Complaint Review: Phaze 2 - Long Island City New York

My husband and I were approached by two women in Roosevelt Field Mall a few weeks ago.  They said they were a modeling agency and liked how our 1 year old looked.  I asked if they had a website and they hesitated but said they can place her in ads.  We only gave an email and phone number.  A woman called twice two weekends in a row.  We picked up the 2nd time and came in, figuring, hey, if they think our daughter has a shot then let's see - can't do any harm, right? Wrong.

We arrived on the 7th floor around other hopeful moms and dads, probably many of who took off from work to be there with their children.  We waited almost 2 hours.  

We were greeted by the "President Michael Fulfree" who said he wanted us to go directly into the "callback" room, so already making us feel "special" (In reality he was choosing people who LOOKED like maybe they had money to shell out).  He asked if we needed food or drinks and said he definitely wanted to see our daughter.  He came across as genuine --- this is the work of a slick liar, and we are not easily fooled, either.

He said he eliminates the middle man, that he provides 3 series of headshots, every 3 months new photos, and that he makes the calls directly to get us companies like Gerber, etc. He finds out what you like, photography, cooking, and talks as if he is interested, and promises that he is giving you his personal cell number (631-691-9101) but this is not his number.

He convinced us to choose the least expensive package and that he will shave off a few hundred to help get us started.  We paid with a credit card, and looked over the contract. Any normal company lets you take a contract home.  He did not.  Any normal modeling company never asks for money upfront because they only take a percentage of what your child makes.  He took money upfront.

They are a glamorized headshot studio and that is it.  We found this out immediately after we got home and read reports. The emails we received back from him were not from him!  The grammar was so poor and this guy, Fulfree, is highly intelligent, so smart that he tricks people and obviously does not care.  So we knew right away that someone else was emailing us.

The contract has a 72 hour cancellation policy.  The day after we sent a letter by registered mail, signature required and next day delivery.  What a surprise that it could not be delivered because the office was closed.  It was delivered - or attempted - at 11am and I spoke with someone at 12 that day who said nothing ever came?

This company apparently opened a few times under different names.  Various people we know have already contacted the city TV stations, because too many people have been scammed.

We are still waiting for compensation and trying to work with our credit card company. We had to write this so that other people do not become victims.  Please we can assure you that you have to trust your instincts. We hope we get help soon because we are getting our money back, however long it takes.  Thanks.