Model 411 Management Modeling Scam identical to Options Talent,Transcontinental Talent: new name, same scam, same faces in this ripoff New York New York

They are actually doing things much differently from the original TCT/WSN scam, it just seems the same.

It may still be a scam, but to be honest, I actually like the 411 owners. Believe it or not they mean well, they just do not know what they are doing.

I dont even think that they realize that they are scamming.
They think its normal b/c there are so many other scams out there that they cant tell the difference between right and wrong at this point.
I honestly believe that they believe that this is just the way the Industry works as far as model mngt companies go.

I feel bad for them.

Also, they lost an insane amount of money when they violated their contract and disassociated their franchises from TCT/WSN. They had to buy themselves out and then start from scratch.

They did that b/c they did not want to scam people. They wanted to do things the right way, even though they still arent. But still, those were their intentions.

They were also nice enough to lend money that they didnt really have to other TCT/WSN franchise owners that were in trouble after the company filed bankruptsy b/c they felt so bad for them. They tried to help them.

The money was never repaid to them. They got screwed by everyone.

I realize that they are still a scam, but they do not realize this.

They shouldnt be charging upfront fees, b/c that =scam.

But I know for a fact that these people actually have hearts and do want the models that they enroll to succeed, probably more then the models themselves do in many cases. (So many models are lazy and just expect a magic wand to be waived and poof, they're a super model w/ o putting in any effort themselves. Wake up dumb wanna-be models! It's not like that!)

If you are going to throw out your money and participate in any type of modeling scam, this would be the one b/c these people might actually get you work. These people actually care even though they are technically scamming.

You may choose to go to a school and spend money on classes for an education in modeling, weather an education is neccesssary for you to succeed or not.

At any other modeling school you'll pay twice as much for classes then you will to enroll with 411.

They offer personal guidance and free workshops to their talent.
If you strongly believe that this is something that you need to build confidence, then go for it.
And, they actually do know people that are "in the know" that are helping them put together the best workshops possible.

They are friends w/ JJ who discovered Nikki Taylor, and he's a smart guy. Not too many other scams have people like him in their corner advising them on what makes a model successful.

The issue of weather or not modeling school/workshops/classes are neccessary for one to succeed in this business is an entirely different argument, so I am not going to even bother stating my thoughts as far as that goes right now b/c it isnt the issue here.

All I can say is that I am familiar with all of the various scams out there, and while these people may in deed be technically scamming, they should not be lumped into the same category as the other ex TCT/ WSN franchise owners, b/c these people are different. It isnt just about making money for them that gives them a sense of gratification, it's about watching a model succeed that they helped to do so also. It brings them great joy when this happens, and not just so that they can add some cheesy "success story" to their list of testimonies to lure new talent in.
They really do want everyone to be successful.
They really do work their buts off to recruit clients. I'm just sorry that they are going about it the wrong way.

I feel hyprocritical defending them, but I cant help it.

I know all the ex TCT/WSN franchise owners from all over the country.

I know who the good ones were, and who the bad ones were. And let me tell you, the bad ones were BAD! THEY WERE EVIL!

These were actually some of the good ones b/c they meant well.

Their intentions werent bad at all.

They got screwed just as bad as the former TCT/WSN talent, the scouts, and the employees.

I hope they figure out a way to run their business in the most honorable way possible sometime soon b/c I know that they are very nice people w/ very big hearts.

Once they figure out a way to do it right, I hope that they are successful and I wish them the best.

It's not their fault they're scamming, they were brainwashed by the cult leaders.

Hopefully they snap out of it soon b/c I really liked them and I do feel bad for them.

I work for a small regional modeling agency. We represent several dozen models at any given time and our models have never paid us anything, nor have they ever (at least, through us or by recommendations from us) paid for comp cards, classes, registration fees, web hosting fees, photos, or anything else.

We arrange a professional portfolio photo session at no cost to the model, and we use those photos to prepare an online portfolio/comp card for the model, for which there is also no cost to the model. And that's as it should be.

The model should not be paying for anything, except out of the percentage (we charge between 10 and 15%) that the agency earns by finding jobs for its models.

The notion of charging even $30 a month simply to host a single page with a single picture of a model is out and out robbery. If the agency has a properly written software application to manage its website, it takes less than 10 minutes to resize, upload, watermark, and place a half dozen photos of a model on a unique page for that model. And even if that model's page got 500,000 hits in a month, the cost of bandwidth to display that page would be on the order of maybe 50 cents a month.

