WHO'S WHO

I received a letter that stated that I was being considered for inclusion into a Who's Who registry for executives and professionals. They sent the letter to my work address. It stated that the registry will include biographies of accomplished people and recognition is an honor. I completed application and a representative called me about 3 weeks later. She conducted a phone interview asking about my job title, job description, goals, hobbies, level of education, company web site, reasons that I wanted to be included in the registry, and some other questions. She then congratulated me on my acceptance into the Registry and told that there were 2 levels of membership: 5 years for $589 or a lifetime membership for $789. She explained that the lifetime membership included gift cards for jewelry and airline vouchers. The company's web site and my conversation with the representative led me to believe that this was a prestigious organization and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would help me with networking, career advancement, and recognition. I paid $818.95 for the lifetime membership: $789 + $29.95 shipping and handling for the directory. After I hung up I realized that this company seemed like a fraud. I did an Internet search on the company and saw that there were many complaints about them on different web sites. They're actually just a marketing company that sells the personal information of their victims/members to other marketers. On one consumer web site I even found information from former employees. I called and told them over and over that I want a full refund, but they told me that they could only give me a discount. When I found the original letter that they mailed a month before they called me, I saw that it said "There is no cost to be included in the Registry". On the site with info from former employees, 2 of them had written that if you use the phrase "unwilling to negotiate" they'll give you a full refund. I called back, used that phrase, and threatened to take legal action. Then they agreed to give me a full refund, which I received 2 days later.

E., NY