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State looking into talent agency that left town

ATLANTA — Workers say they're struggling to pay their bills after an Atlanta talent agency abruptly closed its doors and left town.
 
Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh broke the story Tuesday about the families who say the agency duped them into spending thousands on marketing contracts.
 
Now the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection has launched an investigation after the story ran and several people called them with complaints.
 
"They owe me at least $4,500," says iTalent employee Tianna Dixon.

Dixon says modeling agency, iTalent hasn't paid her in more than a month.

Dixon doubts she'll ever see the money would have helped furnish her family's new apartment.

Channel 2 Action News began investigating iTalent after getting a tip from a dissatisfied customer.

Several clients say they spent thousands after iTalent promised to market them to major companies.
 
"Our customer engagement would be to stop and approach families and compliment their kids," Dixon says.
 
Dixon says she believed in what she was selling when she recruited families at malls across metro Atlanta.
 
As a location manager, she oversaw the mall-based recruiters.  
 
"So, basically it went like, 'Oh, your daughter's eyes are beautiful. Can I ask how old she is?" says recruiter Amber Dean. "Can I ask if you guys are interested in doing any modeling. I'd like to recommend her to do print ads."
 
Dean says iTalent owes her more than $1,000.
 
"We signed up probably on average 70 to 80 people and that's Monday through Sunday, not including weekends probably 100 people," says Dixon.
 
"Where's the money," Dixon asked. "It makes absolutely no sense to me."
 
Dixon can't get any answers. Neither can Kavanaugh. She called, emailed, and visited the iTalent office and has received no response.
 
"I came here to start over. I wanted to make a better life for myself," Dean says.
 
Workers believe the company is now planning to set up shop in Texas, possibly Austin.
 
The Georgia Office of Consumer Protection says even if the company has the left the state, it will investigate. People can also call the GOCP at 404-651-8600.