it was the same people you ask? Some of them were sitting in my row at the audition and we had conversations.
The main lady from the auditions came to the waiting room and looked around. When she saw me she quickly looked away and called another girl to talk to me. She instead picked a family who was dressed very well. (By well I mean they had some expensive brands on.) She probably decided I'm a waste of her time since I don't have the 2,000 dollars for classes.
The girl that talked to me was very nice about it but said that you have to spend the money to get anywhere. You can either pay it all at once or in payments. I said I didn't have money for either at the time but I really want to be a model. Her response to this is "If you really want it bad enough you will find any way to get the money."
In short, all they want is money. You could have potential to be a huge international model but if you don't have their money they wont touch you. Even if you pay all the money there is no guarantee it will get you anything. You'll most likely just end up losing money from head shots and getting make up and walking classes that you could learn in less expensive ways.
#3 General Comment
Its a scam
AUTHOR: kalioates99 - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 05, 2013
POSTED: Tuesday, February 05, 2013#4 Consumer Comment
John Casablanca yay or nay...
AUTHOR: CuriousMama - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 24, 2013
POSTED: Thursday, January 24, 2013#5 Consumer Comment
the ex-employee is right
AUTHOR: Ms.tell it like it is - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 07, 2012
POSTED: Wednesday, November 07, 2012#6 Consumer Comment
Casablancas Definitely a Scam
AUTHOR: PythonKing - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 07, 2012
POSTED: Saturday, July 07, 2012I took my 15 year old daughter to the first meeting. There were about 30 other kids with their parents there to find out information on the modeling industry. Each applicant was asked about 3 to 4 questions. After giving everyone a chance to respond, the instructor said there were six people from the class that she wanted to work with and that cost would be around $1700.
It turns out, EVERYONE was called back at different times. If you are willing to give them money, it doesn't matter what you look like, they will certainly take your money and "work with you".
Luckily I went with three other parents that i knew and we were able to compare notes. Again, an agency should be paying you for modeling, not the other way around. Further, when the company calls me to confirm my appointments, it's always from a blocked number. I found that a little odd. I'm so glad I did my research and did not waste any time with this scam of a company who prays on kids (and their parents) who have a dream of getting into modeling/acting. This is for the location in Langhorne, PA right outside of Philadelphia.
#7 UPDATE Employee
I do not believe this report
AUTHOR: JCofCharlotteModel - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 04, 2012
POSTED: Monday, June 04, 2012#8 Consumer Comment
John Casablancas is not a scam.
AUTHOR: krissyv95 - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
POSTED: Tuesday, April 17, 2012#9 Consumer Comment
best career move ive made
AUTHOR: Amy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, March 10, 2012
POSTED: Saturday, March 10, 2012#10 Consumer Comment
John Casablancas- definitely not a scam
AUTHOR: Amy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, March 10, 2012
POSTED: Saturday, March 10, 2012i think a lot of people get it confused as for being a scam because of the fact that they expect this business to just launch your career for you. the classes are great, they teach you everything there is to know, you make new friends, and it looks good on a resume. as a matter of fact, many celebrities like cameron diaz and drew barrymore attended john casablancas for the start of their careers, and it mustve not been a scam for them? haha...and for those of you wondering if one source talent is a legit agency, the answer is no. one of my instructors told me thats where she sstarted out and all they did was take your money. and one of the girls in my class said she went there for an audition and it was extrememly unprofessional.
#11 Consumer Comment
jhon casa bloncas is not a scam
AUTHOR: tao - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, February 08, 2012
POSTED: Wednesday, February 08, 2012#12 Consumer Comment
Interesting
AUTHOR: ValRozz - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 04, 2011
POSTED: Tuesday, October 04, 2011It's sick.. First bad agencies and now this
#13 Consumer Comment
john casablanca is a total rip off! i used to go there for acting, modeling
AUTHOR: Ssdash123 - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 15, 2011
POSTED: Friday, July 15, 2011#14 Consumer Comment
why no call back?
AUTHOR: rena - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 11, 2010
POSTED: Monday, October 11, 2010This is a question for the people who used to work there:
i went to JC in august with my 3 kids and got no call back. I went back in october with 1 kid and she DID get a call back. after a google search, i soon realized it's a scam.
But i'm still curious - why do you suppose they didn't want me to go back in august?
#15 Consumer Comment
SCAM to the fullest
AUTHOR: furious - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 04, 2010
POSTED: Monday, October 04, 2010#16 REBUTTAL Owner of company
The facts
AUTHOR: The Truth Teller,... - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 30, 2010
POSTED: Monday, August 30, 2010#17 General Comment
I was going to sign up for this modeling agency but decided not to after a background check
AUTHOR: Anonymous - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 07, 2010
POSTED: Wednesday, July 07, 2010All of my information I found is at this site:
http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/casablancas/johncasablancas.html
Jane Doe 44 v. Defendant Doe 1, BC286674 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Dec. 9, 2002).
"John Casablancas, founder of leading model agency Elite, has been named in a
sex abuse lawsuit by an aspiring model who claims he made her pregnant at
the age of 15, and then arranged an abortion -- all more than 15 years ago."
I got a letter in the mail that said I was invited to an audition. I wasn't going to blindly walk into one so I did some research. There was no reservation that I could find made at the hotel, but I could just not have found it. I did a background check on John Casablancas instead and found this.
I want to be a model, but not at such a risk. I don't care if he steals my
money because stealing the innocence of a 15 yr old girl is far worse.
I'll find my job somewhere else.
