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Model shoot misery
A MODELLING agency which staged a test shoot in Sheffield has sparked controversy after scores of people splashed huge sums on photographs - including one widow who spent £975.
Habiba Yusuf, aged 59, shelled out after being told by Runway Models she would need to open a savings account for the fees her three beautiful daughters would soon be raking in.
She paid 325 for a portfolio for each and left the Mosborough Hall Hotel buoyed by hope.
But when her daughter did an internet search she realised she had made a terrible mistake.
The firm is notorious for taking money from would-be models and forwarding their details to other agencies which demand a second fee.
Runway insists it does not charge up-front introduction fees - which are illegal. But people who attended the session last weekend say they believed a portfolio of photographs was necessary.
Mrs Yusuf, of Heeley Green, Heeley, said: "I thought it was a lot of money but my daughters were pleading. I thought it would be good for my children."
Helen Hopwood, aged 25, of Manor, claims she was told a 325 portfolio was required to find work for her 18-month-old Jessica. Later a firm called Modelmodel.tv rang to say they had work for her son Ben, four, but there was a 99 registration fee.
Megan Childs, aged 21, of Jordanthorpe, went with her nephew Ben, aged one. She said they were not told the portfolio was needed to get on the books.
Roger Hartley of Parson Cross, believed he paid 325 to an agency and was assured daughter Xevia, aged five, would get "plenty of work".
The Star has details of eight more unhappy customers.
Habiba, Helen and Roger have received refunds.
ACTION
Runway Models scout Erik Chandler insisted they did not demand fees, candidates did not need expensive photos and the agencies they used were independent.
He said: "We are a legitimate model agency, not terrorists.
"We don't want people to be scared so we have made refunds."
Guarantee - but but how long will firm last?
Runway Models offers customers a refund if it fails to find them work within a year - but will the company be around that long?
Chief scout Erik Chandler has allegedly been linked to 18 other companies including 1st Class Trading, Hidden Faces, Hidden Talent, Model Factor and Celebrity Model Factor.
Campaigner Clive Hurst said: "Don't pay for anything up front. If an agency wants you they will take you on free of charge."
Runway Models is desperate to avoid bad publicity.
After its Sheffield shoot the firm made refunds after a call from The Star, and to people who returned to Mosborough Hall Hotel.
They were taken in to a separate room and refunded by workers to avoid a fuss in front of dozens of people who were streaming in.
Mr Chandler said people who wanted a refund should ring him on 07967 095372.
The firm is scheduled to appear the University of Cumbria in Lancaster this weekend.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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