Strathmore Who's Who Strathmore Who's Who is a complete ripoff Syosset New York

these reviews should likely be removed as much of the information contained here is miscategorized, simply false, or completely subjective without any real citation or reference. Having spent years actually working at three different "Who's Who" companies and having intimate knowledge of the industry, I can attest firsthand that the majority of these companies aren't a "scam" and aren't participating in fraudulent business practices. Could one categorize some of these companies as a vanity publishing company? 100%, but that is by no means a scam. The article explicitly states that the "Who's Who Scam" involves the selling of fraudulent directories or memberships. In my experience the registries are produced and sent to the members while also generally filed with the Library of Congress. As far as the sale of membership goes, that's also true, but many of these companies offer an online networking platform (a la LinkedIn) as their main benefit of membership, which in turn means they are providing a service in return for a fee. Many of these companies also offer items of recognition such as plaques and certificates at an increased price. The point is that if a consumer sees value in membership or the purchase of a registry containing their information, and they go decide to pay a fee (on their own volition) for such a service, how exactly is that a scam or fraudulent business practice? The article is poorly cited from old sources that stem from subjective opinions/experience. The external links section provides little use and information on anything that would related to a supposed "Who's Who Scam". Also to challenge some other items in this article, in p2, the article says "This information can be included in the fraudulent directory, sold to other marketing firms, or used in future attacks such as phishing emails." - in my experience this has NEVER been the case. No company in their right mind would sell information of a paying customer. Furthermore, there's no source cited or proof contained that any Who's Who company has actually engaged in this practice. This seems purely subjective. p3 mentions that "recently incorporated companies are often behind these scams" - can someone provide proof of this or cite some source that says this? The text contained within p5 is also completely subjective and without reference or citation. Who's to say that A & C Black's Who's Who is any more legitimate or a point of reference than any other Who's Who? The bit about Tucker Carlson and Marquis Who's Who is also seemingly out of context and really seems a bit off topic in generally. In the see also section, it's also confusing to see why "American Biographical Institute", "Academic paper mill", "Employment scams", and "International Biographical Centre" are listed as none of them relate to a "Who's Who Scam" and are more suited to be listed under the vanity press article. Unless someone can provide some better references/citations that are fairly new and aren't completely subjective in nature.

First off, IF our company was doing anything wrong, I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT go on national television!!! The member had serious mental issues which the judge agreed. I am not going to give money back to someone when we did all the work.... Delivered products and services as promised and paid out side sources. Our compnay was harrassed by this member and his own daughter sided with us!!!  I am happy and proud of the products and services that we provide and again would not appear on TV if we were not in the right!!! I am fully aware of the the disgruntled employee who wrote this being we traced the IP address. All I can do is pray for this individual who has nothing better to do but write untrue comments because they are unhappy with their own life.  

OMG, I saw The people's Court the other day and I never thought Who's Who was that much of a scam yes SCAM. Some innocent victum of their high pressure BS sales practice convinced this poor guy into spending over $800 to have his name printed in a book that no one see's and a wall plaque with someone elses name on it. Really? And and then you take him to court  to further destroy this mans life.

You are and evil women yeah that's right EVIL. Stop being a liar and ripping good people off and when they realize they have been lied to cheated and taken advantage of, the least you could do is give them there money back. But NO take them to court you low life you!!!!!

I too, have a close friend who worked for this company at one time.  This was within the last year, in NY state, however they have left the company.  I do know that the company does actually have a product to sell.  The problem is that the product (your name entered into a specific industry's Who's Who directory) is virtually worthless.  Reason being, once the "'directory" is published every year, it is then sold to other business people, using the same sales pitch and leads and therefore it is not a publication that any professional person would use on their own if they weren't contacted by the company to buy it.  Most people have never even heard of "who's who" yet they will tell you it is a popular publication.  It's not.  People have to be forced to buy it at a ridiculous price.  And, in the internet age, the day it is published it is obsolete and outdated!  

I have to agree somewhat with the original comments. Fortunately I didn't fall for the scam. Yes, I'm calling it a scam. I don't even know how I got on Strathmore's list, but they started calling me in regards "to my inquiry". First they left a message, then they called with their business name in the id field, which I did not answer. Then they called as "unknown."

I took the call and spoke to a very nice gentleman who asked about my details and told me everything I would get, then told me what it would cost. After I said I would have to get approval from my supervisors for such an expense, I'm told "most individuals pay for this themselves then submit receipt for reimbursement."

After I said I wasn't prepared to do that, I'm offered a cheaper package for a lesser term.

Still insisting I'm not prepared to pay for this myself the persuading continues.

After I say, thank you, but I feel like I'm in a pressured sales call, he says, "Thank you Mr. XXX" and hangs up.

At no point was I offered their free basic package. I'm not pointing fingers but I am extremely glad I paid them no money.

I am responding to people who call the company thats been in business well over 10 years a scam.

I have a friend that works for the company and I have to say they are an honest group of people with integrity and believe that their service can potentially benefit people that use it.

There is NO CHARGE for people's basic information to be included; however, like any company in the world they charge for their products and services. (So how is that a scam?)

Unlike other online companies Strathmore Who's Who interviews people to gather accurate information to be included in their biography and to get to know the person behind the paperwork. (Again I ask you how is that a scam?)

They are certainly not going to give you a 1,000 page book, an expanded biography, wall plaque and other services for FREE. WHO WOULD?

If you are familiar with advertising/publishing/marketing people pay upwards to $3,000 a week for that type of service. Strathmore charges a nominal fee.

So before pointing fingers, look at who you work for and think about what they charge for their products and services.

With all Sincerity,
Manhasset, NY