Sherra Lsg
map-marker Dallas, Texas

UNISTAR TALENT IS A SCAM!

MY GOAL: To save at least one unsuspecting person their hard earned money, because I obviously wasted mine. LONG READ, BUT IN A NUTSHELL: ELENA HUMPHRIES AND HER COMPANY UNISTAR TALENT (WHICH ENTAILS STEVE HUMPHRIES AND LISA STANLEY) WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY, AND YOU’LL BE LUCKY IF YOU HEAR FROM THEM AGAIN AFTER THAT. IF YOU DO FINALLY GET A HOLD OF HER (possibly by email), BE PREPARED FOR HER TO TALK IN CIRCLES OR GIVE YOU SOME INVALID EXCUSE FOR WHY SHE HASN’T DONE ANYTHING FOR YOU AND WHY YOU HAVEN’T PHYSICALLY RECEIVED YOUR PHOTOS AND COMP CARDS THAT YOU PAID FOR. IN MY OPINION, SHE AND HER COMPANY ARE EXTREMELY FRAUDULENT!!!! I signed with Elena Humphries, last January 2011, after seeing a Craigslist ad she posted looking for talent, because she was launching her so called talent agency (Unistar Talent) and needed clients, or victims. Prior to signing, I’ve done research on the web that said if a talent agency ever asks you for money upfront and/or advertises for clientele on the web, that it is most likely a fraud like One Source Talent, Explore Talent, John Casa Blanca and Barbizon Modeling School and so on. However, I took the chance to go in and meet with her to see what she had to say, after I submitted a few photos that she claimed she liked. She told me I was photogenic and I asked her extensive questions to try to determine if she was legit or not because since this was a very new company there wasn’t any information on the web or BBB so it was hard for me decipher. She also claimed that she was a former international model, but I couldn’t really find any supporting information on that as well. Based on her responses it seemed that she could very well be legit, but I knew that I wouldn’t really be able to tell until I signed with her and worked with her company. Only time would tell. Well folks, time has truly spoken. She is extremely unprofessional. Once she takes your $1,100 or any sum of money for the so called photo shoot (or $700 like Hickster says) be prepared for a serious drop in communication from her and if you are lucky enough to reach her she’ll give you nonsensical excuses. She rarely responded to my emails after months and weeks of trying to contact her. I also received no response to phone calls or voicemails, so I could get updates. The photos I paid $1,100 for were very subpar, and I have taken photos by cheaper photographers that came out much better. Moreover, I’ve never even seen or received my printed comp cards or portfolio book she claimed that my money was designated for. This leads me to strongly believe that she has misappropriated or pocketed my funds. Additionally, within the past year not only has she done consistently well at acquiring an F rating with the BBB (she currently has a C+), but she’s also honed her skills at switching offices constantly. She has been in 4 different offices in the past year. What legit business do you know switches offices so often, and I was only informed of one move. I found out about her third move by driving down to her office building because she was not responding to my communication attempts and the woman at the front desk informed me that they had moved. I wasn’t surprised. My advice is please don’t waste your money. My experience with her company and unprofessionalism has been horrid. When you look for a talent agency, look for legit ones and focus on companies that already have a history with the BBB or at least ratings on the internet, so you can determine whether it’s worth signing or a fraud. If the company post online for clients or ask for money upfront, run the other away. Legit and established agencies like Kim Dawson would never post online for clients, because they know how to get them. Elena simply wanted my money, and hasn’t delivered anything since. I haven’t been on at least one audition to see if I can book a job, and she has provided me with no legit information to prove that she has been working on submitting me for castings. I mean you can’t even really get in contact with her, most likely because she’s busy moving offices ever chance she gets, hanging up on you when you call her cell phone because she claims there’s static and she can’t hear you, flying back and forth between her home country and the U.S. and setting up fake photo shoots so she can take your money…..basically everything but actually doing work for her clients and maintaining a good reputation. I am extremely disgusted by her behavior and lack of business ethics. The good reviews she posted on the site and others as a rebuttal to hickster, I believe are all manufactured by her or her associates to try to create a positive image, so she can continue to take people’s money.
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Loss:
$1100
2 comments
Guest

Yeah, me too! I paid 450.00 and haven't seen anything.

I didn't expect too much, I guess, but I also didn't expect to see so many others with the same problem. What should we do?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-612556

File complaints with the BBB, Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission. Try to file a police report against them for theft.

And file a civil lawsuit against them for a refund of your stolen money plus you court fees and expenses. I'm sure many of the others who have been scammed too would love to join in on a lawsuit with you!

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Jessica Z Uxg
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Unistar Treated Me Great!

