Cambridge Who's Who, Manchester Who's Who, Manchester Publishing Represents itself as business networking organization, but uses ego to sign you up, then provides no services. Internet And US Mail Nationwide

This company uses complimentary tactics to persuade you to sign up (three programs ranging in price from $349 to $999 plus $199 for CD Rom Member Directory and an additonal $99 for a plaque). They then use high pressure tactics and claim to only be authorized to sign you up at the conclusion of their 'professional interview to determine membership eligibility.' Phrases such as "You certainly have accomplished a great deal" are used to stroke your ego and please be advised that they are very, very convincing.

I fell for the ploy, and signed up by providing my credit card information. I searched for their website to send a link to a friend, and immediately found the ripoffreport.com report on the company. I also spoke to my Human Resources Department, who informed me that several others had unfortunate dealings with this company. I must say that I felt like a fool, but immediately called them back to cancel the membership.

Using the number and extension I was given by my 'personal' contact at the company, I reached voicemail and left a detailed message cancelling my membership. This was done within 15 minutes of signing up. I then called again and punched in the extension for customer service, and a third time and punched in a number to speak to a rep. All calls went to voicemail. I called my 'personal' contact several more times during the day. I was very clear in each voicemail I left that I wanted to cancel the membership immediately.

Since I could not get anyone to answer any of the departments I called, I immediately emailed my credit card company and asked them to block payment.

Several hours later, I received a voicemail message from a different person, saying he had gotten a message that I wanted information and that he was sure I was anxious for my membership materials, and that he had just finished processing my order and put my materials in the mail.

Upon arriving home this evening, I received an email from my credit card company that they needed to speak to me. I called, and they told me that a company called Who's Who (they did not use Cambridge or Manchester in their name) had submitted a charge and that it was pending. They then cancelled the pending transaction and put an alert on my account that under no circumstances should any charges be allowed from this company.

My recommendation is that if you've signed up prior to discovering their fraudulant nature, that you immediately call your credit card company and block the charge before calling Cambridge to cancel the membership. It appears, although I certainly can't prove this, that my call prompted them to immediately submit the charge so they would have my money prior to calling me back.

My personal opinion is that this is a shady operation that is impossible to reach. I can't attest to the lack of service detailed by some other reports. Additionally, a reputable company would return your call and addess your concerns, rather than leaving a message that did not even acknowledge the issue you called about. Their denial of the issue, refusal to discuss the matter, and obvious arrangement to not make themselves available by phone speak very loudly to me, shouting that this is a highly disreputable organization.

Carol
Newton, New Jersey
U.S.A.