Modelling agency warning (First Step Modelling / Distinctive Model Advice)

Cornucopia

jackielim wrote: »

A question on the small claims case: would it be possible to take an organisation that has not registered on Companies House through a Small Claims case? I am under the impression that in order to sue anyone, they must either be an individual or a business entity - however, FSM does not fall under any of these categories.

It's not lawful for an entity to trade in the UK without being a legally recognised entity type. However, looking at their website reveals scant information about who/what they are which is also bad practice (and could be an offence under the Business Names Act 1985). ISTR that members of the public can query company statuses directly with Companies House by phone, and that might be a good way to obtain reliable info on what the rules are, and what might be done to oblige FSM to comply.

A Who-is enquiry on their domain name reveals a <a name. with a registered address that looks like one of those Mailbox sites. Again, bad form for a serious trading company.

You could also discuss with your bank whether FSM's apparent lack of lawful status is in itself a trigger for the bank's fraud processes, and ask them for a chargeback (assuming that you paid using a Credit or Debit card from a UK bank).

Also, have a look at the ASA site - there are a number of complaints upheld {Text removed by MSE Investigator} and whilst the ASA cannot award you compensation, it does have the power to make advertisers/web publishers comply with the rules. I would have a look at some of the modelling complaints (search for "modelling" under Rulings), and then go through the Advertising (non-Broadcast) codes and tick off all the potential infractions for which you can provide reasonable evidence. There is no cost to making a complaint to the ASA.

Another complication regarding taking them to court is that I do not have any contractual evidence that they said that it is a requirement to have the photoshoot and the retouched images for the job application. They will probably just deny having made that statement as part of their sales tactic.

That seems quite likely, though in order for them to make that defence requires that they actually appear, and a lot of these small claims actions against companies are won by the consumer by default. The only issue then is how to claim your award from the Court from FSM - bailiffs etc.

What I do have is the job advertisement sent to my e-mail (see below) - having done some searches on it, I think it is likely to be fake as I cannot find any companies called Iconoclast that would do catalogues for Freemans, Jacamo, etc. Could they perhaps be asked to show evidence that they had actually applied for the job with the candidates' photos as part of the application?

//Job Advertisement via First Step Modelling//

Summer Catalogue

Company: Iconoclast
Catalogue : FREEMANS, JACAMO, LOOK AGAIN, PREMIER MAN
Production Type: Online
Location: Central London
Salary: £1200
Duration: 9th - 11th June
Closing Date: 05/06/17
Restrictions: Aged from 18 to 45
Production Details: We are shooting a series of films for the Spring/Summer Catalogues. These will be used on their websites, as well as in-store to promote their seasonal clothing.
Casting will take place beginning of June, with the shoot taking place on the 9th and 11th June, all in central London.

The rate of £1200 will cover three days shooting, and include usage for 18 months in-store and online worldwide.

The films will be comical and whimsical, with a very refined sense of style, and display the occasion wear and gifting offered during the summer season. Two will be produced, each 30 seconds in length.

Select a character
Fashion Models to represent clothing brands
Description: Male and Female, 18-45
Gender: Both
Min Age: 18
Max Age: 45

//End of Job Advert//

At this stage, anything to put pressure on them...

There is an Iconoclast Apparel registered in London, who could be a match.

I would add the eMail to your ASA complaint, if you make one, as I suspect that FSM would/will claim that it was a genuine advert, but to fulfill the requirements of the ASA they will need to show that they had a genuine opportunity on offer.

There are also some extra rules for Employment advertising which might come into play.

Jeff9ruls

They have mentioned that First Step Modelling is a platform. In this case you cannot do anything legally but remember you shouldn't use inviduals name and the addresses. It can lead you to troubles. Better way to do is contact trading standards they are the people who can go and deal with them.

KeithP

Jeff9ruls wrote: »

They have mentioned that First Step Modelling is a platform. In this case you cannot do anything legally but remember you shouldn't use inviduals name and the addresses. It can lead you to troubles. Better way to do is contact trading standards they are the people who can go and deal with them.

Is this the 'more information about everything' you promised us earlier?...

Jeff9ruls wrote: »

My brother is an expert in IT. I'll bring you more information about everything.

Cornucopia

Jeff9ruls wrote: »

They have mentioned that First Step Modelling is a platform. In this case you cannot do anything legally but remember you shouldn't use inviduals name and the addresses. It can lead you to troubles. Better way to do is contact trading standards they are the people who can go and deal with them.

All of the information quoted in this thread is already in the public domain, and obtained from sources intended to help the Public trace traders with whom they wish to "have a word".

It is FSM who would appear to be in breach of those principles (and probably the law) by making it difficult/impossible for consumers to trace them.

hollydays

Jeff9ruls wrote: »

They have mentioned that First Step Modelling is a platform. In this case you cannot do anything legally but remember you shouldn't use inviduals name and the addresses. It can lead you to troubles. Better way to do is contact trading standards they are the people who can go and deal with them.

Your not by any chance a Sri Lankan " photographer" / " graphic designer" are you
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/officers/JoouXBFWg9WWoW_6mu3k-KJYkiw/appointments

Director of venuslondon limited
( previous trading name majormodels limited)
Previous director of s & m fashion limited

And
Soko records limited
https://companycheck.co.uk/company/08281383/SOKO-RECORDS-LTD/companies-house-data

hollydays

Or are you this person
The other director of soko records limited who gets a mention here
https://neon-models.!!!!edconsumer.com/noen-models-ripped-me-off-1500-20140504485784.html

Who's a director of blue box studios limited

hollydays

Krypton studios
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/1298619/my-son-tried-to-commit-suicide-after-being-ripped-off-by-big-brothers-chelsea-singhs-scam-modelling-agency/amp/

" has been identified as a conman who preys on the hopes and dreams of people"
Big brother contestant

Jeff9ruls

I will be right back shortly with more info as you all wanted. I am the black african with black skin.

Jeff9ruls

Hey Dude, I am a african man with black skin.

POPPYOSCAR

I cannot believe these {Text removed by MSE Investigator} are still going on.

I know of someone that did this for their daughter.

How can people believe lines such as a casting director is flying over from America and is interested in using their daughter.

Then said appointment is cancelled because his flight was delayed.

Perhaps children should have lessons in school {Text removed by MSE Investigator} as so many people seem to fall for them.