I had never modeled before but was always told by my friends that I had the look. I contact Elena at Unistar Talent and we met. I didn't have any professional pictures. She told me that she thought I had potential but wanted me to have some good quality pics done so she could make a final determination. I have a friend that is a professional photographer and she took several pics of me. I met with Elena again showed her my pics and she offered to sign me. I was hesitant since this was a new agency. In August I signed and am very please thus far. We did a private on-location photo shoot and my pictures came out great and my comp cards are even better. I've already been on several casting, but no work as of yet :) - I would like to thank Elena for her help in getting me into the business.
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4 comments
Sherra Lsg

its a scam. don't waste your money.

they'll take it and run by switching offices every chance they get so you have a hard time reaching them. they won't respond to emails or calls either. and don't deliver what you paid for. save your money and look for a real talent agency.

do your research. they stole $1,100 from me!

they usually have an F rating on the BBB site. Right now it's a D+, but it will most likely go back to its usual F soon.

Sherra Lsg

also i made a typo in my original post. the company currently has a D+ rating with the BBB and I'm sure it'll fall back into their typical category of being F rated which has been its rating consistently for a year.

Sherra Lsg

That commenter is most likely fictitious. It seems to me that they create their own reviews to present themselves in a positive light, ]so that they can probably continue to scam people. But the company is fraudelent in my opinion and stole my money.

Guest

Seriously, you recommend them?

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Anonymous
map-marker Dallas, Texas

I Have No Problem with UniStar

I've seen some of the negative reviews that have been posted by "Hickster" and the same postings under other names across the internet. Obviously this person has a vendetta against the agency as this has been a organized effort to defame the agency. While things haven't gone as smoothly as I expected all in all I am satisfied with the agency and their efforts. I modeled in St. Louis where I grew up and I joined Unistar back in March after moving to Dallas. I didn't get my photo shoot until June, partly my fault because of scheduling. Then I finally got my comp cards in September. So far I've been on a number of castings and got my first job in October for a local magazine layout. This is tough business and very competitive. Every model is different and has a different look and it's up to a casting agent to pick you - it's one in a 1000 chance. My agency in St. Louis would submit my e-card and would only get call backs on about 5% of submissions. My first year in St. Louis I got no work, because I did not have experience. So I am very thankful of what Unistar has been able to get me so far.
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3 comments
Guest

Oh I'm sure their numerous bad reviews and bad ratings have shut down this *** company already! I wouldn't do any kind of business with anyone involved with this company at all or anything else they are affiliated with.

Guest

As a one time vendor for this company I have to say that I am sorely disaappointed in them as well. I am still trying to collect on an invoice to no avail.

They ignore email and voicemail, say they have mailed the check which never shows up, are always "away on business". Seriously, they need to be shut down.

Sherra Lsg

this company is such a scam. do your research.

if you waste your money on them....then that's your problem. believe me...you won't hear from them or see anything from them as well once they snatch that cash out of your hand.

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gemill B
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Unistar Talent Agency

Unistar Agency appears to be very similar to One Source Talent who simply charges a comp card fee and never delivers the comp card nor any bookings or follow up. I have been so-called signed for almost a year with no bookings, no photos, and too many unanswered emails! Please be careful. I would work only with Core Talent, Horne, Dawson, and some of the other more established firms in lieu of these smaller unverifiable firms. I can verify that as a client, I am completely dissatisfied and have seen no results despite their claims that I am highly marketable. http://www.unistartalent.com Elena Humphries Steve Humpries Lisa Stanley
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Loss:
$700
35 comments
Guest

The Humphries live in a nice home, guess Elena ripped enough

people/us off to keep the house in 2012 while her husband Steven was in prison for fraud.. Yup...

I think its 5409 Walden Drive in Plano. or 5904? I followed her after she wouldn't respond to me and she took $1200 of my hard earned money. Its the third house on the left.

Anyway, filed all my complaints and sent certified mail to their home that year, but nothing! Surprise, Surprise!! Someone needs to do something about this.

I'm disguisted with them.

Guest

After reviewing other sites for complaints... I've noticed the positive reviews are posted within minutes of each other!

Obviously the company doing so. You'll also notice there have been no updates on the website itself or the Facebook page. Lisa stated to me that there has been nothing new to update, which is a complete lie seeing as they have signed more models since and have supposedly taken photos.

It's an obvious scam and if you're seeing this you have either had an issue or are considering signing. If its the latter of the two I suggest you look for another agency!

Guest

I too signed with Unistar Talent. Before I signed any contract I did my research, unfortunately this was months ago and well before any of this helpful information was posted. I received 2 shoots for my comp cards and I DID in fact receive my cards, months later and after many threats. I had recieved 1 casting in my entire 8 months of being signed. Despite having recieved those things, this company is still a scam. You have to fight tooth and nail to get any reply back from them, unless of course it involves you paying them. I personally know 4 other models also signed with them that have not been so lucky to recieve their comp cards. I am in the works of legal action, even if I can't do a thing because I have recieved my cards, I would like to help those that haven't. They have jumped around to many different office locations and it is difficult to find them but if you have been scammed by them, you must fight back!

