"Who's Who" - is it a scam?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by Pixelrage, May 15, 2007.

  1. #1
    Has anyone ever been contacted for induction by Who's Who? Just a week ago, I got a call that I was selected for "Who's Who Amongst Business Graduates" and they asked me to call back with some final questions before I'm included. I'm guessing that this is probably a scam to sell plaques or something to that effect, but I wanted to make sure. Otherwise I suppose it could be something to add to my resume.

    ps- I hope this is a good category to post this :D
     
    Pixelrage, May 15, 2007 IP
  2. Clive

    Clive Web Developer

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    #2
    Don't get caught by the look of what it might not actually be. I'd call it a scam and move on. So many so called "lotteries" these days where you are an instant winner, and most of them are scam. They want your details, that's all. Oh and maybe they are after your money, too ;)
     
    Clive, May 15, 2007 IP
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  3. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #3
    Good point. I just did a little research and found this - now I'm even more suspicious!
     
    Pixelrage, May 15, 2007 IP
  4. FOX LORE

    FOX LORE Notable Member

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    #4
    I get those kind of email almost everyday. Your learn to delete them asap. Some of them i had a strong urge to gave them my information but realises its nothing more than a scam. Thank goodness for common sense.....:) :confused:
     
    FOX LORE, May 15, 2007 IP
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  5. Clive

    Clive Web Developer

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    #5
    Good find, and why "more suspicious"? I'd actually be sure to ignore it at this point.
     
    Clive, May 15, 2007 IP
  6. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #6
    There actually is a legitimate Who's Who (in the UK), but I don't know what their subsidiaries are.
     
    Pixelrage, May 15, 2007 IP
  7. chant

    chant Well-Known Member

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    #7
    Wow! What an interesting read. I followed a link to one guy's website where he posted the details on the scam and then received a letter from someone claiming to be the lawyer representing the scammers suing him for $7 million dollars for slander! It may not be a real lawsuit though because another person said that the same scammers sometimes send out bogus letters that look like court documents but in fact they are fake! Unbelievable!
     
    chant, May 15, 2007 IP
  8. Smyrl

    Smyrl Tomato Republic Staff

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    #8
    Most of those type things are vanity things trying to sell you something such as a book with your name listed in it.

    In genealogy circles you can buy a list of all the your surname here in the US. It is the same thing you can find for yourself by running a phone search or by buying a phone CD.
     
    Smyrl, May 15, 2007 IP
  9. students-forum

    students-forum Well-Known Member

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    #9
    Unfortunately this is a scam... move on.
     
    students-forum, May 15, 2007 IP
  10. devin

    devin Guest

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    #10
    i receive a similar invitation recently. The National Honors Collegiate Society, apparently for students with high college GPA (although the way they worded it in the letter makes you think it's only given out to the top 1 or 5% in the nation). at first i was suspicious, because they are asking for $75 membership fee, but further checks with my university showed that they are legitimate. Althought the NHCS is, like what shannon said, vanity things. They give you a nice plaque that says you're a member and etc etc.

    it all depends on preferences, if you like your name being listed in a prominent-in-name-only society, by all means go ahead.
     
    devin, May 15, 2007 IP
  11. BuyLandingPages.com

    BuyLandingPages.com Peon

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    #11
    The real Who's Who means something. This offer does not.
     
    BuyLandingPages.com, May 15, 2007 IP
  12. grg

    grg Guest

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    #12
    Thanks for warning, I've got something from them lately, but this seemed suspicious for me from the first look.
     
    grg, May 15, 2007 IP
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  13. flash9

    flash9 Banned

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    #13
    if they are getting you to call them back, often they use a premium rate telephone number, charging something like £1.50 per minute, so often, thats where they make their money.
     
    flash9, May 15, 2007 IP
  14. mehulcool

    mehulcool Peon

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    #14
    really havent heard much about them
     
    mehulcool, May 15, 2007 IP
  15. guy123

    guy123 Guest

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    #15
    yeah there are a bunch of whos who copycats that send stuff to "distinguished students" and try to make them feel special with vague, general honors.. It's pretty easy to spot the copy cats after you see an original whos who letter
     
    guy123, May 16, 2007 IP
  16. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #16
    For everyone's information, I did a little more research. I listened to that message, the place is called "Cambridge Who's Who." Look at this testimonial which has a top SERP for it. Scam indeed :)
     
    Pixelrage, May 16, 2007 IP