'Who's Who' ripoff preys on your ego
Filed under: Saving Money, Fraud
I must be really important, because two "Who's Who" publications have chosen me for inclusion in their publications. The e-mails arrived in my mailbox this week. They read, "Recently you were selected as an inductee into Who's Who. In spite of this, we have yet to receive your information in order to build your basic membership profile. In the business and professional world it isn't what you know, it's who you know...and who knows you. Social and business networking is the modern standard in developing relationships throughout the world. The potential for recognition and developing networks within a community of 400,000 working professionals in numerous fields on a global scale is unlimited."
Interesting. I didn't know I was that prestigious. I decided to bite and signed up at their website to see what would happen. So far? Nothing. It says on the site that "basic membership" is FREE. But there is no explanation as to what this includes and what the other options are.
I have seen this types of periodicals before. They send you a congratulatory e-mail or letter informing you that you are included in a "Who's Who" because you are so important. Then they urge you to buy a copy of the book to show your friends, your co-workers, and your mother. These can range from $19.95 on up.
Here's the problem. No one really cares if you are listed in "Who's Who." Really, they don't. It basically means nothing and does not credential you to do anything. And most professionals know that you are simply paying to be included.
Save your money. Go to school instead and get a real credential.
Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-16-2009 @ 8:10PM
Rose said...
Don't need your crappy spams for another site Tasha - keep them to yourself.
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11-16-2009 @ 8:49PM
Iggie BigBalls said...
I'm unemployed, bankrupt, mentally ill and in jail. See my listing in Who's Who.
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11-16-2009 @ 10:15PM
Dan said...
There are several "Who's Who" publications. The legitimate Who's Who series can be found in the reference section in nearly any library. This series does not charge for listing, and the people included generally are those who have distinguished themselves, at least to some degree, in their respective fields of endeavor. In contrast, the vanity Who's Who publications charge for inclusion, and are often only available to those who have paid to be included. This type of Who's Who publication might be a valuable resource for unscrupulous types looking for a pool of highly gullible, recognition hungry individuals who have at least a few bucks to throw away.
Dr. Dan
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11-16-2009 @ 10:59PM
Ben said...
Geez Barbara, you don't have to be a jerk about it. I've seen a lot of scams. Give me $2,000 because I'm the king of Nigeria or something... that's a scam. But some poor schmo paying 20 bucks to get a book with his name in it, that maybe makes him feel like somebody for a minute, that seems pretty benign to me.
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11-17-2009 @ 12:13AM
Belle said...
Keyword: Scam! That's just it! You never get the book - google the "who's who" and you'll see what I mean. Complaint after complaint by people who paid $60 to get their name in this book and got nothing in return. I received one of those emails too and thought it odd so I googled it and was glad I did. These days anything that seems too good to be true - usually is.
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11-17-2009 @ 1:26AM
NancyY said...
I didn't know "credential" was a verb.
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11-17-2009 @ 1:44AM
K.E. said...
Yes, it is a verb as well as a noun.
11-17-2009 @ 2:17AM
raymond said...
Dan ....... Where do you think corporations are getting their managers and up to senior officials (and most of the people in politics in this country) from? Paying your way to the top has become a tradition in the united states and protacting those at the top has become the NEW "good ole' boy" support system! If an individual has no idea of what they are doing other than making decision's (on the spur of the moment) it is much easier to pass the blame along to some subordinate. And there is the quandry that has been created in U.S. industry and the rest of the world! The individuals in charge have to C.Y.A. (Cover Your Arse) in order to stay on top.
Managers promoting bad management get higher bonus's and have had to spread the bonus's to the lowest ranking managers in order to maintain their own bonus's. Tax the hades out of corporate bonus's and watch what happens in the corporate world of America! They might actually start hiring from within the individuals that know how to do the job and can teach others. America needs to get rid of the bad management in America to become strong again. Revolution is always an option under our current Constitution!
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11-17-2009 @ 2:28AM
raymond said...
Oops I meant protecting not protacting!
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11-17-2009 @ 3:30AM
DNTME said...
Wanna know another popular ripoff? This "Star Registry" where they name a star after you. It is totally meaningless. It is not represented by any ligitimate naming organization. They simply put it in a book, along with many others and publish it. They say "your star name is listed in book form by the library of congress." Well, yeah, EVERY book gets listed there. The book is copyrighted, but that's it. The naming has NO actual value or official standing whatsoever. Just another thing to service the gullible and recognition hungry populace. It's not illegal as they say right up front what is going on, but it's advertised in such a way as to make you think the service is official. Just clever wording.
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11-17-2009 @ 2:40AM
Spenser K. said...
The kinds of people who fall for these blatantly bogus emails are most likely the credulous folks who believe in god, psychics, Dr. Phil and Oprah Winfrey! Can you say D-I-M B-U-L-B-S!
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11-17-2009 @ 4:39AM
Laura said...
Spenser, Just because someone believes in God does NOT make them stupid or gullible. Many people have their faith because in life sometimes people need something to help them feel better. Something that gives hope that everything will be ok. A comfort if you will. Maybe God isn't real, but who are you to put a believer and a person who falls for these scams in the same category as all DIMBULBS! That would be like me saying you may fall for these e-mails BECAUSE you DON'T believe in GOD, psychics, Dr. Phil and Oprah. Now how ridiculous did that sound?
11-17-2009 @ 3:01AM
ADMR said...
I Am IMPORTANT...Who's Who? - lol
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11-17-2009 @ 3:06AM
ADMR said...
The Family That PREYS....Ouch
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11-17-2009 @ 5:34AM
Chuck said...
Is it a requirement for Democrats to be a**holes or do they just come by it naturally ?
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