Modeling agency found to have violated state law

The state Office of Consumer Protection won a $50,000 judgment against the John Robert Powers modeling agency, to resolve a complaint that the agency failed to comply with Hawaii sales law.

John Robert Powers’ parent company JRP International Inc. must pay $3,800 in restitution on behalf of a consumer, along with fines and penalties of $50,000.

The complaint in state court alleges that in October 2012 John Robert Powers solicited people to attend a talent-search audition at a Wai­kiki hotel. After the audition, the company collected "substantial sums of monies" from parents to have their children attend training classes consisting of five rehearsals and one agent showcase.

The state said the company violated the door-to-door sales law by failing to verbally inform parents of their right to cancel the contract within three business days and include a written Notice of Cancellation in its contract.

Anyone who signed a similar contract and believes they were not verbally informed or weren’t given the required written notice that they had the right to cancel may file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection at cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/consumer-complaint or by calling 586-2636.