ComplaintsforThe Photo Studio Group New York LLC

• Initial Complaint

  10/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company scammed me terribly. I signed an agreement with them to get some pictures done. However, the pictures never arrived. I then found out I had to pay $4,000.00 for those pictures - but I would only receive them after I paid the $4,000.00. Once I realized what happened, I contacted them about the whereabouts of my pictures. They had the audacity to send me an email that said "if you hire an attorney, they will tell you that you have no recourse..." Wow - what kind of crazy scam is this? English is not my first language; they presented me with an electronic agreement that I didn't understand. They rushed me to sign it. Now I'm on a "payment plan" for the next year, to the tune of $4,000.00 for a set of pictures. I hope the BBB sees all these complaints and realizes this is a scam being perpetrated on non-English speakers, young people and people who think they may have a shot in social media. Its really terrible these predators exist, and are able to keep stealing people's money on a "hope and a dream."

  Business response

  10/31/2024

  Dear ** ************************** you for reaching out to us via the BBB Platform.  I see that you are already in communication with our Manager, ****** and in the process of resolving this issue with your contract.  As stated, you have received all materials and we are also happy to set up a mentorship call upon reply and coordination with the manager and the specifics detailed in her email to you dated 10/30/2024. 
  
  Thank you, 
  ***** * * ******** ** ************ **** ****** 

• Initial Complaint

  09/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My name is *******************************, and I am filing a complaint against MAPS ******, located at **********************************************************************************. I entered into a service agreement with them on September 7, 2024.Description of the Problem:I entered into a contract with MAPS Boston for a service package that included website management and assistance with casting opportunities for a period of one year. According to the contract, MAPS Boston was to create and manage a website for me and provide information about casting opportunities. However, it says nowhere in the contract i will receive a domain for my website or emails with modeling castings. they pressured me into making a big payment. I paid $850 upfront and $3150 in payment plan for one year. Attempts to Resolve:I have contacted MAPS ****** via phone but they don't want to refund. Desired Resolution:I am requesting a full refund of the amount paid, as the services promised were not delivered. they promised me domain and castings but there are too many red flags in the contract to consider giving them my money.will provide contract with alot of discrepancies

  Business response

  09/12/2024

  Hello ******************, 

  Thank you for reaching out to us via the BBB.  I reviewed your account and see that you have been in contact with one of our representatives and he was able to assist you and gave you the details regarding the time frame and what to do next. Once you have spoken with a mentor I am confident you will see that we have a very clear process to assist you so you can move forward properly and safely in the industry. All the details regarding your efolio are detailed in the contract and I know *******, our Talent Consultant went over everything in great detail.  He has been with us for quite a long time and is lovely. 

  Thank you, warmly, ***** * **** ****** 

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  on 02/02/2024 This studio presented itself to me as a modeling agency. They in-fact are not a model agency. im still trying to understand what they actually do for their clients. upon coming to the studio for a photo shoot i was told that my photos were amazing and i had high potential in thus industry, after the shoot i was called into a room to meet with one of the executives, They presented me a argument which wasnt read to me , and vaguely explained to me , i wasnt not aware that i was signing a legal contract , my mother was there present and neither of us was able to read the contract i was told that all i had to do to receive bookings was to sign digitally and make a payment which i made of $710 & continually make a monthly payment of $233 ive made two payments after , i recognized that the lady who i meet with signed the contract herself as me ************ of america

  Business response

  05/20/2024

  Hello **************, 

  Kindly note you were fully aware we were not an agency and were explained what we do in detail, which you understood, signed and agreed to.  You were also fully aware that you were in a contract and hav* *eceived all your items.  Below please see communication you have had with our office. You have not made a payment in 2 months and we hav* *eached out to you, upon your call in to us you stated you were contacting the BBB - Not clear as to why you ar* *eaching out to us on this platform if you hav* *eceived everything, advised to call in for a mentorship call for us to assist you and you have not paid..... Perhaps you want to rescind your complaint as you are in default and we have done everything we agreed to and are providing you with additional time to catch up with your agreed upon payment.

  * * - 02/06/2024 15:47
  Photo ************* your images and model guide have been
  sent out. Expect it in your inbox or spam folder in 20 min.
  Please search "WeTransfer" in your email.