The cost of displaying 1 image vs 15 is marginal (maybe 60 cents instead of 50 cents a month.) So charging $30, $60, or $100 a month just to display a few pictures is nothing short of robbery.

Nearly all photographers in the industry today shoot digitally, so images don't even need to be scanned at all, so that excuse goes out the window.

When a company says "We're losing money so we need to charge the models" what they're REALLY saying is "We can't make enough money to stay in business by getting gigs for our models, so we're going to rip off our models to try and make a living.

Clearly, then, these guys are not a modeling company at all, but a web hosting company masquerading as a modeling company.

Don't believe the BS. Do your homework, work hard, and keep your wallet closed when you go to these places. Or better yet, save your time and don't go at all :)

If Ryan Colby is managing' the models at 411/MMG or whatever they are calling themselves now watch out. I left Ryan after I was warned about him by a well-meaning agent in New York, so I'm just passing the favour on.

Ryan Colby was my manager for a period in 2002. I was one of the lucky ones modeling was a side gig and I was financially independent but I watched him mislead and exploit large numbers of young male models. Don't underestimate the effort that Ryan will go to, or what he will promise, in order to bring you into his circle. I've seen him fly teenagers in from all around the country only to abandon them a week later in the middle of New York.

Ryan lies about his professional background, his expertise, his connections and his position in the modeling industry. Very few of his boys' ever do any modeling work, and he only puts effort into the careers of the boys he has coerced into sleeping with him. He may pose as a big deal in the modeling industry, but when I met him, his main source of income was from club promotion. He'll tell you that he wants you to come out to the clubs because that is where modeling business' is done, but you are just rent-a-crowd' to him.

Ryan doesn't have the connections in the industry to do the things he promises. When I knew him, he was evicted a number of times for non-payment of rent, so I presume that his cash flow was as substantial as his output. I knew guys that had worked' with Ryan for years and never had a paid job. The smart ones got the picture and left after a few months of watching Ryan wake up at 2pm and trawl modeling websites to download photos of wannabee models, while the ones in his bedroom and loungeroom waited for the big break' he promised them.

If Ryan is now working at a modeling scam company, it's a match made in heaven. A few people might have made it through Ryan (and I emphasise *might*), but a lot of people have been hurt. I don't know what is wrong with Ryan, but he is to be avoided at all costs. He won't think twice about ruining your life.

They may have changed there names but they are still a scam! MMG has pictures of boys all over the walls of there office which they claim to be mmg's "success stories". MMG recently hired one of the sleaziest managers in the world to help them run there company since they dont know the first thing about modeling.

In return for the service ryan colby provides to mmg, he gets to run his own business out of there office known as Colby CO. Colby CO. really does have some great guys that actually do get work and are all actually signed with legitimate agencies around new york, and the world. The models from Colby CO. are the only models at mmg that can actually get work, and they are the real "success stories".

The average joes that come in for open calls, have to pay hundreds of dollars for non-professional photo shoots and hundreds for internet fees as well. The colby CO. "Beauty Boys" as they like to call us never pay a dime for anything, but in return they have to have there pictures and ads they do plastered all over the office and website to promote mmg's scam.

I recently fired Ryan Colby as my personal manager, because he is a terrible person. He constantly yells at his models for no reason and doesnt have a professional bone in his weak little body.

He flys boys in from around the country to to sign with colby co., and pose as the "beauty boys" for mmg. He lets the boys stay at his trashy 1 bedroom apartment in the crappiest neighberhood in harlem, and pretty much tries to control there entire lives.

He house about 10 boys in his 1 bedroom dump of an apatment, all the boys have to sleep on the floor, and on air mattresses, the boys recently bought an air conditioner for the aprtment because the heat in there was unbareable, but ryan will barely ever let them keep it on over night ( because when its hot we have to sleep in our underwear with no blankets, and he peeps on us.)The shower in the only bathroom is in such bad condition it is black with mold and dirt.

These are teenage boys from America's small towns chasing there dreams, alot of the kids dont have money for apatments, so staying with this creepy guy is there last resort.

