One person could have saved $450,000 from scammers

#1 Posted by Lydia, CluelessCrafter on September 1st, 2009 11:48 am | link

This mob mentality is shocking– sort of. I assume we all remember the Wal-Mart trampling this winter, a sad story about mindless, self-serving followers. I know why people don’t speak up. Every time I rock the boat, question the status quo, speak up in a silent room, I get death stares, a very uncomfortable response to self assertion that is good at making one (or me) question my position.

#2 Posted by Heather on September 1st, 2009 11:56 am | link

Damn. I use to work for the BBB and stuff like that happens everyday. We’d be on the local news weekly over the same scams, because they were ‘new’ to someone. I liked answering questions and helping people, but in the end, when people didn’t take responsibility, it was exhausting.

We all have to learn somehow, it’s sad that getting jaded happens, but sometimes if it makes someone else question what the he// is going on, then I think it’s worth it.

#3 Posted by Mary McRae on September 1st, 2009 12:06 pm | link

It’s a shame that people are so eager for fame and fortune that they’ll ignore what’s right in front of them. That they will suspend their disbelief in hope that it just might be true. I’ve been scammed myself – by a person I knew and trusted – which makes it all the more painful, but no matter how strong we think we are, we are all susceptible at some level.

#4 Posted by Charon on September 1st, 2009 1:27 pm | link

What has happened to us that the promise of fame and a television career makes us forget to use basic common sense when making a substantial investment?

What has happened to us that children are lined up like cattle to be “auditioned” for the promise of that same fame and television career?

What has happened to us that we have forgotten that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?

#5 Posted by cindy on September 1st, 2009 2:59 pm | link

It sure isn’t easy speaking up, but I can’t see not doing it. I did it twice at the Minnesota Fair yesterday and several people rolled their eyes and basically snapped at me, the other time I almost got myself a punch in the nose by a stranger.

The first item was noticing a few different posters that said “Oriental Torture” chamber and I said, “that’s racist” because to me, it was this promotion as though torture is an Asian or “Oriental” character trait and I was in the midst of all western, white cultural memorabilia and (mostly except a tiny bit of Native American mention and a little bit of German heritage mention). It was meant to be an observation sort of neutral but I should know better that to even mention the word racism usually gets people are riled up and defensive.

The second item was I walked up to a woman who was smoking like a chimney who was obviously pregnant and was also sort of puffing away directly into her child’s face in the stroller. I admit I wasn’t being loving and probably could have been much more balanced and compassionate. I was tired and that’s often a time when I’m not received well by others due tosome unaware shit I probably do. I asked her if she was pregnant and then she said yes, I said are you aware the cigarette smoke is harmful to your baby? Yes she said and I turned around and stomped about two feet away where I was waiting for my family to get off the big slide. Before I knew it her big friend was in my face with her pack of Marlboro’s as well. She told me to shut the f up. I said I could say whatever I want. She told me to get the f outta here. I said I’m not going anywhere. It was quite upsetting to me and I’m the one who started it. She finally left me alone and I admit my blood sugar crashed or something over this. But heck, and when my family asked me why I had to go and do that, my response was well at least her kids heard me stand up for the baby and I said also that mom won’t forget someone stood up to her smoking like that. She won’t ever forget I said that. I know that.

I’m one who says something, and maybe I could have saved the $450,000 yesterday if I had been there. ;)

#6 Posted by Samantha Joy on September 1st, 2009 3:07 pm | link

Why do you assume so much fear on the part of the people who were there? I can think of many possible motivators for the actions of everyone involved.

Also, I’ve Googled and I can only find one reference to what happened yesterday, and the person telling that story doesn’t sound reliable to me. Can you provide links or sources?

And @Charon: Nothing has “happened to us.” This is how people often are, how they have been, and how they will continue to be. Human nature hasn’t altered substantially.

#7 Posted by Nicole on September 1st, 2009 3:37 pm | link

When did it happen that everyone got so unbelievably stupid?

Considering the majority of people don’t read above a 6th grade level I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t comprehend half of what that contract even said.

#8 Posted by Michael on September 1st, 2009 5:05 pm | link

Been reading on Topix by some people who were there (some got scammed, some left). Most didn’t get hit for money right away. You get the hard sell during the “call backs,” which are under way right now.

As people post about it (like here), more are skipping the call back.

I posted a link to the BBB page about Be On TV – http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Be-on-TV-100083994

It includes information on how to get your money back, and the CA laws they are supposed to be operating under.

#9 Posted by Michael on September 1st, 2009 5:08 pm | link

Also, the people I’ve been reading kinda *knew* it was a scam. But – and this is the EVIL part of the scam – they’d sold the kids. Putting the parents in the position of telling their kids, “No, Honey. We can’t afford to make you a famous TV star.”

Apparently, the first ’screening’ is to weed out the people who really cannot afford it.

#10 Posted by JoVE on September 1st, 2009 6:28 pm | link

What has happened to us that 300 people want their kid to be a “star” so badly they are willing to stand in line in the hot sun and pay $1500?! Seriously. I really worry about celebrity culture.

#11 Posted by Barbara Martin on September 4th, 2009 7:29 pm | link

Show business is such a target for scams. And anxious parents and wannabe talented kids are prime victims. I don’t know why, but it seems like so many parents lose track of their common sense and are beguiled by the promises and stars in their eyes and once they are hooked, get seriously taken advantage of. Scamming is such a lucrative business, too. $1500 bucks is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s nothing compared to what many parents eventually end up shelling out before they realize what is happening! Maybe because we always want to believe that our child is the one in a million exception who will be discovered. I dunno. But I’ve seen it way too many times.

Any parent wanting to get their child into show business should check out the following highly respected informational web site. It is run by knowledgeable, caring, honest people who have themselves had kids in the business and who have your children’s best interest at heart. It is a non profit organization and the people who run it are volunteers. For the basics of getting started, use the drop down menu at this page:

http://www.bizparentz.org/gettingstarted.html

Keep in mind that solid advice makes it sound really tough to get your kid into Hollywood. That’s because it is tough. Buying your way in, or anything that sounds like a sure thing or too good to be true, probably is. Hold onto your checkbook and put down the credit card. Caveat emptor!!!

Hugs to everyone who may have been disappointed ….

#12 Posted by E! on September 23rd, 2009 1:55 pm | link

well…who are you to put a price tag on hope? You and many of your online idols (Steve Pavlina, the declutter goddesses, etc.) are all selling something (your thoughts, experiences, expertise, ‘how to live life’ tips, whatever), to the people who want to buy in to it. If they don’t, that’s fine, and if they do, hopefully they feel like they got their money’s worth.