  *  * * 03/01/2024 12:19
  cousin called in asking about the package and what it
  consisted of. explained everything to her and what to do next
  once sh* *ecieves th* *est of her materials - AC

  * * - 03/06/2024 14:10
  Client called to update the card on file and to make a payment
  of $233.33 towards the balance.
  N  R - 03/13/2024 15:25
  Photo ************* Your website and Z Card have been sent
  out via email from ***********************************.
  Please check your inbox or spam.

  VH - 05/02/2024 13:04 sent 60 days notice

  * * - 05/13/2024 16:07 Called client in regards to the vm she left saying she wanted to make a payment, but once I spoke with her she was saying that she is going to contact the BBB and other organizations because she feels like she was scammed, I confirmed with her that we have sent her whole package to her already and that she still needs to setup her CC with a mentor but she plans on contacting us again once she is finished with her inquiries.

  AJ - 05/14/2024 12:23 ********************* May 9, 2024, 4:57?PM (5 days ago)to inquiries Hi this is ********************* im reaching out in regards to starting a payment plan with you guys that works for me thank you cell : 718-xxx-xxxx email: (client's em notated) FWD to billing. client has missed 2 payments so far.

  Credit Control. - A* * W - 05/14/2024 15:24 responded: Thank you for your email. We show you're currently on our longest financing option available and your next payment is scheduled to commence on June 2nd. Do you feel you'll be able to continue with your scheduled payments at that time?

  CW - 05/15/2024 10:15 client emailed: Hello No, I will not.

  CW responded: At this time, the studio will provide you with a final payment deferral, giving you until July 2nd to continue with your payment plan. We do hope this helps.

  C W - 05/20/2024 09:35 client emailed: Thank you for the clarification

• Initial Complaint

  04/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have on my credit report a debt collector trying to collect debt for the photo group llc for $3,500. First, I was never made aware that this was being sent to a debt collector. I went to have a photo taken that I was told was going to cost $350. I agreed to have my photos taken for this price. After my photos were taken, I was brought to an office where I was told I was so beautiful a d the only person picked that day and I could pay $500 for my photos taken instead of $350 or I could buy a package for $5,000 where they would make a website for me and get me jobs since they knew high up people. I said I could not afford it and only wanted my pictures. I was already paying more than was told, so I would have to use multiple cards. Be told me I could pay with a split card and had me sign a blank signture pad agreeing to the photo and to agree my card could be processed. I signed. I never received my photos, and now I am being charged for even more. My sister was an actual model, so I know this is a scam.

  Business response

  04/16/2024

  Dear ******************, 

  Thank you so much for finally reaching out.  We tried 6 separate times (December - through March) to reach you via phone, text and email in an attempt to see why you were not making your payments and work something out offering you options and several opportunities to contact us.   However, you never reach out to us directly or reply.  This is the first time you have communicated with us since you visited our studio.  Kindly note since none of your scheduled payments were made we were unable to forward your package.  All materials are digital and your contract stated in large print along side your signature that "I understand that goods will be received within 6 weeks of the final payments on the order being made" .

  We are a reputable photo studio providing aspiring models the opportunity to build a portfolio.  You had a successful photo shoot and were made fully aware of our packages, whereupon you decided on the model start package.  We would not have been able to move forward unless you were fully committed and provided all necessary information including a deposit.  Lastly, you confirmed that you understood the terms and were able to make the payments - kindly refer back to your contract for all details and refrain from stating we are a scam.  We entered into an agreement which you did not satisfy nor attempted to reach out to us (until this moment and by these means.) 

  I urge you to reach out directly *************************** and work something out with them. 

  Warmly, ***** *  * ****** *

   

   

  Customer response

  04/19/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  You guys pretend to be a modeling agency which you are not    You say you have connections to get jobs which you dont    You pressure people on the spot you do not give them a chance to decided   I have spoken with the high end modeling agencys my sister worked with as well as some of her friends that are still in modeling, acting and producing    A modeling consultant emails saying it is a trial shoot with a refundable $50 payment just to make sure we show up   I will be adding to the list of un happy people with your scam as well as adding to my TikTok with over ***** followers and telling the real modeling agencies about the scam and how you supposedly have a connection with them  I will do whatever it takes to make sure  no one else gets scammed by you guys since it looks like you are not going to agree to remove this ridiculous charge from my credit report    