From there he threatens to "drop" them or kick them out of the apartment if they do anything he dis-approves of(meaning talk to girls or question anything he does). He uses everything he can to try and control his models, and uses any leverage he can get to his advantage. Ryan Colby also takes teens from the ages of 14 and up, into 21 and over night clubs and gets them drunk, he also makes money off of it because he is a club promoter on the side, he gets paid to get all the young beautiful people into the clubs...and doesnt give a crap about there safety.

Ryan has also had many sexual relationships with his models. He is a malicious pervert who preys on young boys any chance he can get.

I personally overheard him bragging about having sex with 3 younger boys at IMTA (international models and talent association). Do not do business with this man...if you do, and you decide he is not best for you...he will try to destroy your career, and smear your good name. Ryan Colby is a scum bag....and anyone who assciates with him is in danger. Do not trust him or mmg with your money or your kids!

Hey Everyone,

I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirit and health.

Legitimate modeling agencies never charge an upfront fee of any sort. Any and all agencies that do charge an upfront fee, whether employment or modeling are scams. Legitimate agencies profit from an established predetemined fee, only after they have found a client work.

Don't ever fall victim to an advanced upfront fee charge. Why should anyone pay any business to be on the company's payroll? This is exactly what's happening when people pay upfront fees.

If any agency chooses to market their clients by way of the internet, the agency should pay to have it's client's photos posted. Why should the clients have to pay for this?

This is comparable to that of working in retail, and having your boss demand that everyone chip in and help pay for the company's advertising. Today, internet savy persons, may market themselves for far less then this company's asking $500.00.

So let me get this straight.

Clients pay this company an upfront fee, only to have to market themselves, but under the companies name, so that the company is entitled to profit yet again, from any and all royalties, residuals, etc, etc.

I ask this question, because I'm certain it's possible for anyone, that might be interested in the industry to get a professional headshot taken, a professsional resume and submit all of these items directly to casting directors themselves, for far less then this agency's upfront fee.

Also, any and all legitimate agencies, that have nothing to hide, would have absolutely no problem resolving this situation in the public eye and would not request a complainant to consider a private meeting.

If this is a legitimate ageny, it would be willing to acknowledge and resolve complaints out in the open. If this is a legitimate agency, it would definitly not find it a problem to do so?

If this is a legitimate agency, why would they find any complaint against them a problem to handle out in the open?

Until this company is willing and able to do this, they have no right to wonder why anyone would find their business and offer a scam.

It's very obvious, that this guys invitation and wanting to rectify this situation behind closed doors, is nothing more than a feeble attempt to intimidate a WOMAN... and guess what? He has failed miserably to even do that. LOL.

Until next time, take care everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

P.S. Resolve this situation out in the open, like any and all legitimate business would be willing and able to do. That's all I'm asking. If you're running a legitimate business, this is a very simple task.

Here are the current facts, first, I have no idea who you are that wrote the last post. Call me and we will address the situation. We have been on our own now for 1 year. We have Ryan Colby handling our models placement and now have place models at Elite-NY, New York Models, SVM Satchi-NY, Major Models-NY, Joy Models-Milan, Red Models-Singapore, Campbell Agency-Dallas, Houston, Nous Models-LA, LA Models, Planit M, Wilhelmina Kids and Wilhelmina Creative, Stanley Kaplan Agency, Model Services Agency, pretty impressive list for one year.

Obviously, you are bitter and have not followed our changes. Or just maybe you are now a former employee trying to compete with us. As for any reference to prior dealings we left that company long before it went under and no one has so much has even gotten a traffic ticket. It is easy to make stuff up and not sign your name, but a real truthfull person would have the courage to come out from hiding.

What are you afraid of...if you are right, you shouldn't hide and post on aninymous internet boards. If you feel you have been wronged, I invite you to meet and have it taken care of. We also have expanded and now have Weissman/Brunson working with us, for TV, Theater and film.

We are placing models with agency's and handling some incidental direct bookings. Our business model has changed completely we a very good source of talent for the industry. Also, in addition, Catherine Schuller the country's top plus model spokesmen has joined us and we are working hard to start a commercial print division. We take no unqualified people. If you have a legitimate gripe come in.

Jeff

ANOTHER THING

This response is to the post from Carlene. I invite you to come to the office and meet with me face to face. I will rectify any legitimate grip you have. For a year we have operated on own own. The above post from Leeanne is from her not us. We have never posted under false names and never will. I invite you to see how we are doing things and why we have been very well received by agency's.

