Scams to make you feel cool
NOTE: I received a legal notice from a representative at www.cybertriallawyer.com telling me to remove this page. I will not do that even with threats of legal action because I believe in the statements below. I will concede the following point--the term "scam" can be interpretted in many forms; I suppose that Manchester Who's Who may or may not be a scam in the legal sense -- but in my personal life I would call it a scam to anyone asking for personal advice. As such--all readers may interpret my opinions as they see fit. [end note]
We all have egos, or at least I do (or so I'm told). Overall it appears that an ego is both necessary and dangerous. It is the source of our perspective on the world around us; it is also the creature that moulds our goals, actions and interpretations.
I have to admit that I have fallen victim to a couple scams in the last few years—as a direct result of my ego. Actually, I didn't fall to the level of victim… but I got deceived just enough to be tempted into victimization.
Poetry.com
The first scam was that by Poetry.com. Maybe Poetry.com's marketing scheme is not exactly a scam, since it is not doing anything illegal; but I believe that they mislead and seduce young poets in an unethical manner.
My poem He Whom I Know was published in a Poetry.com book a couple years ago; I didn't actually get scammed because I wasn't fooled by the marketing hype—Poetry.com promises any poet a place in the publication. In fact, the publishers choose a set of selected poems to publish… then insert anyone's poem into the front of a couple copies of the books—then sell that copy to the honored front page poet.
He Whom I Know actually was published, but the majority of poems that get “published” in this manner go in only a single copy of a publication. Thousands of copies are sold—all identical except the front poem.
Some have gone so far as to blast Poetry.com for this tactic. But if you can get past the marketing hype and realize that Poetry.com is trying to sell you your own work, you can't get duped. Besides, some people might actually want to pay to see their poem "published" in this manner.
For me, Poetry.com's tactic wasn't so bad because my poem actually was chosen for the larger publication and reached thousands of people around the world; but I received emails from some poet's who had bought into the ploy, thinking their poems were being published around the world—then found out that their poems only appeared in the copies they purchased for themselves.
Manchester Who's Who
More recently, I received a letter in the mailbox (the paper-and-stamp kind) with an invitation to accept an appointment as a “biographical candidate” in the Manchester Who's Who registry of “accomplished individuals”. I checked out their website and found that it looked rather sleek and contained some biographies on well-known businessmen.
So I made the effort of accepting. I thought that it must be some kind of honor. Then I received no reply and figured that I must not be that accomplished after all.
Then one day I was at my desk writing when I received a phone call from a fairly professional-sounding woman. The conversation that followed went something like this:
Lady: “Hello Mr. Olson. Let me be the first to congratulate you on your acceptance into the Manchester Who's Who Registry. We want you to know that we have selected you on the merits of your work and accomplishments. After our team of researchers has reviewed your accomplishments, we find it a great honor to include you in our directory.
“First let me personally congratulate you on your fine work. After your acceptance into the Manchester Who's Who Registry, you will be part of a network of professionals and distinguished individuals who stand out in their respective fields.
“As part of your membership, you will be eligible to be published in our online registry as well as physically published directories. Your biography will be available for other professionals around the world to view. This is an excellent networking tool.”
I was now feeling very warm and fuzzy inside. Wow… they think I'm a really outstanding person!
The lady then interviewed me—something that was weird because I have done hundreds of interviews over the years as a journalist, but never from the subject's side. She asked me to explain how I became so accomplished in my field, how I became so successful, etc., etc. I took a deep breath of pride and spewed out all the things that make me so cool (and left out all the things like my success has not made me rich and Larry King has yet to call and do an interview of my life).
She asked, “Will you be using your membership for networking or credibility?”
I explained that I would probably be using it for both. “Being I high school drop-out, I have always had to struggle with public opinion on my credibility…”
I spent thirty or forty minutes talking to her, feeling very proud, when she said, “We offer two levels of membership.”
Suddenly, the whole interview changed perspective for me and I kind of zoned out while she explained the differences between their lifetime membership and lesser membership. I heard something about “eight ninety-nine” which was almost ninety times more than a ten-dollar filing fee.
She said something about plane tickets and networking opportunities and a really cool certificate of membership and media kits to share with media about my accomplishment.