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In September 2022, I visited MAPS Studio to inquire about the photo packages they provided and signed a contract with them. I was to be provided with photos, a website portfolio, digital z cards and access to modeling resources in exchange for $4000. I paid MAPS Studio $450 towards the $4000 and agreed to make monthly payments until the balance was paid in full. However, I was experiencing financial difficulties which prevented me from making the payments timely. The issue I now have is that, in April 2023, they sent my account to a collections agency who are asking for $3550. However, I did not and will not receive any of the above mentioned services. I do not agree with paying the full $4000 to settle a collection account when I will not receive what was promised in our contract. As I will not be receiving anything in return, I believe this is a violation of the terms of our contract on MAPS Studios part.

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  Hello *****,

  Please note we did attempt to resolve this with you on 2/1/23, 2/16 and again on 3/2/23  and did not receice any reply.  However, please note once you have finished your payments with ********* you will receive all you contracted for: Images, Website and Z-Card.  Once you have finalized the payments they will advise us by the end of that month and you will go into production. At that time your images and model guide will be forwarded within 2 - 3 business days via WeTransfer and your Website(e-folio) and Z-card will be composed and sent to you via email within 6 -8 weeks as stipulated in your original contract. 

  I hope this clarifies your concerns, 

  Thank you, ***** - MAPS Studio 

  Customer response

  03/26/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I dont want to get the Images, Website and Z-card. I cannot afford the monthly payments and I already payed $450 towards the package. Theres no need for me to pay for something I havent had access to and dont desire to and definitely cannot afford a payment of $295.83 monthly. Theres a collection on my report for a product I have not gotten benefits from. That being said I would like to dismiss this payments and get that report off my credit. 
  

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  Hello *****, 
  
  I am trying to assist you further.  Please check your email: ********************** for an email I have sent you regarding your BBB Complaint. You will need to respond to that email in order for me to further assist you. I also sent you a text alerting you to the email and left a voice mail.
  
  Thank you - ***** - MAPS STUDIO - ************

• Initial Complaint

  01/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  two and a half years ago i was with my ex boyfriend and he had been pushing and pushing for me to do modeling, after awhile i finally told him ill do it he found apex studio and we booked the session for $50. i had spoken with a man prior to this and till the day of going to the studio after the session i couldnt get ahold of him at all or even in contact at all. at first i couldnt even find the place because it wasnt even a real studio place. my boyfriend came along with me so he waited till i finished the photos afterwards they took us back in a office room and a lady had sat down and talked to us, she told us the photographer loved me and would love to do more work with me and all we would have to do is get things written up and signed. honestly i had no clue how that all works because i was new to all of this so as the lady is talking a mile a minute while i signed for the photos being done and getting a brochure of them, as i was trying to understand everything.she then tells us she needs a payment of $1000 to get everything started and get things moving i looked at my bf at the time and was astonished i didnt have that money on me at the time , i was 18 still at home i said the most i could do is $250 and asked is there anything i can do with that? she looked at me and flipped through things and said she could make something work but would need 400$ instead. i still couldnt but without asking my boyfriend gave her the money, she then asked me to sign saying he made a payment but apparently it was for a contract so ive heard while trying to figure out why im in debt for $4000. i heard nothing from them after so, no email, no phone call, nothing. i went through a very bad relationship with him which was over a year so had no clue this was in here and got nothing from them sayin so till debt collectors sent me something.*** been trying to build credit now and cant because i didnt know anything about this.please help me fix this i have no other way thanks

  Business response

  02/07/2024

  Hello *******,  I do see you entered into a contract and set up a payment plan, the details only show that it was set up under your name.  Our billing team reached out several times to work something out with you but there was no reply received nor any indication that you reached out to us at any time.  Please reach out to ********* at ************** so they can assist you further. 
  
  Thank you, ***** 

  Customer response

  02/08/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

  hello  im am very tired at this point with dealing with all of this excuse me french *******. ive just called that number and got no where i would like a hiring up number or a direct number to speak to someone that can help me and not help me set up a payment plan i will not pay anything when they have not called me, emailed or anything to let me know i had an ongoing contract of two years ! at this point i have one mind to go back all the way to this ****** studio and have them figure it out! no one helped me with anything expect trying to get my money when i dont even have the amount! i cant even get approved for a credit card to even find a way to manage a way to get money for them. to say you guys have contacted me is legit a whole lie and a half because ive showed multiple people to figure this out that i dont have anything from them not even the contract i signed till the collections sent it to me!

