Complaint Review: Visionaire Media, Inc. Aka Francesca De Tolomei - Beverly Hills California
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- Author Not Confirmed
- Visionaire Media, Inc. Aka Francesca De Tolomei 315 South Beverly Drive #302 Beverly Hills, California U.S.A.
- Phone: 310-551-3180
- Web:
- Category: Modeling Agencies
Visionaire Media, Inc. Aka Francesca De Tolomei Glamour Models Inc. misled customers, modeling agency, photographs, high pressure sales tactics Beverly Hills California
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Visionaire Media, Inc, Francesca de Tolomei
*Consumer Comment: This Company has changed the spelling of it's name to Visionare, owner Francesca Tomei.
*Consumer Suggestion: BOTTOM LINE-STAY AWAY FROM VISIONAIRE, SPECTRUM LA AND BAMBINI! THEY ARE ALL SCAM COMPANIES THAT SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN!!!!...
*Consumer Suggestion: GET A REFUND FROM VISIONAIRE MEDIA AND/OR GLAMOUR MODELS NOW IF YOU GAVE THEM MONEY!... READ!!! LEGAL NOTICE!!!
*Consumer Suggestion: They used to be called Glamour Models, which was closed down by the D.A.'s office.
*Consumer Suggestion: My Friend used to work at Visionaire in Beverly Hills, Ca, It's a SCAM!!!!!!
*Consumer Suggestion: My Friend used to work at Visionaire in Beverly Hills, Ca, It's a SCAM!!!!!!
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i went to an agency (so i thought) in beverly hills called Bambini L A. they go by many names. they told me i was great for modeling, and i was accepted to the "agency". They told me that to be with their agency and to book jobs i needed a portfolio. it made sense at the time. they told me the pictures would cost me about $2300.00 total, and that was a deal said the woman francheska.
i didn't have all of the money, so she referred me to a company that would finance a loan for me. francheska told me that i would most likely make the money back in 30 days because as a model i would make between $1500-$5000 per day. i beleived it. i got the loan and paid her.
well, i never heard a word from francheska after getting my portfolio and cards done. i called their office about 10 times with no call back. so i went to their office. the receptionist said she wasn't in. there actually were 2 other customers there also looking for francheska. they were also complaining.
the receptionist said that she may quite because she thought they were legit but they get so many complaints she didn't feel comfortable working there.
i also found out that they used to be called glamour models (see below) which had criminal charges filed aginst it.
how can this place stay in business? i finally spoke to francheska who threatned to sue me. she said "we win all of our cases". i told her about a website called donotpay.org. i told her that i should not have paid that much money. she laughed and said "oh well."
she also said that the donotpay.org is run by an actor/casting person named billy d'mota that can't get any work. she also said that she was recently told that this guy is about to be sued by a few large companies regarding his web info.
i guess i'm out the money i paid. i still have to make the loan payments since i did receive the merchandise. the only reason i bought the pictures was because francheska told me that i would definetly get work to pay it back. she told me that she works with robinson's may, jc penney, sears, the gap, old navy, macy's etc. do you know if this is true?
i met francheska in a mall in west hollywood. she gave me a card and said she was a well known model agent. i thought she was for real. do you know anything about this company?
is there any way i can get my money back? how can they be charged with a crime and now they have a new name. should i report her to the authorities?
Name: VISIONAIRE MEDIA, INC.
Incorporated On: July 21, 2000
President: FRANCESCA DE TOLOMEI
BBB record
We rate this company as having an unsatisfactory business performance record. The company has a pattern of complaints alleging that they misled customers into believing they are a modeling agency to obtain money for photographs.
One complainant reports the company uses high pressure sales tactics to get a deposit for a portfolio and charges the account the remaining balance for prints and composite cards without authorization.
The company also failed to provide a breakdown of fees when requested.
Another complainant was told the company needed a $200 deposit for a photo shoot before representation could take place. The complainant was unable to schedule a photo shoot. Others were told that they needed photographs before they could represent them.
She was the owner of:
Glamour Models, Inc.
This Report was developed from various sources, including the business, governmental agencies, and the experience of the company's customers.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
--------------------------
Glamour Models, Inc.
211 South Beverly Drive, Suite 110
Beverly Hills CA 90210
Business Started: 01/01/80
File Open Date: 11/25/91
Last Report Date: 01/16/04
Principal Contact: Michael A. Douglas Sholto
Phone: (310) 859-3989
Fax: (310) 859-3988
Email: Not Available
Web Address: Not Available
Bureau ID: 16001807
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing model and talent management services.
Bureau File Experience
Our files show disconnected phone numbers, returned mail or both. The company appears to be out of business. The Bureau cannot trace addresses of companies or principals. General information is available upon request which may assist you.
We rate this company as having an unsatisfactory business performance record.
This company has a pattern of complaints alleging misrepresentation regarding employment opportunities, and general dissatisfaction with photo services. Specifically, some complainants alleged company representatives led them to believe employment would be obtained as a result of using thier services. Most complainants requested refunds.