Your complaints are fro a long time ago and as you can see, we do not have people (employees or clients) complaining. We had 1 complaint in 1 year and we satisfied the customer and resolved it to there satisfaction. The NYS consumer protection board has no problems with us, in fact, we are a model of how to do it the right way, we go out of our way to make sure our clients are happy.

Our business now is embraced, no one can even attempt to say anything negative about how we are today. Come into our office, tell me your complaint, lets see what can be done. If you do you will become a supporter of ours not a critic. I really do not know what else we can do. I would be ore than happy to show you our placement contracts with all the agency's I listed. I can't undue the past but I can influence the future.

Sorry your experience was bad but thats not what's going on today. We have "0" unresolved complaints in 1 whole year of being on own own. McDonald's doesn't even have that. So, I think your post was unfair and wrong. But this is a free country and you have a right to your opinion.

To that "lady" who wrote those glowing comments in previous report........ Jeff & Susan don't you think its........... a little pathetic to be writing such lies about yourself?? I knew you and Susan for months, you even introduced me to your daughter (she is in school on a tennis scholarship, right??).

Gosh business must not be so great if you have to resort to filing a report on this site and having to contact NYS Consumer Affairs Dept. to not pay attention to all the "supposed lies" that your former employees and scammed customers had to say at the consumer complaint hearings last Fall. I recall back from on our weekly scout meetings that your Talent Executive, Jamie "that some people were so incredibly butt ugly they had no chance in hell of getting work but we put them on site anyway because thats what we have to do to pay our rent!!!"

Most of us were pushing 50-60 hours a week scouting on the streets and we had come in at night to work open calls till 11PM at night, but when we wanted to take a day off Jeff, you screamed at us (bear in mind we were working for you for FREE!!)!! You didn't even have any control of your staff there were out of line in being unprofessional and egotistically powertripping on other scouts.

I questioned if you even knew what your staff got away with(some things just to incredibly outrageous to mention that were criminally illegal). If you say that you changed why haven't you paid some of the scouts that you owe us?? Were you even aware that other scouts were stealing other scouts commissions? I just got a letter from the IRS saying I now owe them $298.00 because I wasn't as an independent contractor for the Options Talent Group from 3 years ago!! Gosh its really funny how you two former certified accountants had no idea about that!!!

Instead of manipulating on preying on hopes and dreams of others by exhorting money from them - Don't you think you two should find another line of work instead of running another modeling scam!!

My name is LeeAnne and I am starting a business here in New York City and found Jeff and model 411 management through a networking event.

I ended up talking to Jeff most of the night mainly because I thought he was so handsome.

I agreed to a meeting at model 411 with he and Susan, that I thought was going to last an hour but ended up being closer to 4 hours long.

We talked about how we could all help eachother.
Jeff gave me the names and contact info of several people he thought I should talk with. Susan, who is such a sweetheart, insisted that I use the office space to do our dance routine. (She stayed untill 10 P.M. on St. Patrick's Day!)

When they told me about what they went through to get model 411 management and the awful people involved and the extortion that ended in a lawsuit and finally, full ownership, I couldn't believe it.

They both seemed so layed back. Just people with good karma no matter what the world threw at them.

They have been friends for a long long time and I am proud to say I am a friend of their's now too. (Since February we communicate daily.)

On the network that Jeff and I belong, he is always offering thoughtful advice, words of encouragement and helpful hints to the other members.

They are the the kind of people that "sane" "normal" people connect with right away and it hurts my heart to see things that are not completely true written about them.

Thank You,

My name is LeeAnne and I am starting a business here in New York City and found Jeff and model 411 management through a networking event.

I ended up talking to Jeff most of the night mainly because I thought he was so handsome.

I agreed to a meeting at model 411 with he and Susan, that I thought was going to last an hour but ended up being closer to 4 hours long.

We talked about how we could all help eachother.
Jeff gave me the names and contact info of several people he thought I should talk with. Susan, who is such a sweetheart, insisted that I use the office space to do our dance routine. (She stayed untill 10 P.M. on St. Patrick's Day!)

When they told me about what they went through to get model 411 management and the awful people involved and the extortion that ended in a lawsuit and finally, full ownership, I couldn't believe it.

They both seemed so layed back. Just people with good karma no matter what the world threw at them.

They have been friends for a long long time and I am proud to say I am a friend of their's now too. (Since February we communicate daily.)