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Customer response

  02/20/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

  i have made contact with the studio already. weve spoken multiple times, no result. as for ******* that is my mother she had been with me through all of this she wasnt even there and they didnt even ask for her when i did all this. even the signatures dont even look real 

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  06/17/2024

  Dear ****************, 

  My records indicate that you have spoken with our billing team and all has been resolved.  Additionaly there are notations that you would be closing out any correspondence with the BBB as satisfied and resolved. 

  I am glad that our finance team was able to assist you. 

  Warmly* ****** **** ******

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Good day my name is ***************************** I received a debt collection notice(reference acct # *************** from your company in reference to APEX STUDIOS ( supposed acct # ********* of NEW YORK city. I want to start off by stating that Apex studios is a scam and after some extensive research after I was scammed it seems to be a well known scam.On March 8, 2022 I *************************** took my daughter *********************** to a scheduled $200-$300 us dollar photo shoot at the APEX STUDIOS *** location. Upon completion of the photo shoot my daughter and I was called into a private room by a **** STUDIO representative and was told that the photographer an (asian woman) whose name is unknown loved working with my daughter and that APEX STUDIOS would love to work with my daughter further for a charge of $3950 us dollars. I *************************** asked the rep if I could have some time to think about it and I was told no it had to be paid right at that moment or the offer was off the table.This offer was a promise of APEX STUDIOS providing a gold standard service of photos, portfolios modeling jobs at several brands and a handler that would provide all **** would need to be successful in the modeling business in exchange for a wopping $3950. Therefore as they prey on loving parents, I acted as one and gave APEX STUDIOS my CHASE credit card and submitted the payment of $3950 to the APEX STUDIOS rep.I want to state that from the moment me and my daughter walked out of that office we never heard from APEX STUDIOS again.I *************************** called the **** STUDIO company several times over the course of 4 weeks and not only was I not able to get in contact with the woman that took my payment or the gentleman that scheduled the initial photo shoot or any representative with any thorough information, but I also kept getting the run around until I gave up and realized due to extensive research and a massive amount of online reviews verifying my theory of fraud, that I was scammed by APEX STUDIOS out of $3950 us dollars.I called a random number in the company's number list and a woman picked up and heard my concerns and then told me that someone will be in contact with us.No one ever called us , mailed us, emailed us at all.I *************************** in a last resort to get my payment back from this fraudulent company called my credit card issuing company CHASE and explained to them that I had been scammed and all details of the transaction.The Chase credit card company reversed the payment and labeled it as fraud.I want to state that I ***************************** paid APEX STUDIOS for a service and even till this day, once my money was taken by APEX STUDIOS never heard from them again at all.The online complaints of fraud are all direct and similar in detail and APEX STUDIOS has been reported to the better business bureau and other authorities many times.I would like to state that not only was I *************************** and my daughter ********************* a victim of fraud and fake promises from the predatory company that is APEX STUDIOS but I am willing to go to the furthest extent in these proceedings and will not be paying or settling this dispute in any way, shape or form.for any further detail you can reach me at ************

  Business response

  11/08/2023

  Dear ****************, 

  This is such an unfair claim, kindly note you purchased a package and shy of a month after all services were provided (high quality digital images, website and digital z-card) you issued a dispute with your bank. This is truly a shame as your daughter is lovely and we beleive would have done very well with our guidance. We sadly had no recourse but to forward you to *********.   At this point you will need to contact them. 

  Warmly, Maddy - Apex Studio

  Customer response

  11/09/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  This response from Apex studios is felonious. I paid a $50 dollar deposit for a $399 photo shoot for my daughter. After the shoot was done we were taken into a private room and manipulated into giving Apex studios $3950( i ask for time to think about it they said it was now or never) I was promised in exchange for $3950 , modeling jobs for my daughter from several companies, a personal handler and a portfolio and website visuals with my daughter. after Apex studios got my money I literally never heard from them again and could get in contact with nobody i previously spoke to. with this I am sending proof of the initial $50 dollar deposit 

  Apex is now saying I Paid $3950 for pictures. why would i pay $3950 for pictures when i already paid a $50 dollar deposit on them for an agreed fee of $399. 