The company generally responded to refund requests by denying refunds, and referring clients to specific contract terms relating to their refund policies. Their contract specifically states they do not provide refunds. The company disputed allegations of misleading clients on employment related issues. Once again, they directed complainants to review contract terms which clearly state they can make no representation which implies employment probability, or offer any guarantee of employment. Some complaints were closed as unresolved, meaning the customer was not satisfied with the company's response. One complaint remains unanswered.
In February of 2000, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office filed a Criminal complaint in Los Angeles District Superior Court charging the company, and it's principals, Douglas Michael Sholto, and Francesca Detolomei with fraud and misrepresentation in association with their business practices. The company's principals remain out on bail. Glamour closed its doors shortly after.
On March 27, 2001, the Los Angeles District Attorney filed a 9 count amended Felony Complaint (case # BA198638) against the above named defendants. The Complaint charged the couple with Conspiracy to Defraud, and Grand Theft, in connection with the business practices used by Glamour Models. The complaint alleged the company mislead clients into believing that by purchasing a photo portfolio, they would obtain employment in the modeling industry, and, without a Talent Agency License, they could procure employment for their clients. The couple plead " No Contest " to all counts. Sentencing is set for September 24, 2001.
We routinely suggest you read and understand all contract provisions, including cancellation and refund policies before making a buying decision. As of January 1, 2000 new California laws relating to " advance fee talent services " allow 10 days to cancel contracts without penalty or obligation. Re-payments must be provided within 48 hours, or the company is required to pay the artist an additional summ equal to the original amount of the fee. Cancellation procedures should be outlined in your contract or agreement.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend or disapprove of any product, service or company.
Additional Phone Numbers
(310) 859 - 4899
Additional Trade names
Glamour Kids
Glamour Models
Additional Addresses
8344 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/criminalindex/
Case Number LACBA198638-01 Filed At Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
Filing Date 02/09/2000 Limited Jurisdiction
Count Charge Code Charge Description Disposition Disposition Date
01 182(A)(4) PC CONSPIRE:CHEAT/DEFRAUD PERSON Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
02 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
03 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
02/08/2001
04 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
05 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
06 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
07 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
08 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
09 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
Case Number XCNBA198638-01 Filed At Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
Filing Date 03/28/2001 General Jurisdiction
Count Charge Code Charge Description Disposition Disposition Date
01 182(A)(4) PC CONSPIRE:CHEAT/DEFRAUD PERSON Dismissed per 1203.4 P.C.
10/07/2003
02 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
04 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
05 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
06 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
07 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
08 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
09 487(A) PC GRAND THEFT:PRPRTY OVER $400 Guilty/Convicted
03/28/2001
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Billy
Beverly Hills, California
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 03/02/2004 05:39 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/visionaire-media-inc-aka-francesca-de-tolomei/beverly-hills-california-90212/visionaire-media-inc-aka-francesca-de-tolomei-glamour-models-inc-misled-customers-mode-82489. 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. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#7 REBUTTAL Owner of company
Visionaire Media, Inc, Francesca de Tolomei
AUTHOR: Starlight - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
All of these reports have been written most likely by two disgruntled employees that were terminated according to Ann Marie Scarpa (see#1)
Her friend Mary Jo Geddes was also terminated after 4 weeks of employment by Glamour Models, Inc. in 1995 for lying on her application.
BAMBINI L.A. is a Childrens Agency. They only work with children.
You are not a child and you claim you took a loan. You must have been over 18. Absurd.
Having worked 25 years in the entertainment industry I have never told anybody to get a loan. Total fabrication.
Tried to sue you. Ridiculous. Never knew Billy.
You misspelled my name in all of your reports.
If you have some personal anger or hate work it out.
Note: Spectrum and Bambini agency have been around since 1993 and they have offices in different cities and have nothing to do with me.
You have fabricated the reports from the BBB. Especially with the court case# that was dismissed and sealed, which is totally illegal. You, etc has hid all reports under false names.
In 1996 Glamour Models, Inc. sued Paramount Pictures and the BBB. Later the BBB was dropped in the lawsuit and Girardi & Keese took the case on contingency.
The deposition of the President from the BBB William Mitchell was taken. There were only 5 satisfied complaints in 14 years. A complained was filed from Bonnie Bimbo on 6969 Hollywood Blvd. William Mitchell said it was a valid complaint since it had a valid street address.
Glamour Models was a management company and was never shot down. Print work was never regulated and management companies did not require an agency license.
Management made a decision to change the business due to the new laws in 2000.
Visionaire Media, Inc. was formed and did not manage or book models.
In February 2000, two weeks before the trial against Paramount Pictures charges were filed against Glamour Models, Inc. by the D.A. s office in the amount of $7,000
The same day Paramount already had filed a dismissal with the Appeals Court and the civil case against Paramount Pictures was dismissed.
The case was reduced to a misdemeanor and went to pretrial for 15 month, costing the taxpayer maybe million dollars.
After the pretrial in 2003 all charges were dismissed and all records to be sealed. Unfortunately in California the court has no jurisdiction over the Internet.
#6 Consumer Comment
This Company has changed the spelling of it's name to Visionare, owner Francesca Tomei.