On the network that Jeff and I belong, he is always offering thoughtful advice, words of encouragement and helpful hints to the other members.

They are the the kind of people that "sane" "normal" people connect with right away and it hurts my heart to see things that are not completely true written about them.

Thank You,

My name is LeeAnne and I am starting a business here in New York City and found Jeff and model 411 management through a networking event.

I ended up talking to Jeff most of the night mainly because I thought he was so handsome.

I agreed to a meeting at model 411 with he and Susan, that I thought was going to last an hour but ended up being closer to 4 hours long.

We talked about how we could all help eachother.
Jeff gave me the names and contact info of several people he thought I should talk with. Susan, who is such a sweetheart, insisted that I use the office space to do our dance routine. (She stayed untill 10 P.M. on St. Patrick's Day!)

When they told me about what they went through to get model 411 management and the awful people involved and the extortion that ended in a lawsuit and finally, full ownership, I couldn't believe it.

They both seemed so layed back. Just people with good karma no matter what the world threw at them.

They have been friends for a long long time and I am proud to say I am a friend of their's now too. (Since February we communicate daily.)

On the network that Jeff and I belong, he is always offering thoughtful advice, words of encouragement and helpful hints to the other members.

They are the the kind of people that "sane" "normal" people connect with right away and it hurts my heart to see things that are not completely true written about them.

Thank You,

My name is LeeAnne and I am starting a business here in New York City and found Jeff and model 411 management through a networking event.

I ended up talking to Jeff most of the night mainly because I thought he was so handsome.

I agreed to a meeting at model 411 with he and Susan, that I thought was going to last an hour but ended up being closer to 4 hours long.

We talked about how we could all help eachother.
Jeff gave me the names and contact info of several people he thought I should talk with. Susan, who is such a sweetheart, insisted that I use the office space to do our dance routine. (She stayed untill 10 P.M. on St. Patrick's Day!)

When they told me about what they went through to get model 411 management and the awful people involved and the extortion that ended in a lawsuit and finally, full ownership, I couldn't believe it.

They both seemed so layed back. Just people with good karma no matter what the world threw at them.

They have been friends for a long long time and I am proud to say I am a friend of their's now too. (Since February we communicate daily.)

On the network that Jeff and I belong, he is always offering thoughtful advice, words of encouragement and helpful hints to the other members.

They are the the kind of people that "sane" "normal" people connect with right away and it hurts my heart to see things that are not completely true written about them.

Thank You,

Once again I am surprised at individuals who post without reading or understanding the industry. What was the trap?? What did you avoid?? What you avoided was the best deal of your life, to have a management company work for you and post your child on 3 networks for 70.00 and 20 per mth. Less than Models.com.

I suppose you would like everything for free. People have to realize, that their are some costs involved and as long as they are reasonable that's what matters. Also, if you read the last 2 posts you will see that the current priceing structure is more than fair. No one has a problem with the amounts charged. We dropped the price to the minimal cost and have no high sales pressure techniques. We spend time with you and explain the industry to those that do not know it.

Lily is an amazing employee who works tirelessly for our models, no one has the right to make someone else look bad for no reason. You owe us an apology for your comments. We have no complaints from any of our clients.

As for your pictures all you had to do was ask for them back, ever think of that approach. We would never distribute them without your permission. You have made a mistake and I hope you are adult enough to admit it. Anyone at anytime has any problem in 411, all they need to do is call me and I will take care of any unreasonable request.

Also, these comments referring to TCT/WSN are getting tired and old. We are not TCT/WSN we do not charge advance fees, we do not have scouts, we do not overcharge for services, we do no have high pressure sales, AND we do not take any unqualified people.

Lets start getting the facts straight and stop unwarranted bashing.

Sincerely,

owner
411 Models

Once again I am surprised at individuals who post without reading or understanding the industry. What was the trap?? What did you avoid?? What you avoided was the best deal of your life, to have a management company work for you and post your child on 3 networks for 70.00 and 20 per mth. Less than Models.com.

I suppose you would like everything for free. People have to realize, that their are some costs involved and as long as they are reasonable that's what matters. Also, if you read the last 2 posts you will see that the current priceing structure is more than fair. No one has a problem with the amounts charged. We dropped the price to the minimal cost and have no high sales pressure techniques. We spend time with you and explain the industry to those that do not know it.

