Wilhelmina Scouting Network (Formerly TCT Talent)

01-10-2006, 01:13 AM

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Reports that TCT Talent has changed it's name again, now is operating the same old modeling scam under this new name. Florida Attorney General: Active public consumer-related investigation of Options Talent, Inc. f/k/a eModels Inc. f/k/a Trans Continental Talent n/k/a Wilhelmina Scouting Network. Also, further references to news articles on TCT talent: Trans Continental Talent in The News.
Help for victims, and link to the FL Attny. General. SCAM WARNING-WILHELMINA SCOUTING NETWORK AKA TRANS CONTINENTAL TALENT
NY State Consumer Protection Board report on Wilhelmina Scouting Network: Young people need protection from modeling scams

mykkal

Local 4 - Detroit/November 15, 2002
By Ruth Spencer


Hidden cameras exposed the conniving side of the catwalk inside Transcontinental Talent's Ferndale office, Ruth Spencer reported. Local 4's undercover producer and dozens of other model-wannabes attended a model open call after being selected by a TCT talent scout. Local 4's producer was reportedly pressured inside a private room to pay up.

Aspiring model Brandy McFadden said that she paid TCT almost $1,000 to have her pictures posted on the TCT Web site and she is reportedly not alone.
"I thought this was a dream that was actually going to come true for me," McFadden said.

Dozens of TCT clients told Local 4 that they have all been taken by the company.
TCT hires talent scouts to hit the streets searching for new faces, Local 4 reported. The Web site says that these scouts are highly trained and skilled, but Local 4 learned that may not be the case.

A former TCT scout, who asked Local 4 to conceal her identity as just "Corie," said that it is a job she regrets taking.

She said that she feels guilty and that it was basically just about money. If you want to make money, "you'll bring people in here," she said. She said that they told people that they work with the largest agencies and MTV, when none of it was true.
Ruth to the Rescue put TCT's recruiting practices to the test. The undercover producer filled out a TCT scout application online. Within hours, he received a letter from the TCT telling him that he would be a tremendous asset to the company. He has never scouted or worked in the entertainment business, but that doesn't bother TCT, the station reported. A Local 4 photographer and a volunteer also signed on, and received the same letter.

Ruth also signed up her 10-year-old dog, Lochie Spencer, who also received the same e-mail.

Local 4 visited the TCT office to get answers
. A TCT spokeswoman said that dozens of clients have gone onto successful modeling careers. Local 4 asked for specific names and numbers of Detroit success stories. She did provide a few names, but would only release first names and would not help contact the clients, Local 4 reported.

You can read the original article here: http://www.rickross.com/reference/tct/tct2.html

mykkal

Address:
1701 Park Center Drive
Orlando Florida
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
888.590.9994 or 321-689-7058
Fax:

The following are links to sound bites which are recordings made by Rip-off Report™ as a result of some clandestine relationships developed with employees, agents and representatives of Trans Continental Talent and/or Wilhelmina Scouting Network. Most of these sound bites are taken from regular meetings conducted via conference calls set up by the company or its franchisees or agents.

CLICK HERE: In this sound clip you will hear Alec instruct his office directors across the country to file bogus Rip-off Reports to throw the media off. Also, hear their nervous laughter following the dissent from the franchise owner in Grand Rapids, decrying the dishonesty of the plan. Listen as Alec quickly backs away from the issue, using his trademark, stammering double talk. The importance of this sound bite shows the motivation of Trans Continental employees, creating phony Rip-off Reports which were used to base a frivolous lawsuit against Rip-off Report.com

CLICK HERE: In this sample, you will hear one of Dave Elliot's hell, fire & brimestone sermons so somniferous it would put someone to sleep. So rousing, in fact, that someone did fall asleep during his oration. (Too funny for words!)

CLICK HERE: In this sound clip, listen to Lou Pearlman's barely intelligible utterances, as he blubbers a greeting, in between bites of shrimp (you know he likes that!), and then Alec announces that they are going to make him their spokesman around the country?

CLICK HERE: Alec declares his intent to file lawsuits against any employee or former employee who speaks out to the media to reveal what he or she knows about them. They stand upon their "Confidentiality Agreement," which they believe protects them from employees and former employees, who might
reveal what they know about their fraudulent activity.

CLICK HERE: You are about to hear David B. Elliot indoctrinating his new scouts. Note that this business is all about numbers of victims, not quality. What is the primary criterion for the target? Is it how good they look? No, as a matter of fact he tells them to get "wide faces," but the primary criterion is, "Do they have money?"! "Stay out of the poor area... they can't afford the $795," you'll hear him instruct the wannabe model scouts.

Beware! As the government closes in... there is information that the primary individuals involved are moving operations to Model Search America. Perhaps, Dave Mogul should have a conversation with Lou Pearlman and see that he is making the worst mistake of his life.

The Original Article can be veiwed here:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff46560.htm

evans24

Wilhelmina got me back in '03.It was absolutely ridiculous.First the open call,then the phone call that you can only receive "once a year".I learned the hard way that I needed to sign with a real live "ageny" , and I hope other people will find out too.But Lou Pearlman is a slime ball.Whenever you see his name affiliated with a company,grab your wallet and run.lol.For those in the midwest,The I Group is the agency i'm registered with.Their pretty reputable, and i'm signed with Traque International Model Management,but i'm not too familiar with them.So check 'em out folks.=)

trinity

Back in CA, I was approached in 05 and I received the approach and than that phone call, but I have been in the game for a while, so I knew what was up. I just wanted to check out the casting anyways. However, it was the smae thing. It's strange because Whilhelmina is a large and real agency...how these people are still using there name...it's beyound me. Furthermore, as I say and as Tyra Banks says..."You Should NEVER Pay For Modeling...photoshoots, runways...NOTHING!!"

-Marquita

mykkal

Well hopfully this won't happen to anyone else. Hopefully the fake Wilhelmina agency is out of buisness.