Steven Humphries is a convicted criminal in the state of Florida for a Ponzi scheme. And while Elena may seem like a sweet person, they are only out for your money.

I do not suggest trusting them if you have no signed but have been contacted by them and I do suggest looking into legal action if you have been scammed. I am looking to make this a subject for all news and media outlets and don't plan to stop until the world is aware. Be careful!!!

Guest

I just wanted to inform the public that I no longer work with Unistar Talent Agency, since they failed to follow through with their written promises, such as giving me my printed photos (portfolio/comp card) that I paid them over a grand for! And although I have told them to remove my images/name from their websites/products, it is still posted there.

I'm assuming that they don't want to remove images of individuals they no longer work with, due to the fraud that I and others have experienced from them, because they probably would have no one left on their so called "talent" website if they did so! They are a FRAUD! If you choose to work with them after seeing their negative rating of a D on the BBB website, and all these negative reviews plastered all over the web from former/or current clients that have experienced their fraudulent behavior and business practices, then you're silly! Enter at your own risk!

But don't be surprised if and when they take your money and don't deliver you photos and from what another individual stated, even a photo shoot! They will deposit your money immediately the same day to make sure they have it (that's what they did with mine), and you don't have to wait too long after that for the serious decline in communication! You'll be chasing them all the time for answers (about why they haven't followed through with all their promises), and believe me they'll try their best to avoid and run away from you as fast as they can because they are full of *** and only about your money! Don't waste your time and most importantly your money on this fake, slimy, fraudulent company!

And always do thorough research before you invest in any kind of business (especially a talent agency) that doesn't have a history or good ratings and reviews with consumer protection agencies (BBB, ATTORNEY GENERAL, LICENSING BOARD, ETC) and consumers in general! Thoroughly check everything from the company to the people that actually own the company and the individuals they employ or are affiliated with! You may learn a lot without even knowing much about the company yet! In my opinion (formed from my own horrible experience with Unistar Talent Agency) the company is SHADY and run by liars and scammers!

I wish I had the opportunity to read all these reviews before I wasted my money and time on this WACK company. I would have DEFINITELY AVOIDED THEM, just as much as they have avoided giving me legit answers and returning my WASTED money!

Guest

I just wanted to inform the public that I no longer work with Unistar Talent Agency, since they failed to follow through with their written promises, such as giving me my printed photos (portfolio/comp card) that I paid them over a grand for! And although I have told them to remove my images/name from their websites/products, it is still posted there.

I'm assuming that they don't want to remove images of individuals they no longer work with, due to the fraud that I and others have experienced from them, because they probably would have no one left on their so called "talent" website if they did so! They are a FRAUD! If you choose to work with them after seeing their negative rating of a D (previously an F) on the BBB website, and all these negative reviews plastered all over the web from former/or current clients that have experienced their fraudulent behavior and business practices, then you're silly! Enter at your own risk!

But don't be surprised if and when they take your money and don't deliver you photos and from what another individual stated, even a photo shoot! They will deposit your money immediately the same day to make sure they have it (that's what they did with mine), and you don't have to wait too long after that for the serious decline in communication! You'll be chasing them all the time for answers (about why they haven't followed through with all their promises), and believe me they'll try their best to avoid and run away from you as fast as they can because they are full of *** and only about your money! Don't waste your time and most importantly your money on this fake, slimy, fraudulent company!

And always do thorough research before you invest in any kind of business (especially a talent agency) that doesn't have a history or good ratings and reviews with consumer protection agencies (BBB, ATTORNEY GENERAL, LICENSING BOARD, ETC) and consumers in general! Thoroughly check everything from the company to the people that actually own the company and the individuals they employ or are affiliated with! You may learn a lot without even knowing much about the company yet! In my opinion (formed from my own horrible experience with Unistar Talent Agency) the company is SHADY and run by liars and scammers!

I wish I had the opportunity to read all these reviews before I wasted my money and time on this WACK company. I would have DEFINITELY AVOIDED THEM, just as much as they have avoided giving me legit answers and returning my WASTED money!

Sherra Lsg

its a scam. don't waste your money.

they'll take it and run by switching offices every chance they get so you have a hard time reaching them. they won't respond to emails or calls either. and don't deliver what you paid for. save your money and look for a real talent agency.

do your research. they stole $1,100 from me! they usually have an F rating on the BBB site. Right now it's a D+, but it will most likely go back to its usual F soon.