#18 Consumer Comment
Been Ripped off by MTM Denver
AUTHOR: ~Dre - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 20, 2010
POSTED: Sunday, June 20, 2010My Parents R STILL Paying for these JC Classes. I Always thought Ur Talent Agent was supposed to help find U Wrk, But thats not what MTM did. We Paid all of this money and......... Nothing.
This Company Sickins Me!
My Parents R Paying Over 2K for What? No Jobs No Nothing!
Even there Photo SHoots were Disappointing! There Photographers Were so Unprofessional and The Pictures Looked Lyked Sh**.
I Just wish I read All of This (Rip Off Report) Info B4 I Paid for NOTHING!
IV BEEN RIPPED OFF BY MTM DENVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#19 General Comment
John Casablancas is not a scam!
AUTHOR: dummy123 - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, October 14, 2009My husbands sister went to the school as well in a different state, she got many jobs and only quit because she wanted to become a nurse instead.
They explain everything to you when they call you in for the interview. They say that they want to help make back the money you spent for the classes, BUT IT'S NOT PROMISED! It's on the contract you sign, yes the $300 to get started does need to be paid, but it's not for just the stuff in the bag, if you look on the contract the "starter up kit" is only like $80,
I think $300 is a fair price to ask, if you can't pay the rest in full, they set up payment plans which are very affordable. It is through a major company, and they work with you to make sure that you can afford them. The price that you have to pay ($2500) is not horrible, especially when you count in everything they supply for you. You don't have to pay the booking fees, you don't have to pay for initial headshots, you don't have to pay for any "extra" classes if you want to take another one over... they pay A LOT for you, and it is because they want you to succeed.
All of my teachers have seemed to love what they do, they answer our questions honestly and they don't "raise up dreams and crush them" everyone I've talked to has been real about the percentage of getting jobs in your specific field (acting, modeling, t.v., commercials, movies, ect...) In fact I remember at the first audition that was one of the first things they said. You have to have passion, in this career nothing happens over night. I don't know why people are saying it's a scam, it has been the best career move I have ever made.
Denver, CO
U.S.A.
#20 Consumer Comment
Hmmm... Scam??
AUTHOR: Roxy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
POSTED: Thursday, May 07, 2009I'm a student at John Casablanca's (not in SD) and I love every minute of it. It has boosted my self-esteem, confidence, and I now know so much more about this industry then when I started (which was about 8 weeks ago). This is a school/training facility and people pay to be taught certain material. So where's the scam in that?
As for the teachers, they give great lessons! I don't know why you would quit if you have this amazing opportunity to share what you know about the fashion industry with those who have a passion in this line of work AND are willing to pay pretty big money to learn about it. Maybe Roger (or whoever) and you didn't get along or something but if you have the ability to fill curious minds with more passion, more knowledge, then I strongly encourage you to do so. Go to a different facility, if anything, but share what you know. John Casablanca's is a great place to do so. =]
And they never said anything about limited space =/ . It was said that not everyone will be accepted into their program because not everyone has potential or even passion. Maybe they accepted everyone, maybe not, but I am so satisfied with this program that I don't really care anymore. Yea, I felt...super special when they gave me the first callback to their program. But maybe they want you to feel that way so you will work even harder to get that feeling again. (No one should ever stop learning and the more experience the better =] )
I disagree and believe it is not a scam. There are many students from my particular facility who have signed with agencies THROUGH John Casablanca's showcases. They're well on their way to reaching their dreams.
So those who have attended the program and weren't satisfied perhaps just didn't have passion. I think that without passion, there will never be full satisfaction or success. John Casablanca's is already helping me out and I have zero experience. I encourage anyone who truly wants to be an actor/actress or model to apply for John Casablanca's.
#21 Consumer Comment
i agree i was scamed by them
AUTHOR: Brown - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 23, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, September 23, 2008#22 Author of original report
Beware...poorly run company!!!!
AUTHOR: Mad - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 23, 2008
POSTED: Wednesday, January 23, 2008This company has a very high turn over rate. The average time a new employee stays is about 2 months. Part of the reason they stay that long is Roger Rose will sign them for classes then hire them as appointment setters ( to set more appointments for him )and that many times is the only way people can pay for the very expensive classes.
I think that they are unprofessional by saying they know who wrote this and claming I was fired (when I was not.) I also think it is very unprofessional that they (a multi million dollar company) would write a letter on Ripoffreports.com calling me a loser. Very mature!!! .I left this company on my own free will because of the ethics or lack there of! I quiet because the way Roger Rose runs the office and the way corporate runs the company.
The letter of rebuttal from John Casablancas corporate off is poorly written and full of lies. They are just saying anything they think of to try to prevail. But this is not a win or lose for me I am trying to help anyone wants to know the truth about this scamming company.
The funny thing about this whole thing is that this company has me confused with another ex-employee/student. This just shows that I am not the only one who feels this way about John Casablancas.
Believe me or not, but if you give this company your money you will know first hand how it feels to be scammed. I really am only here to tell you my experiences internally with this company.
#23 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Now Lets Hear the Truth
AUTHOR: Former Honest Employee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence.
I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work.
I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes.
It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people.
Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego
#24 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Now Lets Hear the Truth
AUTHOR: Former Honest Employee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence.
I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work.
I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes.
It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people.
Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego
#25 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Now Lets Hear the Truth
AUTHOR: Former Honest Employee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence.
I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work.
I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes.
It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people.
Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego
#26 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Now Lets Hear the Truth
AUTHOR: Former Honest Employee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence.
I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work.
I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes.
It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people.
Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego

