Annapolis Talent Agency Motion Pictures-Kidz In The Biz ripoff Annapolis Maryland

Thank you, Patrick, and all who have responded to this site. I have learned my lesson. My child has learned a valuable lesson as well. I only hope my child takes this lesson and carries it through life. Remember, if anyone asks for money, run don't walk in the other direction.

Jan,

I know it seems like you have made some progress with ATA, but I have some friendly advice for you. Any agency that demands money up front of any kind (especially for pictures), is not in the business of getting people or their kids into the modeling business. They are only out for one thing...your money!

They will fill your head with all kinds of promises, tell you that your child will get all kinds of jobs, but in reality no reputable agents or advertisers even go to these kinds of places looking for talent.

There are reputable Talent Agents that will gladly accept your photos. And for kids, they do not need to be professional headshots. Ordinary pictures will do.

I can say this as I have learned from experience. Here in Scottsdale, a similar type "Talent Company" (not an agency) advertised that they were looking for kids for a catalogue for a national clothing retailer. It turned out to be a scam that cost me $685 for photos and web marketing. Truth was, there was no catalogue, and there was no marketing except that our child's picture was put on their website that nobody visits (except for the parents).

But thanks to the Rip-Off Report, and the Rip-Off Revenge Guide, we were able to get a full refund of our money, and one of the consumer advocates actually put us in touch with a reputable agent in Phoenix. When we went to their office for an interview, they had a copy of the flyer I was handing out when I picketed the business that ripped us off.

Take it from me, you do not have to pay a reputable agent to be represented. They should take their commission from any jobs they get for you. If ATA truly has changed their business practices, then great. But I highly doubt it. If you want to find an honest agent, just look in the phone book. Call them all and see if they take kids under 6, and ask if there are any up-front fees. If there are, hang up. If not, send them some pictures. Some names to definitely stay away from: John Robert Powers, Elizabeth Savage, Wilhelmina Scouting Network (not Wilhelmina Models NY), International Model & Talent Agency (IMTA) and usually any place that has "Kids" in the name.

Good luck to you.

Twenty lashes with a wet noodle for me. I forgot to thank everyone at this site for their tireless efforts. Without a site like this, I am sure I would have lost more sleep and money. Please, everyone, donate something to keep this site free. Any amount will help those who help us. Again, I thank all involved in this wonderful medium.

The Annapolis Talent Agency is under new management. The new owner, DeeDee, called me on Wed., May 11. By the 12th, she credited my account for the $573.00 that the agency charged without my authorization. DeeDee and I probably spoke no less than five times on Wednesday. I thoroughly explained my position then faxed the original contract that I signed. She immediately called me back and indicated she would credit my account right away. Believe me, I initially met our conversation with much trepidation. I advised her that dealing with the "old" agency met with no success and they wouldn't listen to any of my concerns. DeeDee allayed all my fears and took care of every issue I brought to her attention. The ATA nightmare is over for me. I wish that anyone else who has issues with this company contact DeeDee.

DeeDee's outlook is refreshing in this business.

Christy,

I am willing to discuss the possibilities we have with ATA. The Agency disappoints children and takes advantage of parents. The original contract I signed was misleading. Richard never said that when I paid for my child's photos, this was a deposit.

However, upon looking closer at the original contract where I signed, it indeed says deposit by client. Annapolis Talent Agency never indicated nor was ever authorized to make additional charges to my account. A legitimate business just doesn't do this. ATA misleads you. The client is never told that they are making a deposit.

We are told that IF we want other services, then ATA can provide those services. I firmly believe most people don't have time to fight these people. I can hardly sleep at night thinking that they ripped me off and are ripping others in Maryland off.

You just don't charge people for services they don't want or authorized. It's plainly unethical. I am thinking about pursuing punitive damages against them.

The government is not going to do anything unless w/ have a few people together. THe wont do anything in regard to your issues and you will keep going through this unless we band together! There is strength in numbers! The zoning office did make them vacate the premises located in Severna Park, that is why they are now at another office bldg on Riva rd.

I also found them to be operating under yet another name. I did a search and a website came up for a guy who stated he was w/ them but this web address was posted thebelairagency@aol.com
when I clicked on the link guess what came up? The Annapolis Talent/Kidz in the biz website!

This is just crazy!

The government is not going to do anything unless w/ have a few people together. THe wont do anything in regard to your issues and you will keep going through this unless we band together! There is strength in numbers! The zoning office did make them vacate the premises located in Severna Park, that is why they are now at another office bldg on Riva rd.