Sickntired, THANK YOU! I feel the same way!

Guest

All these so called positive comments are fake and being posted by one person. Unistar talent is a SCAM!

Karma will come around to you!! Do not give these people money!

Guest

I have the agree with the negative comments. I too have had many issues with this

"agency" and quite honestly it seems that the attacks on GenMil are being posted by the same person just using different screen names. This company is a scam, and you will not get any work out of them just an empty wallet.

Guest

For Potential Model/Actresses:

There are many corrupt agencies in the US. Unfortunately, if it is your first time, you may find out the hard way and be taken advantage of. Texas at one time was regulated however it is now an unlicensed business meaning anyone can open a talent agency.

Here are some red flags and helpful tips:

An agency who dictates which photographer you may use or makes you prepay for photos.

(NEVER prepay for anything and exercise caution to an agency who does request you pay them directly.)

Demand names and contact information and contract for photographer and printer so you may be in direct contact with both should an issue arise.

Research the company before signing any contract. Look at sources such as Better Business ( Look for A-B+ ratings only),contact other talent agents for advice, ask for client testimonials.

In response to timing and how long it should take to receive comp cards it should only take several weeks to test, edit the photo shoot, get prints made at the photo lab, send off for your composite card and have them returned, printed, to the model.

Anything longer than this again is highly questionable.

Any reputable agency will address concerns, schedule meetings, and be responsive.

If an agency fails to meet your expectations or fails to produce composites as promised, demand your money back from the agency.

DO TAKE ACTION

Often times people are embarrassed or still hopeful that their agency will act accordingly. If you are victim and lost money due to unscrupulous business practices, you do have rights. We urge you to exercise those rights so others will not be harmed.

1.) Demand a refund from your agency, if that fails,

2.) File a Better Business Bureau report,

One thing to consider about the Better Business Bureau though is that they do not have the government control to force a company to do actually resolve or refund anything, they act as a "mediator" and will report open cases for consumer review. It does help illustrate a pattern and will aide you in filing and pursuit of other legal options if a company has repeated patterns of unscrupulous business practice.

3.Contact your attorney or the Attorney General’s office in your state and report your case to The Licensing and Regulation Board.

4. File a Police report for theft in the county in which the business operates.

5. Simple civil litigation, civil or small claims

6. File a consumer class action lawsuit

A single person who has been injured may bring a class action on behalf of everyone who has been harmed. It is common, however, after the action has been started for many other injured people to join the class suit. In some situations, there may be a minimum number of class members specified by law in order for the lawsuit to proceed as a class action. Contact a civil attorney in your area for more information.

Guest

For Potential Model/Actresses:

There are many corrupt agencies in the US. Unfortunately, if it is your first time, you may find out the hard way and be taken advantage of. Texas at one time was regulated however it is now an unlicensed business meaning anyone can open a talent agency.

Here are some red flags and helpful tips:

An agency who dictates which photographer you may use or makes you prepay for photos.

(NEVER prepay for anything and exercise caution to an agency who does request you pay them directly.)

Demand names and contact information and contract for photographer and printer so you may be in direct contact with both should an issue arise.

Research the company before signing any contract. Look at sources such as Better Business ( Look for A-B+ ratings only),contact other talent agents for advice, ask for client testimonials.

In response to timing and how long it should take to receive comp cards it should only take several weeks to test, edit the photo shoot, get prints made at the photo lab, send off for your composite card and have them returned, printed, to the model.

Anything longer than this again is highly questionable.

Any reputable agency will address concerns, schedule meetings, and be responsive.

If an agency fails to meet your expectations or fails to produce composites as promised, demand your money back from the agency.

DO TAKE ACTION

Often times people are embarrassed or still hopeful that their agency will act accordingly. If you are victim and lost money due to unscrupulous business practices, you do have rights. We urge you to exercise those rights so others will not be harmed.

1.) Demand a refund from your agency, if that fails,

2.) File a Better Business Bureau report,

One thing to consider about the Better Business Bureau though is that they do not have the government control to force a company to do actually resolve or refund anything, they act as a "mediator" and will report open cases for consumer review. It does help illustrate a pattern and will aide you in filing and pursuit of other legal options if a company has repeated patterns of unscrupulous business practice.

3.Contact your attorney or the Attorney General’s office in your state and report your case to The Licensing and Regulation Board.

4. File a Police report for theft in the county in which the business operates.

5. Simple civil litigation, civil or small claims

6. File a consumer class action lawsuit

A single person who has been injured may bring a class action on behalf of everyone who has been harmed. It is common, however, after the action has been started for many other injured people to join the class suit. In some situations, there may be a minimum number of class members specified by law in order for the lawsuit to proceed as a class action. Contact a civil attorney in your area for more information.

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