THERE IS NO GREAT NEED FOR CHILD MODELS - March, 1973

Sep 21, 2026

A Better Business Bureau notice from March 1973 addresses common misconceptions about child modeling and warns parents about limited opportunities and misleading marketing by agencies charging enrollment fees. It explains that parents may be pushed to pay for photographs that end up unused, while prior government actions against similar agencies highlight deceptive practices. The issue also provides guidance on tax return preparation responsibility and outlines types of IRS assistance, plus reader Q&A on delivery charges, tobacco tax evasion, and furniture deposit disputes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

THERE IS NO GREAT NEED FOR CHILD MODELS

YOUR TAX RETURN:YOUALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT

There are several types of assistance available to you from the following:

READERS ASK US

1973,by The Better Business Bureau Vol.3,No.3 March,1973 # THERE IS NO GREAT NEED FOR CHILD MODELS There is no great and imperative need for child models,and if you're told there is,you'rebeing misled. The Better Business Bureau has received dozens of inquiries in the past few weeks fromparents who have received notices in the mail from American Model Service of 80-15164th Street,Jamaica,New York.A sample letter from a company representative read:“I need children tomodel for a New York agency for TV commercials and catalog advertising.I have been informedthat you have a child.As this need is great and imperative,may I suggest you call me as soon aspossible so that I may obtain the necessary information." While AMS does not imply that it is a model agency nor that it guarantees employment,you as a parent--and all parents are naturally vain about their children--could be misled about theopportunities existing for child models. "Many parents pay $125 for photographs that may just end up in a filing cabinet,becausethe truth is,the market for child models is an extremely limited one,"says Karl Lauby,managerof the financial department of the Better Business Bureau.S125 is the initial fee required by AMSat the time of enrollment. AMS is affiliated with a company of the same name in Chicago and Hollywood.In Augustof 1971,AMS in Chicago was the subject of an FTC consent order prohibiting it from usingdeceptive means to sell its services.As for AMS in Hollywood,the Los Angeles BBB reports that itwas the subject of a complaint by the California Attorney General seeking an injunction and civilpenalties for alleged misrepresentations. # YOUR TAX RETURN:YOUALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT Between now and April 16,almost six out of every 10 taxpayers(45,000,000 Americans)will have someone else prepare their Federal and State income tax returns,and in the process willspend some $700,000,000.Whomever you choose to prepare your return,though,you--and youalone-are responsible for it. The Internal Revenue Service suggests that taxpayers prepare their own returns.However,many persons have complicated financial situation3,and need the help of professionals.Noteveryone,unfortunately,has a tax situation that lends itself to a do-it-yourself approach. # There are several types of assistance available to you from the following: The IRS itself.If your income is less than $20,000 and you are taking the standarddeduction,you can mail your return and W-2 form to the IRS and they will compute your tax foryou.This year the IRS has increased its staff of experienced taxpayer assistance personnel.Thereare about 800 regular IRS offices in the country,as well as temporary offices in many municipalbuildings and large shopping centers. ●Practitioners.These are attorneys,CPAs,independent practicing accountants and enrolledagents.Practitioners are permitted to practice before the IRS as representatives of clients in casethe return is audited.Practioners-and this is important to keep in mind--are prohibited by codesof ethics from advertising their services. ●Preparers.The vast majority of them perform a reasonable service for a relatively small fee.Preparers may advertise.Contrary to what some preparers advertise,they may not represent youbefore the IRS in case of an audit.In the past,many taxpayers have been misled,deliberately orotherwise,concerning the services they could receive from preparers. No matter whom you choose,do choose carefully.Remember,no matter what,it's yourreturn. # READERS ASK US Dear Better Business Bureau, The store where I bought a sofa has added an extra charge to my bill.The delivery mensaid I would have to pay $25 when they come back a second time to hoist the sofa through mywindow-my door and elevators are too small.I think this is an expense the store shouldabsorb-after all,they do say in their ad that there will be no delivery charge. Waiting Dear Waiting, A statement such as no delivery charge applies t

FAQs

Why does the Better Business Bureau say there is no great need for child models?

It argues parents are being misled and that the market for child models is extremely limited, despite claims of urgent need. The BBB warns that agencies may push fees and arrangements based on misleading opportunities.

What does the guidance say about preparing a tax return?

Even if someone else prepares the return, the guidance emphasizes that the taxpayer alone is responsible. It also notes that the IRS suggests preparing returns yourself, depending on complexity and circumstances.

What should readers know about delivery charges and “no delivery charge” ads?

The response explains that “no delivery charge” typically applies to normal conditions, and that unusual requirements like hoisting a sofa through a window are not normal. It advises customers to measure carefully before purchase to avoid additional costs or return penalties.

Sep 21, 2026

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