I shyly interrupted, “I am not so sure about this. I was under the assumption that I was being honored with a recognition instead of being sold something.” I wondered how a certificate I paid for was going to add credibility to my name.
She said, “You are honored with being grouped with executives and professionals from around the world.”
She then started telling me more about the membership benefits.
I said, “I don't think I really want to do this. I will have to think about it.”
She seemed taken aback. “This isn't an offer that we can negotiate. We have thousands of professionals to deal with. We can't take the time to negotiate with potential membership. It's a one-time deal.”
She then said, “Will you be paying with Visa or MasterCard?”
I said, “Well, I don't think I am interested right now.”
She said, “Let me tell you what… I have the authority to place you on a list here and reserve your plane tickets.” She told me that this was too good of an opportunity to pass, and that she would lessen my membership from the lifetime membership (the one I must have agreed to spending close to a thousand dollars by saying I'm not sure if I want to join) to the short-term membership.
I tried to back away further, but she pressed harder. “Is it the cost? We don't want you to miss this opportunity because of the cost. I tell you what—I can give you the rate of a charity organization! This means that you get all the standard benefits, but pay the rate of a charity organization.”<
“No,” I said. “I don't think that I am going to join right now. I will look into it some more before I make a decision.”
She said, “If you have already looked at our website, then there is really nothing else to learn.” She sounded like Adolp Hitler's mistress who hadn't had sleep or sex in a month.
“I'm sorry. I'm just not interested right now.”
By now I had been contemplating being a little more obvious in my decision by hanging up, but she beat me to the punch.
There are a lot of scams out there. Some of them take advantage of people's generosity, kindness and trust—such as cons that steal the money from elderly folks. Some cons take advantage of people's stupidity—like the sites that ask you to donate a dollar to save a captive bunny from being murdered by a psycho. I don't think that I could ever fall victim to those kinds. Unfortunately, I fall into that category of humans that is susceptible to cons that play on ego. Luckily, I dodged the bullets so far. Maybe I won't learn completely until a con-man finally cuts a few inches (or feet) off the top of my ego hat
[Added on 1-25-07] The company called Cambridge Who's Who, which is a merger of Manchester Who's Who and Empire Who's Who, has now filed a lawsuit against me for $7 million because of this article with the aide of CyberTrialLawyer.com. I feel that this lawsuit is frivolous and malicious.
[Added Note - April 2008] The lawsuit has now been dropped. It was settled out of court. I am unable to give more details about the case due to a confidentiality agreement. Please forgive me if I do not reply to inquiries about the case.
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Comments on Scams to make you feel cool
L. Rene Collins said:
Thank you so much for this article...I was contacted by Cambridge Who's Who yesterday but my assistant took the call...I wasn't sure who this message was from because my assistant wrote the message was from Cambridge Publisher's in NY; since I was waiting for a call from the publishers of some books for a Fund Raiser for my church, I called them back thinking this was related to the Fund Raiser...from that point on my story is almost mirror image to this article...He interviewed me, "blew" my head up and told me "Congratulations, you are accepted..." then went on to tell me about the Platinum vs. Gold Memberships starting at $769.00 of course I was taken aback, but not truly surprised as I have been subject to some crazy scams that has cost me dearly! So I knew I needed to do some research so I told him that I needed time to think and discuss w/my business partner...immediately he dropped the rate to $399 with the same story about the rate for the non-profit organizations; when I refused, he dropped the price to $199 plus the free companion airline tickets, and will still refused he dropped the price to $99! Wow, I finally asked him...you say you can tell I am successful; well then you should know I am not going to do anything without doing my research...and frankly I’m starting to feel "bullied"...so he agreed to call me back later today after I speak to my business partner...I immediately went online to see if this was scam that anyone else had fallen victim to! And found this article!! I tell you GOD is GOOD!! Thank you soooo much for making people aware of these peoples shenanigans!! May God Bless You!!!
Claudia Ramirez said:
I've got this kind of phone interview this morning with 'Cambridge who's who'. I can't believe I almost fell for this one!, Everything the 'interviewer' said was flattering (even when I thought I was giving such sloppy answers) until he asked me for the 99 dollars for the membership and I said 'I need to talk with my husband before I make a decision', then he got so pushy. I'm glad I found this posting then I can avoid this kind of scams. Thank you!
