Transcript for the Piece Audio version of Modeling Scam

AMBIENT TESTIFYING

NARRATION: Carolina Rodriquez spent more than 600 dollars at what she thought
was a well-known modeling agency after her daughter expressed interest in
a career on the catwalk.

ACTUALITY: "I'm very upset because they seem to prey on children ... They
brought the idea to her."

NARRATION: Rodriguez and her daughter are not alone. Thousands across the
country have spent thousands of dollars -- sometimes their entire life savings
-- to become a part of what they thought was Wilhelmina, a talent agency
also associated with N'Sync and the Backstreet Boys. Instead, they signed
up with a company called Wilhelmina Scouting Network, a scam agency.

NARRATION: Wilhelmina is now suing to get their name back and the scam company
closed its largest office in Manhattan this week. But Consumer Protection
board spokesman Jon Sorensen says there's still long way to go.

ACTUALITY: "If you've got it in your pocket, they are after it."

NARRATION: Several legislators and the Federal Trade Commission are also involved in making people aware of the scam and encouraging victims to file complaints.

NARRATION: Jennifer Neeley for Columbia Radio News.