Neon models modelling agency direct debit help!!!

A question about : Neon models modelling agency direct debit help!!!

Hi guys,

I'm currently a student. I always wanted to become a model so last month I applied to this modelling agency neon models. I was very surprised they called me the very next day saying I'm selected to become a model. I couldn't believe it. But then they asked me for a Ј50 deposit to come and visit their studios for a free photoshoot. When I asked them they said it is free but after the photoshoot they asked me Ј899 for a portfolio. I'm a student and I dont have that kind of money but after pushing me for a long time the sales person offered me a package for Ј500 and we setup a direct debit to pay Ј50 every month for 9 months (minus my Ј50 booking fee) but right now I'm going through a really bad times and having to pay bills I'm finding it very hard to pay this money. I called their studios (krypton studios) and they said I have to pay or my credit will be messedup by debit collection. I'm so upset over this and earn very little money. I know i was stupid to sign up to this? Has anyone been through this situation before? How can i cancel this? I'm worried this might ruin my future. Has anyone been through the same situation before with neon models in london?

Best answers:

• https://neonmodelsscam.blogspot.co.uk...s-is-scam.html
  No modelling agency should be taking fees to represent you "up front" - any money they make should be a 'cut' from the fees you earn from modelling work.
  Sorry, I don't know about getting your money back.
• As GN says.
  I don't strictly work in modelling, but we share a model of paying everything, then taking a commission from profit afterwards.
• As already said, a genuine modelling agency will not ask for any money upfront, then take a percentage of money you earn from shoots.
  A good model wouldn't be a risk so no upfront charges required.
  Essentially, you have paid for a photoshoot and some prints to out in a folder.
  Have you signed any form of contract?
  Have they guarenteed any work?
  Did they mention the name of any clients they work with or got their clients work with.
  Unless you can prove they lied about something, then you'll have to pay.
  At least make sure the photos are good!
• Neon models/ vanilla models
  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=5064260
  Bumped this..
• Vanity, gullibility = easy money!
• Two issues:
  Stopping the payments is easy: simply tell your bank not to give them any more money. However, the 'agency' will argue that you still owe them the money and so have to pay it by a different methods, and could issue court proceedings against you. They will only do so if they think that you have the money to pay, so a first step would be to plead poverty.
  If the case were to come to court it would be under the 'small claims' track, where the judge uses common sense to settle disputes rather than the technicalities of the law. Two issues that would be relevant: were you tricked into agreeing to pay five hundred pounds for some photographs? Were you led to believe that this would lead to modelling commissions when in fact it was just a one-off order? If so, the judge might rule that the contract was void. A second issue is that of value-for-money: the judge might rule that the fee was not reasonable for the service provided, and reduce the amount you have to pay to a figure that is fair to both sides.