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Nicole said:
Just had that friendly interview via phone this morning. Everything you said above was true and accurate. I did not give out my CC #, however, he tried hard. "Again, how will you be paying for your membership?" Lowered the price for the "organization" price of 150$ such a bargain! He again, tried hard to butter me up with the "professional recognition"etc. Apart of me was feeling flattered, but my intuition spoke stronger in the sense of why am I paying for a membership? I did contact the BBB, and the gov internet fraud center to report this, as well as forwarding the emails sent to me prior to the phone call. I am a a little concerned that they have my email and phone number.
Thanks again for standing your ground!
Phyllis Collins said:
Thank you so much!! I'm sorry for the trouble you had with these people, but I'm thankful that it is helping so many people make a more informed decision.
David Griffiths said:
thank you. this helped me avoid making a fool of myself.
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Nik Rob said:
Thank You!
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I M POSTOR said:
This website and the various comments on it are spot on. I got the email followed by the phone call from Continental Who's Who. Luckily I am an English psychologist with a dissolved ego (too much acid), very paranoid attitude and outrageous sense of humour; and I had to cover the mouthpiece while I laughed my head off while this sleazy cornball American woman told me what a great guy I was for about 30 minutes until she asked me for around $US890. "I will have to check first with my business advisers" I said as straight-faced as I could (well I have a cat that stares at me), to which she replied "Oh but an outstanding entrepreneur like you should make their own decisions, and this deal has to be done right now" or American-English to such effect. Then I got offered the cut-price deals, but stuck to my 'need to consult my adviser (cat)' line, and she eventually got bored and said bye politely, and moved on the next sucker - sorry, outstanding entrepeneur. Thank you Albert Hoffman.
Andrew Poretz said:
The Cambridge version of this definite scam came up as a Facebook ad, asking if I'd like to be honored for my work as a coach. After reading their landing page, my Spider sense really kicked in. Thankfully, I found this page. I'm wondering why this has not come to the attention of some attorneys general to put it to an end. There's about as much value to this "honor" as there is in having your face and name printed on one of those "Time Magazine Man of The Year" covers you can get at a fair.
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Dennis K said:
They're telling you that you will be included in their directory if you pay. That you can get a copy of the book if you pay. That your family members or friends can get the book if you pay. So, if you pay and they include your name in the directory and/or you get a copy of the book, then it's not really a scam. You're getting exactly what you paid for. It is, however, a ploy to make as much money as they can by making people think that inclusion in the directory (or membership is this club) really is some kind of "honor."
Rhonda Boyce said:
Wow its amazing to see just how many people have heard from these people.Everyone feels great at first that they would be honored but most people figure it out pretty quickly when they tell you of the cost. I know some people can afford that but I actually cannot. But at the time, if I had had the money maybe I would have.Funny thing about ego (you hit it right on) and being honored and thinking wow I have really made some accomplishments! Im glad this is here to let people know about these scams.Thank you.
PS-i lost my job of ten years recently so now I am nobody!
Tom Napier said:
I was contacted by Continental Who's Who while I was away from the office. I filled the form in @ their website quite a while ago, just like you wrote about. The fellow has called again but I wasn't able to take the call. Thanks to you, I now know what to look out for. If you're a real "Who's Who" in your industry, I think you'll be better served by joining and spending time (and money if you want to upgrade) on business networking websites like LinkeIn.
Cheers...[ See Responses ]
Susan D said:
Thanks for the heads up. I received a call from Biltmore Who's Who and also got caught up hoping for quality networking for my business. I gave them my cc info but had buyer's remorse. I searched to see if it was a scam and found a lot of "articles" stating they weren't. (Most articles were from a site that allows you to publish your own article) I was able to stop the payment! Thank you so much!
Terrance Wheatley said:
Great article on this topic: What's What with the Who's Who?