Lily is an amazing employee who works tirelessly for our models, no one has the right to make someone else look bad for no reason. You owe us an apology for your comments. We have no complaints from any of our clients.

As for your pictures all you had to do was ask for them back, ever think of that approach. We would never distribute them without your permission. You have made a mistake and I hope you are adult enough to admit it. Anyone at anytime has any problem in 411, all they need to do is call me and I will take care of any unreasonable request.

Also, these comments referring to TCT/WSN are getting tired and old. We are not TCT/WSN we do not charge advance fees, we do not have scouts, we do not overcharge for services, we do no have high pressure sales, AND we do not take any unqualified people.

Lets start getting the facts straight and stop unwarranted bashing.

Sincerely,

owner
411 Models

Once again I am surprised at individuals who post without reading or understanding the industry. What was the trap?? What did you avoid?? What you avoided was the best deal of your life, to have a management company work for you and post your child on 3 networks for 70.00 and 20 per mth. Less than Models.com.

I suppose you would like everything for free. People have to realize, that their are some costs involved and as long as they are reasonable that's what matters. Also, if you read the last 2 posts you will see that the current priceing structure is more than fair. No one has a problem with the amounts charged. We dropped the price to the minimal cost and have no high sales pressure techniques. We spend time with you and explain the industry to those that do not know it.

Lily is an amazing employee who works tirelessly for our models, no one has the right to make someone else look bad for no reason. You owe us an apology for your comments. We have no complaints from any of our clients.

As for your pictures all you had to do was ask for them back, ever think of that approach. We would never distribute them without your permission. You have made a mistake and I hope you are adult enough to admit it. Anyone at anytime has any problem in 411, all they need to do is call me and I will take care of any unreasonable request.

Also, these comments referring to TCT/WSN are getting tired and old. We are not TCT/WSN we do not charge advance fees, we do not have scouts, we do not overcharge for services, we do no have high pressure sales, AND we do not take any unqualified people.

Lets start getting the facts straight and stop unwarranted bashing.

Sincerely,

owner
411 Models

I contacted 411 modeling to start modeling my young child, I was told by a woman named " lily " that it would cost me about $70.00 dollars to get 10 pictures put onto their website comp card and another fee of around 15 - 20 dollars monthly maintaince to where I can access photos and change what ever I want during that time on their site. I told her I would call her back ( after I investigate more, what I am doing now ) .. and never called her back.. I did however send few of my childs photos to them.. I'm wondering if they have taken these pictures and used them somewhere else.. without my knowledge.. is this possible????????????? )

I am glad that 411 has changed its policies and prices. They seem quite reasonable.

There are a few issues that linger, however. Jeff, If you are going to defend your company, check your grammar and spelling before posting. That rebuttal looked like it was composed by a remedial grammar school student.

The people listed above DID work for Model 411. Lauren, JJ, Susan (and her hair), etc... Lori's daughter, Courtney, did not work there, but they used her name as a "Human Resource Director."

If you have nothing to hide, there's no need to lie.

Good luck to you.

I would like to respond to the above very false postings. First Model 411 is not a scam. Why, because we have never misrepresented what we do to anyone. Model 411 was a breakaway office from the TCT/WSN franchise. We broke away in August and have been operation 6 1/2 months. We only had 4 complaints in that period, we only sign qualified models. Our model do get work and are being requested by agencies. Here are the facts. When we broke away we immediately dropped our network fee from the 995.00 to 595.00. Are scouts were paid on quality shows not enrollments. We never misrepresent the models ability to get work or who uses our services. The 4 complaints were all refunded. There are no unresolved customer/clients complaints. The posts on this are not accurate. Everyone listed above did not work for Model 411 except Lori Cunningham. We are not nor ever been investigated or received any kind of complaint from any law enforcement agency. We left WSN/TCT long before they filed bankruptcy. It took our lawyers a long time to get us out of our agreement with WSN. We are not the reincarnation of them at all, first because all scouts were paid for their efforts, we never employ any pressure sales tactics, we do not misrepresent the chances of getting work, and even though today people think 595 is expensive it is reasonable when you understand the effort that goes into finding qualified models. We voluntarily asked the New York Consumer Protection Agency to review our practices to make sure we ran our business the right way. Basically we tried to change, for the better, the things we knew caused problems for TCT/WSN. Lori did what she was told to do when she worked in the Phoenix office. She did not do or say anything wrong while she was working for us. All the negative comments were related to things in another franchise office not ours.

