Just got stopped yesterday and the girl that approached me was extremely uneducated and rude - as well as persistent to the extent that I gave her my # to get her out the way because I thought if anything, i could always ignore the call ... The calls already started ringing. The guy wasnt too rude, although reading these posts from everyone is making me pretty nervous about this whole siuation!
They call 3-6 times a day. They do not take your number off their calling list. Their caller ID is often "MODE 1." They are an affiliation of three "modeling" and talent companies that operate in NJ, CT, and NY.
They are scam artists. They convince people to sign overpriced contracts for photoshoots that contain small print nonsense that often costs innocent people duped by them to pay more. And there are NEVER refunds or cancellations. Once they get your credit card numbers, BEWARE. They have been known to overcharge and sell your info to all kinds of criminal operations.
They hunt for young children in malls, movie theaters, and other stores. They are pushy and often stalk children for phone numbers, using promises of stardom and movie jobs to convince kids to give personal information. Often, these people are "good-looking" people who have no affiliation with the malls and theaters that they haunt. They have been kicked out officially from two NJ malls so far. The problem here is that some believe these agencies to be linked to criminal enterprises. This means our children are not safe while "Industry Model and Talent Agency" and its ilk are prowling our malls. If you see one of these people, report him or her to the police / mall security at once. Inform all your children and their friends to stay away and do the same. NEVER go anywhere off the mall premises to sign anything or read anything.
Contact your local police and state representatives about these companies when they invade your neighborhood.
We were approached yesterday at the Willowbrook Mall in NJ because the "Industry" people saw that we had a young daughter. They said they could help publicize her to modeling agencies around the area. We reluctantly give them not one, but TWO phone numbers (because one number was not enough). They said that they would be giving us a call on Tuesday to set up an appointment.
They didn't wait even 5 minutes to call us ... then hung up. That was the first call (probably to see if we gave them a real number). Then they called us again on Sunday Evening ... How Rude!! and of course, once again ... hung up and left no message. I smell SCAM in the air ... so BEWARE !!! Anything that sounds too good to be TRUE ... usually is.
We were approached in the Rockaway, NJ Mall by these people wanting to schedule an appointment for my babies. I deliberately gave them a number that goes right to voicemail in case it was a scam. They requested another number, but I refused. They've called a couple of times but never leave a message. They may have called more, but I only get notified if they listen to my whole voicemail, then hang up.
Very concerned after reading the other comments..creepy.
They had their own little booth in the mall, so I'm assuming they are mall-approved there, but I'll check it out.
Yah, that got my son over the weekend in East Brunswick Square Mall, New Jersey. Started getting calls today. Operator, can you help me, help me if you please...give me the right area code so I can go and break their knees...