I also found them to be operating under yet another name. I did a search and a website came up for a guy who stated he was w/ them but this web address was posted thebelairagency@aol.com
when I clicked on the link guess what came up? The Annapolis Talent/Kidz in the biz website!

This is just crazy!

The government is not going to do anything unless w/ have a few people together. THe wont do anything in regard to your issues and you will keep going through this unless we band together! There is strength in numbers! The zoning office did make them vacate the premises located in Severna Park, that is why they are now at another office bldg on Riva rd.

I also found them to be operating under yet another name. I did a search and a website came up for a guy who stated he was w/ them but this web address was posted thebelairagency@aol.com
when I clicked on the link guess what came up? The Annapolis Talent/Kidz in the biz website!

This is just crazy!

The government is not going to do anything unless w/ have a few people together. THe wont do anything in regard to your issues and you will keep going through this unless we band together! There is strength in numbers! The zoning office did make them vacate the premises located in Severna Park, that is why they are now at another office bldg on Riva rd.

I also found them to be operating under yet another name. I did a search and a website came up for a guy who stated he was w/ them but this web address was posted thebelairagency@aol.com
when I clicked on the link guess what came up? The Annapolis Talent/Kidz in the biz website!

This is just crazy!

After my credit card company stated they would mediate this case, that same day, I received another photocopy of the altered contract, the form note they sent along with the altered contract and another copy of a "contract". This contract stated ATA would receive monies if another agency booked my child, etc. So far, no work for my child. That being said, I called ATA again to request they stop sending me these altered contracts or I will file a police report for harassment.

I also called ATA to speak to Mary again today and her voice mailbox is still full. I then called the main line and left a message asking for the servicing agent/attorney for ATA. I'm planning on filing charges. This company tries and turns the table around blaming the victim. It must stop. Also, what is the local gov.t doing from stopping ATA from operating out of area not licensed for business.

Dear Dee Dee:

I just wanted to send this to you as a reminder, so that you can have your facts straight.

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Also, what threats did I make other than to A. go to the Attorney General B. Go to the Consumer Protection Agency and C. to protest in front of your building. Aren't all 3 of these things something that I have the freedom and the right to do? I have NEVER made any physical threats to you or anyone in your agency, so maybe you should speak to your lawyer in order to get clarification.

Also, in order for something to be considered harassment, you must first inform that person not to call, email or fax you again. Which I have never been informed by you or any of your employees. There is also a feature called *67 where you could block me from faxing you anymore QUESTIONS which is what I faxed you. I also faxed you copies of letter that I sent to various agencies. I believe I was doing you a favor, giving you the opportunity to nip it in the bud before it went any further. There is also a block feature on the email.

I wonder if it is harassment to ALLEGEDLY charge someone's credit card over and over again or to ALLEGEDLY send them fraudulent contracts or to ALLEGEDLY operate a business out of a location that is not zoned for a business, or to ALLEGEDLY state that you are affiliated with an organization when you are not.

Also, Richard Shaw did nothing but thank me profusely when I gave him copies of the complaints that were listed online. Therefore, when someone is thanking you for a service and inviting you inside, I don't constitute that as harassment. Just as with you, you were inviting me to have a phone conversation with you and to give you my telephone number to do so. Do you normally give out your number to people who are harassing you as you claimed I was.

I look forward to hearing from you with a date & time and number that I can reach you at in regard to the questions I asked you. Oh you know what? All of this pertains to me too, I was asking those questions as any person who was thinking of signing their child up for a talent agency would, especially after seeing numerous complaints. Isn't that what the consumer reporting agencies say? Be sure to check out the various companies that you do business with? I cant help it if I am thorough. J

As Always

Best Regards,

Christy Foster

To Jan in Crofton: My daughter was also a "victim." She filed and won a judgment against this company. I hope you will give this whatever time and energy it takes to rid silky tonged Richard and his partners in crime from ever doing business anywhere again. We do know that he will just keep changing names.

My daughter called the Attorney General's office, and was told bluntly that she would have to take them to court.

I do hope you cancelled that credit card.

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My credit card company called yesterday and Annapolis Talent Agency is fighting to charge me the unauthorized $573.00. I had to write the credit card company back and say that these charges were unlawful and sent the original contract I signed without the additional charges. The credit card company will mediate the case. Annapolis Talent Agency faxed the credit card company the tampered contract. Also, ATA sent me another form letter and tampered contract yesterday. This is the fourth set I've received. I'm contemplating filing a police report for harrassment if this doesn't stop. I called ATA again (after I received the mail)to request to speak to Richard. Again, I left a voice mail with the receptionist. I still have never spoken to DeeDee or anyone else at that place. What else can I do? I'm actually losing sleep over this.