Now for the update, both EZBC and Transconscam agree that our current operating policy's are reasonable, they are as follows.

There is no fee for us to manage you. You may use comps, however, email is the way to go and that system is part of our network. We do not own our network, it is outsourced and we pay, per person, to put our people on it. We currently lose money on every model that goes on our network and can only recoup our expenses through getting our models work and the monthly maintenance fee of 19.95 per month. We have very current and strong contacts in the industry, Agency's call us to request of models for work. When someone signs with us we give the a 2hr free workshop on what a beginning model needs to do and know when entering the industry. When you see our current price structure you will agree that we lose money signing people up. Its only retention and jobs to pay the overhead. We do not take marginal or unqualified models, every model on our site is awesome.

Current Prices

29.95 to be on the network with 1 picture (headshot)
49.95 4 pictures
79.95 10 pictures
99.95 15 pictures.

As you can see, the cost to find, meet with and put the model up may cost 100.00 and 19.95 per month. Just to scan 15 pictures takes time and money, then we pay our talent executive and have costs associated with finding the person, calling the person, reviewing their pictures and paying our webdesigner and maintence people etc. Then we give the 2hr free workshop. Let me tell you that what I just descibed take multiple people multiple hours to accomplish. The posts above are so inaccurate it just amazing what goes through peoples minds. I guess when one read something with a scam title the believe it without see the operation itself. Digital is the way to go, no doubt about it and to get a digital comp card thats updateable and printable for $50 dollars is unbelievably low. If fact it is plain stupid cause it really doesn't cover costs. Today agency's charge models to be on their website. Most charge 400 or more.

I know how this site works and I wish things could be confirmed before posted. However, this is America and I will defend even our enemies right to disent and protest with freedom of speech.

We have discontinued our scouting operation, we have a 3 day right to cancel, we charge less than cost, we have refunded everyone (4) that was unhappy. Lori Cunningham no longer works for 411.

Please consider this an update and our way of communicating to you that the information that is posted on this site is wrong.

Sincerely,

411 Models

Model 411 Management is indeed the reincarnation of Options, TCTalent and WSN - the most notorious and largest modeling scam ring in the country, at the same office location in NYC-Union Square @ 841 Broadway #500 New York 10029.

I regretably worked there for three weeks at this same location when it was known as WSN several months back and was shocked to come back to the very same office location two months ago for an interview after being recruited over the internet and now calling itself "Model 411".

Model 411 is run by the same con-artists who previously owned WSN: Jeff Cohen & Susan Oh. All I know I about the elusive pair is Jeff Cohen is short, heavy set, bald, jewish man who lives somewhere in New Jersey and Susan Oh is a petite Asian women with streaks in her hair and believe lives somewhere on Long Island. And their henchmen (last time I checked still work there): Lori Cunningham, Jamie, Michelle, Michelle Ashley, Florina, Dante, Phylis and Heather still work there but are most likely are calling themselves under different names and all incredibly shady and suspicious individuals! Not only are they running the same modeling scam but are also operating a high school athlete scholarship scam scheme: "National Sports Network"(www.nsnusa.com)that is also reincarnation of Options Sports and Edge Talent at the very same location! If anyone has any info about these people, please let us know or to the media or the proper authorities. Whether its their background, reports of exploitation, labor violations to previous business dealings any info will be quite helpful.

These people are thieves and criminals in every sense of the word, still out on the streets running the same scam and racketering schemes
when they should be serving prison time!!

When I signed with Model 411 in October, I told them I have no money to make me "digital."

Lori then told me I don't have to go digital, but I do have to send her 100 comp cards a month, along with envelopes and stamps. Now, what I was wondering is, if we decide not to go digital, and send the comp cards, do they actually send out the comp cards, or do they throw them away and use your envelopes and stamps for their own business?

It does sound profoundly familiar to WSN (which I also filed a report against), with the digital comp card fee, and then the monthly fee after that. What do you think? Am I wasting my time and money by being "represented" by this management agency

If you are a model with potential, you shouldn't have to pay for representation. Management is marketing - you have to pay for that.

The high-pressure sales, the price, the web maintenance fees, Mr. Cunningham's leftovers. It all seems so familiar. We think it is because it is the newest iteration of the same organization.