   

  this is a scam and the complaints on the bbb website are all similar.

  I was also told by the collection agency that it doesnt matter what the Apex promised me and my daughter, the contract says that we only paid for pictures. 

   

  why would i pay 10 times the agreed upon fee 

   

  All of the consumer complaints about **** studios ,,,online and on the bbb website are exactly the same as my complaint 

   

   

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  11/14/2023

  **************, 

  You will need to reach out to ********* and work this out with them.  

  Warmly, Maddy - Apex Studio 

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This place took over $4000 from a 22 year old girl. This place praise on young girls hopes and dreams the inside is extremely dirty warned down. The photographer that showed up that day look like he had been doing drugs all night. I am extremely displeased that it has come to this Ive tried many civil attempts to retain my money from set and individual. I was promised so they be able to be guided by ***** throughout the whole process who mysteriously said we could never speak to her after she took the money red flag number three. Extremely high pressure sales. We notified them within a three day business rule of ************** cooling down. We literally notify them the next day my immediate request is that full money is returned. $4500 I do not want to pay for subpar photos that look like they were taken by a 10-year-old . I spent a lot of money going down to ************* and getting this all set up correctly including hotel accommodations taking time off from work. Save your money and go to a legitimate firm this place is nothing other than a con artist running under multiple names. The woman named ***** who removed her name and said she doesnt put it on it because people dont like the name *****? Maybe some other people should start digging about who ***** is it looks like she has an identity change going back a couple years in **********. I would request a full refund in full travel expenses reimbursed. Ive to include in my hotel stay my missed time from work. It is one thing to be a legitimate business but it is another to be a con artist save your money and go elsewhere. I have submitted the claim that I stopped the dispute with my bank as per the request and they have still not returned the money . Please do some homework before spending money with these people

  Business response

  09/14/2023

  Hello **************, 
  Thank you for your email. We are unable to locate an account under your name or phone number.  You email is a noreply so was unable to search our client list. Kindly note all of our creative team are professional and we have never had an incident nor would we have anyone in our studio under the influence.  However, we would like to see what the actual issue is so please reach out to us directly at  ******************* - we have staff available to assist Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm or email ** at ****************************************

  Thank you, *****

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ****************** is a complete scam. I found them on Instagram and they told me to come in to help me prepare a modeling career for a plus size agency like Torrid. I paid to come in for a photo shoot and what they considered to be makeup. It was the worst experience and nothing about it was professional, not even the photos. They scammed me into buying this set of photos for a chance to get modeling gigs. The pictures were awful and were not even edited. It was embarrassing. I refuse to pay and now they are trying to charge me a ruin my credit. The place was in ******** and the agency on my credit report is listed In **********. They also have three locations in **.., strange!

  Business response

  05/15/2023

  Dear *******************,

  You were very satisfied with the images and makeup - otherwise you would not have entered into a contract - and you confirmed by signing on the contract that:  "I confrim that I am happy with the quality of the images purchased today".  We have given you a variety of options to reduce your commitment but have found you to be unresponsive.  Our latest attempt to resolve this was on September 16, 2022 (after more than 2 months of trying to reach you).

  At this time you will need to work something out with ********* - I urge you to reach out to them.

  Thank you,  **************;

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was contacted by a representative from apex informing me of my great look and that the photo shoot was free I just needed to put a deposit of 50 to ensure my attendance but I would get my money back. He continues to say if Im a good fit they can get me modeling opportunities but I would have to pay $399 for the access their contact and continual work with them. The day of the photo shoot I am rushed into signing a contract worth $4000. I explained that I needed to talk with my husband first he goes to say that I couldnt leave without signing or my photos would be deleted but I had 72 hours for cancellation. I left the studio feeling uneasy because I felt forced and I was not allowed to read the formed I signed. I went home and researched the company and I realized that this is their business plan of taking peoples money and forcing them into a contract that they can not cancel. I went home and wrote a email requesting a refund and because I requested the refund within ************************************************************** my money back. They have been threatening to take me to collections, asking me to retract my dispute with my credit card company. I need them to be honest with their customers from the beginning.

  Business response

  05/08/2023

  .Dear ***************, 

  I have seen that you are in the process of resolving this issue with our Manager, ***********; Kindly reply to her last email so we can finalizeall the details.

  Thanking you in advance, 

  M ****** - Apex Studio 

   

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