AUTHOR: Larry - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 06, 2004
It's the same company as this. They have been caught. I have been informed by an idividual at the DA's office in Los Angeles that there's some new law coming out and they're going to file charges against this company. Apparantly, they has already been a case against them when they were operating as a company named Glamour Models. This guy said they're going after them again...and for jailtime. Now they've changed the spelling of their names. They have to go down...
#5 Consumer Suggestion
BOTTOM LINE-STAY AWAY FROM VISIONAIRE, SPECTRUM LA AND BAMBINI! THEY ARE ALL SCAM COMPANIES THAT SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN!!!!...
AUTHOR: Larry - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 16, 2004
IT'S VERY SAD THAT COMPANIES LIKE THIS EXIST. THEY TRYED SCAMMING ME FOR PICTURES LAST YEAR AFTER I SAW THEM AT A TRADE SHOW. I THOUGHT THEY WERE AN ACTUAL AGENCY. I WAS SOOOO WRONG. THEY ARE JUST A PHOTO SCAM PLACE. THE WOMAN WHO RUNS IT, HER NAME IS FRANCKESKA, IS A SHARP TALKING CON ARTIST.
I RECENTLY HEARD THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK. GOOD. I DIDN'T GIVE THEM ANY. I WAS LUCKY. THOSE PEOPLE ARE SCUM!
#4 Consumer Suggestion
GET A REFUND FROM VISIONAIRE MEDIA AND/OR GLAMOUR MODELS NOW IF YOU GAVE THEM MONEY!... READ!!! LEGAL NOTICE!!!
AUTHOR: William - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, May 15, 2004
IF YOU PAID THIS COMPANY MONEY, YOU CAN GET A REFUND BY CONTACTING FRANCHESCA OR MICHAEL AT:
310-551-4192
310-422-0202
310-271-6774
THEY ARE VIOLATING CALIFORNIA'S ADVANCE FEE TALENT SERVICES ACT. THEY MUST REFUND YOU THE TOTAL AMOUNT X2 FOR DAMAGES. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR RECEIPT. PLEASE CALL!
THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN CHARGED AND CONVICTED OF FRAUD BY THE LA D.A.'S OFFICE! IF THEY DO NOT REFUND YOU, SIMPLY GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT. EVERYONE IS SUING THEM.
GOOD LUCK!
#3 Consumer Suggestion
They used to be called Glamour Models, which was closed down by the D.A.'s office.
AUTHOR: Cherie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 13, 2004
Franchesca tryed to refer me to a finance company to borrow $4500.00 for a portfolio! This is a rip!! BEWARE OF VISIONAIRE MEDIA INC. AND SPECTRUM L A
She tryed to scam me for a portfolio too! Wanted me to go to a finance company to borrow the money. Franchesca and "Stan" told me that I would make lots of money but needed to go through "their" so called celebrity photographer! What a rip off! I'm glad to see that this company made rip-off report.com. They used to be called Glamour Models, which was closed down by the D.A.'s office. Now their open again under Visionaire. I did not know this when I went there, but I do now thanks to the Internet! Please warn others to stay away from this bad place! All they want is YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!
:(
#2 Consumer Suggestion
My Friend used to work at Visionaire in Beverly Hills, Ca, It's a SCAM!!!!!!
AUTHOR: Anne Marie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 06, 2004
My friend used to work there! She said it's a total scam-rip off. They go out to malls and give cards out telling people they're an agency. It's total b.s. You go there thinking they are an agency to find out that you have to go through Visionaire to get your "portfolio" done and it will cost you x amount of dollars. While she worked there, she said no one got work. What they got were a lot of complaints! Everybody thinks that they are an actual agency. To make matters worse, they have already been charged and convicted for Fraud. They used to be called Glamour Models. Same owners. The woman there francheska lies to everyone. Watch out for this company. They also use the name Spectrum L.A. and Bambini L.A. There is the same office. They are all working together. My friend used to tell me that Francheska and her husband would be counting wads of cash at the end of each day...laughing! I can't beleive they're still operating. Of course my friend quit. She never got paid for her last week. Surprise!
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!
#1 Consumer Suggestion
My Friend used to work at Visionaire in Beverly Hills, Ca, It's a SCAM!!!!!!
AUTHOR: Anne Marie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 06, 2004
My friend used to work there! She said it's a total scam-rip off. They go out to malls and give cards out telling people they're an agency. It's total b.s. You go there thinking they are an agency to find out that you have to go through Visionaire to get your "portfolio" done and it will cost you x amount of dollars. While she worked there, she said no one got work. What they got were a lot of complaints! Everybody thinks that they are an actual agency. To make matters worse, they have already been charged and convicted for Fraud. They used to be called Glamour Models. Same owners. The woman there francheska lies to everyone. Watch out for this company. They also use the name Spectrum L.A. and Bambini L.A. There is the same office. They are all working together. My friend used to tell me that Francheska and her husband would be counting wads of cash at the end of each day...laughing! I can't beleive they're still operating. Of course my friend quit. She never got paid for her last week. Surprise!
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!
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