Logo for the heir apparent to the Trans Continental Talent enterprise Florida calls a scam

The above information regarding Model 411 is absolutely correct. As a current "employee" of the organization (recently hired), red flags went off when I realized that, after being told this was a free service, we later found out that there was a famliliar $595 "website fee" and a $14.95/month maintenance fee. Also, a potential client stated to me at an Open Call - "WOW! This is where I came for Whilhelmina not too long ago!" Yes, folks, the Model 411 Office is where the TCT/WSN Midtown Office recently was - EXACT SAME SUITE! Also, Lori Cunningham co-founded the Pheonix, AZ TCT/WSN Office with scam artist Mickie Parris and SHE is the "regional director" of Model 411, who at this time has only the sole NYC office. They are, however, looking to open more offices - fast! Courtney Fitzgerald, as I understand it, is actually Lori's 17 year-old daughter who is acting as the "Human Resources Director." Pretty sick, huh!? And Lauren, yes...she's there too, although I don't really know much about her.



As for JJ Cortez, he DOES have an office there. I've seen him on various occasions. However, with his noted drug abuse and shady past, I wouldn't be the LEAST bit surprised if he wasn't there being paid simply just to "add legitimacy."



Scouts were also told this week that "bad press" was going to be hitting the news and that "this is NOT us, we're different!" Yes, they've changed their M.O. a bit. The price is a bit lower, but follows the same billing format/cycle and they ARE a bit more selective about who they accept, but EVERYTHING else is the SAME!



Who I would like to know more about are the owners of Model 411 - "Jeff and Susan." No employees on my level know their last name(s). Susan is a petite asian woman with obnoxious hair and a yappy little shitzu. Jeff is a short, stocky, balding man who never says "boo." They seem VERY shady indeed.



A colleague and I have been doing A LOT of investigating. The midtown office of TCT/WSM was not only shut down this Monday, BUT they are still listed on the building directory as "Options Talent Group" AND it is impossible to get to the 13th floor where their offices were/are. That button on the elevators has been deactivated. We called all NYC numbers for Wilhelmina SN/TCT talent and they all connected directly to voicemail boxes that were full.



In addition, I called the Phoenix, AZ office that Lori started. They answered the phone "Wilhelmina Scouting Network" and when I asked to speak to Lori Cunningham I was told "sure" and was actually connected to the NEW office manager, Michelle Sullivan. I asked Michelle about Lori and was told she no longer works there and that she had NO idea where Lori was now - riiiiight!



The saddest part of this whole thing is that people are losing their money and time and the sickos at the top don't care AT ALL! They just want their paychecks and care nothing about those they are hurting.



Options/WhyModel/WhyTalent/EModel/EFashion/TCT/Trans Continental Talent/TransContinental Talent/Wilhelmina Scouting Network/MODEL 411 -

THEY NEED TO BE STOPPED AND QUICK!

Whoever has the power to step in, shut them down for good, and send them to prison, needs to do it now!



Visit some of the sites below for more info including a GREAT video of Lori in AZ fighting off the press! Good luck everyone!



http://www.tctalent.com/Offices/Content/OfficeProfile_Arc/June.cfm



http://www.kpho.com/Global/story.asp?S=1120057

(WATCH THE VIDEO!!)



http://www.wscouts.com/company/main.cfm?cnt=Interns



http://beta.kpix.com/news/local/2003/02/14/5_Investigates:_Recruiting_Model_Wannabes.html



http://www.totallycool.net/Sweatshop26.html

Model 411 Management is indeed the next interation of the Trans Continental Talent - Wilhelmina Scouting Network - Options Talent - Emodel - Millenium Model Management - Model Search America scam. It is located at Union Square. 841 Broadway, Suite 500, NYC, NY. Many of the old faces are still around, just another location.



Here is a list of some of their operatives; Office Director- Lori Cunningham, Lauren Speigel, and Courtney Fitzgerald.



This iteration is so new the company name currently is only on an index card.



They are also touting a connection with JJ Cortez, a well-known booker with MgmtFirst, who supposedly discovered Niki Taylor. They claims that JJ uses their offices and is always dropping in.



www.model411mgmt.com is their website.



Strangely, Model 411 Management claims to be a Model Network affiliate since 1997, but this is not substatiated.



If others wish to provide information, please contact me at:



ftorelli@ripoffreport.com



Very Sincerely,