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To Whom It May Concern:
I recently took my two children to a company called Kids.com.
They had sent me a letter stating they were in big need
for kids for magazines, brochures, commercials, etc.
I guess I got all swept up at the time and thought it
would be a great experience for my kids to look back
at when they got older.
Anyway, they charged us $500 to sign my infant and my
older child just got a picture taken as well.
Now after reading all the wonderful information in your
website, I'm wondering what I should do. Now I have a pretty
good idea I was one of the parents taken by a scam, but
can I get my money back?
This happened about four months ago. Of course I haven't
received any calls. I signed what looked like a legitimate
document for my kids, but after reading your website I
could tell it was false.
They also say they have a website they put your child
on: justourkids.com.
Can you give us any advice about getting our money back,
and letting others know about this company?
Also I am still very interested in pursuing this experience
for my children. How do I get a list of reputable agencies?
I don't know where to start or whom to believe. Can you
help me with this as well?
Something doesn't sound right.
"Kids.com," not to be confused with www.kids.com,
which is owned by mysimon.com, is has an office in Chicago,
Illinois.
You said: "They charged us $500 to sign my infant."
It sounds as if you paid a $500 registration fee. But
it's illegal in Illinois to charge a registration fee of
more than $4, according to The Glam Scam's legal
reference section:
- Illinois has laws which specifically apply to "theatrical
employment agencies." An agency can charge
a maximum $4 registration fee, and only if granted
such a permit. This fee is subject to return
on demand if no position is procured. Agents
cannot require subscriptions to a publication, post card
service, or advertisement. Agents must send out "referral
slips" with each job. Agents cannot have a prison
record nor belong to "subversive societies." Agencies
cannot advertise without a "bona fide" job
order. Also, "theatrical employment agencies" must
provide talent with detailed and specific employment
contracts. Theatrical employment agencies must be bonded
in the amount of $5,000.
Contact either SAG or
the Attorney General or the State
of Illinois to determine if Kids.com broke the
law by charging a registration fee higher than the law
permits and if they are not licensed but have to be. If
they did exceed the limit, there is a good chance you have
a legal right to get your money back. Contact the Illinois
Department of Labor to file a complaint and find out if
Kids.com broke the law.
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