Who would be so foolish as to pay for inclusion in a Who's Who book that no one reads?
http://www.csoonline.com/article/498903/What_s_What_with_the_Who_s_Who_
Tina Barton said:
Yes, all of these whos who sites are run by scammers.
good article that shows what they do and how they accept everyone.
http://www.csoonline.com/article/498903/What_s_What_with_the_Who_s_Who_
Beth Pauly said:
Thanks for the article. I've been getting voice messages on my personal cell phone from these people as well on my work cell phone. The telemarketer leaves this "urgent" message for me to return their call ASAP so they can congratulate and "interview" me. Sounds like I need to update my "no call" request!
erica lynn said:
Shawn, thank you for posting. I received a letter in the mail too. I thought it was just another listing of professionals, typically like the ones they run in the legal profession, so you can get in contact with other lawyers or to get business from potential clients. What a crock. Legally they should put on the letter that there is a cost of membership.
Simon McEwen said:
Thank you for drawing my attention to this. Whilst I will not personally be joining their registry, I do take my hat off to them! They seem to be charging you money to get your name on a mailing list! Why can't I think of ideas like that.
Simon Lowe said:
I was also taken in by their flattery, sales technique and false claims. Similar to so many other complaints I also realized the stupidity of my ways very quickly and demanded a refund the very next day.
I was contacted by their complaint resolution manager and we started on a 3 week circus involving email exchanges, voice mail messages and then listening in to a recording of my call where the words "all sales are final" (which was quickly spoken and even on a 2nd listen barely audible), was interpreted by CWW as NO REFUNDS.
After a lot of hassling they agreed to a refund minus $100 for "costs already incurred". They then sent me a letter to sign that included this text...........:As discussed, this is a letter acknowledging the resolution reached today. Please sign it at the bottom and return it immediately. Upon receipt of your signed letter, absent of editorial adjustments and/or comments, your credit in the amount of $500.00 will be processed and posted to your account within 10-12 business days. This will close your membership. This offer is valid only if returned to our establishment no later than .
I refused as it was not a full refund.
After a few more less polite emails, voice mail, and phone calls they agreed to a full refund.
I will say one thin in support of CWW, the lady that I was dealing with was always pleasant and DID return my emails and phone calls. I was a little surprised at this.
Anyway, my advice is to have NOTHING to do with them. It is probably NOT a scam in the true sense of the word, but really has NO value and anyone that signs up and is happy with it is NOT worth networking with.
IF you do get caught as I did, be unrelenting in your requests for a refund. EMail via their website EVERY night, leave voice mails EVERY day and do NOT accept NO for an answer. They have NO right to keep your money. Their call recording is for Quality Assurance purposes and NOT a legally binding contract, they are not even allowed to present it as such.
Sandy Feliciano said:
OH My!!! Thank God for guiding me to read this and Google, right before i was going to start filling out the process online. I have been scam with other company's on line, but this one is a very wicked way to steel ppl money. How in heck would u have the nerve to go out to middle class ppl and lie in their face to go after their money?? not only that, but in this moments of difficult economical crisis?? What are these company's thinking?? Thank you,Thank You,Thank You, for posting this. I wonder how they get my address and mail me this letter. I'm pretty sure they access this when ever i do purchases online..RRRRRR I hate scamers!!
Alisa Bigstaff said:
Unbelievable! I received an email at work from Madison Who's Who requesting further information to be included in the registry. I proudly completed the form and felt good looking it over and thinking about my accomplishments. I thought to myself, "indeed I am worthy of this honor." Today, I get a phone call from Madison Who's Who. After a series of questions, the gentlemen stated, "I am authorized to recommend you to be included in the Madison Who's Who registry." I was going to receive a welcome package inclusive of two airline tickets, user name and password for accessing directory, webpage and a wall plate. All this could have been mine for just $899.00, not bad for a lifetime membership, is it? Well, I said, no don't have it, tight market. He then said, "tell you what, I can hear your hesitant, but really want to be included in this once in a lifetime offer, how about...for two $189.00 payments. I stalled and stalled, finally he went all the way down to $19.95 for a 30 day trial offer just to take a look and see for myself before I buy. I said, let me think it over and get back to you, he said he'll call me around the same time on Monday. I can't wait...what a crock of mess!!! Thanks for your information, if we all take time out to research things that doesn't seem right, we would save a lot of money.
