Nine9 talent group draws complaints over fees and unexpected texts

Nine9, a talent group in Troy, Michigan, is drawing complaints from people who expected an audition and got a sales pitch instead. One report says a Detroit applicant was pitched a $450 sign-up fee. A Glassdoor review describes a $39.99 monthly fee after an online presentation. No court or regulator ruling was found, so these are complaints, not a verdict.

What people report

Nine9 also goes by Nine9 The Unagency. The reports come from WXYZ, a Glassdoor review, comments on 800notes, an FTC alert and Atlanta News First. None describes a download or a program on your computer. It is a paid pitch, not an infection.

Separately, commenters on 800notes describe unexpected texts inviting people to a virtual open call at set times. The texts carry no name, no company and no personal greeting. Whether they come from Nine9, a marketing partner or someone borrowing the name has not been established.

What is not known

No regulator, court or security company was found calling Nine9 a scam. The pattern people describe matches one the FTC warns about, but intent cannot be proved, and the owner disputes the label. No loss figure is confirmed. It is also unclear how common the complaints are or what the company does today.

What to do

If a casting text arrives, do not use the number or link in it. Search for the company's own website, find a phone number there and ask whether the open call exists. If the company cannot confirm it, you have your answer.

• Do not reply to unknown senders, even to say no. Block and report the number.
• Pay nothing upfront, and never by gift card, crypto, wire or payment app.
• Do not send an ID, bank details or Social Security number to get a job.
• Take any contract home and read it for monthly fees and cancellation terms.

Ask by email whether anything is charged and keep the reply. Bring a friend and agree that nobody signs or pays that day. If you already clicked a link, close the page, type nothing and check your accounts for sign-in alerts. If a form asked for a password, change it from a different device.