I've Just Been Nominated (or Something) to Madison Who's Who!

Almost a year ago I posted an item about being considered for Cambridge Who's Who, an outfit located in the NYC suburban Mecca of Uniondale, NY. But alas, I turned them down and have heard nary a word from them since then. My chance for immortality and another useless registry went down the drain for good.

So my heart leapt with joy when I heard from Madison Who's Who, located in one of New York City's classiest enclaves, Long Island City. But these guys emailed me, addressing the invitation to "Dear Candidate". Made me feel real special, just like the other umpteen thousand who got the same email. They even sent it to an old email address, one I have not used much the past 18 months. At least Cambridge Who's Who  sent a snail-mail invitation addressed specifically to me.

How was this great honor transmitted to me? As the following email; comments in italics are mine.

*********************

Dear Candidate,

You were recently appointed as a biographical candidate [Hmmm. A biographical candidate? Are there other kinds?] to represent your industry in the Madison Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals, and for inclusion into the upcoming 2007-2008 "Honors Edition" [Oh, boy! An additional incentive!] of the registry.

We are pleased to inform you that on December 27th, your candidacy was
approved.  Your confirmation for inclusion will be effective within five
business days, pending our receipt of the enclosed application.

The Office of the Managing Director appoints individuals based on a
candidate's current position, and usually with information obtained from
researched executive and professional listings. [Then why didn't you have my correct email address, or even my name?.]  The director thinks you
may make an interesting biographical subject, as individual achievement is
what Madison Who's Who is all about. [How could you know about my individual achievement?]  Upon final confirmation you will be listed among thousands of accomplished individuals in the Madison Who's Who Registry.  There is no cost to be included. [So how do you guys make money? By selling me a desk copy of the registry?]

We do require additional information to complete the selection process and
kindly ask that you access this form on our website at:

www.mwwpublishing.com/basiclisting

Sincerely,

Matthew Johnson
Managing Director

Madison Who's Who is not associated or affiliated with Marquis Who's Who or any other Who's Who.
30-01 Northern Blvd. Long Island City, NY, 11101

***************

Okay, I went to the online application. All the information they wanted was the type they should have already had: name, address, phone, email, company, title, affiliations, industry, specialization. Nothing about my accomplishments. So my candidacy presumably was approved without knowing any of the above - maybe my name, but that's not for certain since they did not bother to address me by name.

So to select me based upon my individual achievements all I have to do is provide some basic information. That's it? 

Should you get a solicitation from these folks, you might want to poke around on the WWW. I found a complaint from Theresa and another one, too. Theresa mentions costs involved.

Just remember that an anonymous invitation from an organization that apparently sends them out without researching the invitees can't be a very special invitation at all.

Caveat emptor.

"Any organization is much like a septic tank; the really big chunks float to the top." -- Unknown

Comments

[Madison Warning]

BEWARE! These are theives and frauds! They call from "restricted" numbers and steal money from people!!!

I called to complain about unauthorized charges to my credit card, having never previously heard of "Madison Who's Who" (I am in Marquis Who's Who Among American Teachers.)

They charged me 20% to reverse charges neither made nor authorized by me. I spoke to the same man over and over under the following names:

"Jonathan Martin" "Financial Director"
"Justin" in "Finance"
"Sean Martin" "Director of Operations"
and "Andrew Jones" "Managing Partner" (who said there was no one above him in the company.)

It turns out that my card was used by a 15-year-old relative because they called and pushed her into acting immediately-
and obviously a 15-year-old child does not have the experience to deal with a hard sell. They called to include her lawn mowing enterprise so that she could make money over the summer. Mr. Jones suggested that the 20% fee was my punishment for not knowing that the child used my card. (I was at work.)

After several threatening and belligerent phone calls, I finally agreed to accept the reversal- although I provided verification from my bank proving that the charges were unauthorized and a statement of the fact. Because they said, "you'll take 80% or you'll get nothing", Mr. Jones was becoming increasingly rude and insulting, and my planning period was ending.

I just looked up "Madison Who's Who" and the names that were given to me are NOT the names on the Contact page. Sean Martin's "position" is actually filled by a woman.

On top of all that, the child with whom they initially entered into an agreement never received any of the benefits promised. They did not verify that she has a fictional BA from a fictional college ("The University of Arts"). They did not verify her identity. They did not verify her age.

This company pushes children into entering into agreements with them, runs credit cards without verification and then charges the unsuspecting credit card owner a "fee" for reversing the charges.

This information has been forwarded to the FCC and the FTC as well as the FBI unit for internet scams.

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION OR MONEY, MADISON WHO's WHO IS A COMPANY FOUNDED ON FRAUD, LIES AND DISREPUTABLE, UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES!!!