Christy, thank you for your work. You were fortunate to catch Richard. He hasn't returned any phone calls to me. I have filed a report with the BBB and the attorney general's office regarding this company. I have also cc'd Annapolis Talent Agency all of this correspondence.

I have never met or spoken to a Dee Dee at Annapolis Agency.That stated, I have made over 15 calls to the agency. What she miscomprehends is the original contract we signed only had charges on them for the head shots. That charge is approx. $300. Then, we (the client) receive a second photocopied "contract" with our (original)signature stating we owe additional monies. These charges were never authorized. The photocopy with our initials and signature was from the original contract not this new photocopied contract. The second "contract" the client receives makes it appear as if these charges were initialed and authorized. That is simply not the case. Therein, lies the fraud. To correct this takes alot of time and effort which most folks do not have in this hurried day and age. I truly believe the talent agency relies on most people becoming so frustrated with the process, they give up. Not me. Taking advantage of children and their family's hard-earned money sickens me.

Christy, thank you for your work. You were fortunate to catch Richard. He hasn't returned any phone calls to me. I have filed a report with the BBB and the attorney general's office regarding this company. I have also cc'd Annapolis Talent Agency all of this correspondence.

I have never met or spoken to a Dee Dee at Annapolis Agency.That stated, I have made over 15 calls to the agency. What she miscomprehends is the original contract we signed only had charges on them for the head shots. That charge is approx. $300. Then, we (the client) receive a second photocopied "contract" with our (original)signature stating we owe additional monies. These charges were never authorized. The photocopy with our initials and signature was from the original contract not this new photocopied contract. The second "contract" the client receives makes it appear as if these charges were initialed and authorized. That is simply not the case. Therein, lies the fraud. To correct this takes alot of time and effort which most folks do not have in this hurried day and age. I truly believe the talent agency relies on most people becoming so frustrated with the process, they give up. Not me. Taking advantage of children and their family's hard-earned money sickens me.

Christy, thank you for your work. You were fortunate to catch Richard. He hasn't returned any phone calls to me. I have filed a report with the BBB and the attorney general's office regarding this company. I have also cc'd Annapolis Talent Agency all of this correspondence.

I have never met or spoken to a Dee Dee at Annapolis Agency.That stated, I have made over 15 calls to the agency. What she miscomprehends is the original contract we signed only had charges on them for the head shots. That charge is approx. $300. Then, we (the client) receive a second photocopied "contract" with our (original)signature stating we owe additional monies. These charges were never authorized. The photocopy with our initials and signature was from the original contract not this new photocopied contract. The second "contract" the client receives makes it appear as if these charges were initialed and authorized. That is simply not the case. Therein, lies the fraud. To correct this takes alot of time and effort which most folks do not have in this hurried day and age. I truly believe the talent agency relies on most people becoming so frustrated with the process, they give up. Not me. Taking advantage of children and their family's hard-earned money sickens me.

Christy, thank you for your work. You were fortunate to catch Richard. He hasn't returned any phone calls to me. I have filed a report with the BBB and the attorney general's office regarding this company. I have also cc'd Annapolis Talent Agency all of this correspondence.

I have never met or spoken to a Dee Dee at Annapolis Agency.That stated, I have made over 15 calls to the agency. What she miscomprehends is the original contract we signed only had charges on them for the head shots. That charge is approx. $300. Then, we (the client) receive a second photocopied "contract" with our (original)signature stating we owe additional monies. These charges were never authorized. The photocopy with our initials and signature was from the original contract not this new photocopied contract. The second "contract" the client receives makes it appear as if these charges were initialed and authorized. That is simply not the case. Therein, lies the fraud. To correct this takes alot of time and effort which most folks do not have in this hurried day and age. I truly believe the talent agency relies on most people becoming so frustrated with the process, they give up. Not me. Taking advantage of children and their family's hard-earned money sickens me.

Watch out. Annapolis Talent Agency changed their address from Severna Park to Annapolis. Also, the P.O. Box is no longer accepting mail. I just sent a letter and it was returned. I now send them to the Riva Road address. Sherrie, the receptionist, informed me last March 2005 that they are moving again soon. Possibly to Millersville, MD. They are on the run. Don't let them get away with using our money to advance their scheme.