"Free Makeover" - A Scam??

[Deleted User]

My girlfriend has just been called by some company (I didn't get the name) telling her that someone she knows has nominated her as one of their "top 4 friends", and so she's entitled to a free makeover and photoshoot.

It turns out her friend went along to one of these, and spent around £1000 on photos - but my gf still says "well, it's still a free makeover...".

She's awful with money, and rather naive too - is she going to get scammed if she goes for it? What should I tell her?

ThinkingOfLinking

You do not have to buy anything but they will do the hard sell and try really hard to pressure you into buying more photos. They also offer to edit the pics etc for extra money, frame them for extra, sell you the makep they used on you etc etc. JUst be strong and remember NO MEANS NO!! It is a good day out and I'd still go, just leave CCs/cash at home. You should get 1 free print or pic on CD.

grannybiker

Am guessing this is Olan Mills.
They'll offer you a free make-over which involves them applying very thick, pan-cake make-up & heavy eye painting. Then they'll spray loads of sticky hair spray in your hair to keep it up before making you wear a hideous, flesh coloured boob-tube affair. This helps them pin swatches of fabric around you to look as if you're wearing a ball-gown, or feather boas, pearls, leather jackets etc.
Guess whether I've had one...?! To be honest, it's hardly a look you're going to want to reproduce at home, although it does make for good photos.
When you go back for your viewing, the hard sell begins. They'll flatter you about how gorgeous / sexy you look and how your partner will love them. You say she's rather naive about money. Oh dear, but it gets worse... If you go with her, you'll be made to feel like you think she looks like a dog in them if you discourage her from buying!
It may be sold to you as a fun thing to do, but personally I can think of better ways to waste an hour or so!

cannygal

Hi - I did something similar with my best mate a while ago with a company called new id. We had our make-up done and could take several changes of clothes. The make-up was a little heavier than my usual taste (!) but it looked quite nice on the pic. There was even a free photo thrown in. We had to be VERY firm at the end when they tried the 'hard sell'. But we left having paid nothing and we each got a nice photo of ourselves.

candyfloss333

No,No, don't let your gf. fall for this old trick, it's been doing the rounds under various guises for at least 20 yrs, (ie. I'll make you a model, you only have to pay for the pics!)