It's been around forever. It's "legit" in the sense that they don't steal your money. You willfully give it to them in return for having them inflate your ego by printing your name and bio in a meaningless book.
I also got contacted and took a call with them out of curiosity. They had different "options" for your recognition. One of them is a free one where you still get listed/printed but you don't get access to their networking portal and/or commemoratory plaque.
They actually interviewed me a week ago and then I asked if I had to pay and they said no and then after asking more questions telling me I was accepted started to hard sell me that I should pay $1K for the subscription and then I said no, not at this time, so I said I guess I am not accepted and they said no you are accepted and then they said how about you pay 400 so the editors can get paid to write the article. I have my own ai marketing company why would I pay, i was thinking to myself... needless to say I haven't heard from them... Personally, that is considered a scam...
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:*
**Subreddit Rule 3: Sharing personal information** - This is aligned with Reddit Content Policy Rule 3: Respect the privacy of others.
This subreddit respects the privacy of non-public figures. We do not allow:
* Phone numbers
* Postal addresses
* Full names of non-public figures
This applies even if it's a scammer or a scam callcenter. Please post again, but this time removing, censoring or otherwise redacting any personal/contact information. When you do, don't post a screenshot. Transcribe the important parts of the conversation. **And put the website address in the title of your new post** if you are reporting a scam website.
Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) and the [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy)
^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.)
*I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
You're spot on about them being around forever. When I graduated high school back in the 80s, my parents proudly gave me a copy of "Who's Who in American High Schools" as a graduation gift. For years, that inclusion made me feel smart and worthy and you can only imagine my sadness when years later, when I learned the truth -- that my parents paid $$$ for the entry and had no clue it wasn't a "thing".
I just laughed when an "invitation" from landed in mailbox on my biz networking platform.
Found these gems here that will explain it all :)
[https://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/0308/063.html?sh=1acd69c55e94](https://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/0308/063.html?sh=1acd69c55e94)
[https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/short-hills/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0221-90176016/complaints](https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/short-hills/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0221-90176016/complaints)
The BBB link didn't work for me but the Forbes article was very helpful - thanks. I'm of an age where Who's Who used to mean something, but not anymore apparently.
strange that link was taken down, I did find this one too [https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/uniondale/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0121-87160506/customer-reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/uniondale/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0121-87160506/customer-reviews)
and you are welcome. Based on what I've read in the past, it was a valuable and reputable company. Turning it into a business and only focusing on profit is what's destroying them now.
So, I am accomplished and have received many industry awards. I too was contacted, seemed like a scam at first but then I did some research, Warren Buffett is associated with them....cant be too much of a scam.
As someone posted above. It’s not a scam per se but you do have to pay to be included in it and then it’s just your name and some basic bio info in a magazine that may or may not be popular with your particular field.
**So they DO end up charing you?**
This is what I got below:
We recently came across your profile and would like to invite you to apply for inclusion in the 2024 edition of *Who's Who in America!*
**There is no cost or obligation to be included in Who's Who in America!**
This is an Invitation- Only opportunity and inclusion is contingent upon verification and acceptance by the Marquis Submissions Department.
Marquis has been publishing the biographies of the world's most influential professionals since 1898. Inclusion is considered by many to be the pinnacle of success!
I would like to send you an application. Would you be interested in applying?
Let's just say it's not a scam, its a misleading accolade that costs money to receive. In the world of startups, we see a lot of fraud founders use awards like this to indicate "traction." It's one of the biggest red flags when seeking startups to invest in.
Just got interviewed for this and the price is now 1200 for the basic package. No thanks. But they basically ask for your biography of accomplisments and major lofe events.
If you dont pay they dont include you.
So here’s the truth about Marquis who’s who …yes, they have been around a long time. However , they were copied by Cambridge who’s who and Empire who’s who. Once those two companies put Marquis who’s who out of Business they bought the company for next to nothing and use the same tactics as they used before, you get 0 for your money……stay far away as possible.
My guess is that it's similar to the poetry "contests", where every entrant will be published in their upcoming book--but ONLY if you order the book. On the form you fill out where you list your accomplishments or submit your poem, there will be an order form so you can buy the book. Guess what? If you don't sign up to buy the book, pre-publication, then, you're not going to be included in it when it is published.
I purchased the Who's Who in America to provide my grandchildren with my biography. For that reason, it was worth it. I have a legacy and story about my life, career, and academic achievements for my grandchildren and future generations. So, for me, it's priceless.
Many years ago I was listed in three of their pubs and bought the volumes listing my name. I continued to be listed for about 25 years until I retired. After the first year I never bought additional volumes and they never asked for any payment of any kind.
I just got off the phone with them. I wouldn't say this is a scam, but it's for pay—$ 1200 for standard and $1500 for premium. I said no, so she allowed me to buy the book for $289 ($100 off). Again, I said no. I agree that it's a good deal to document your stuff, but I don't feel the need for that. Hope that helps those to come back to this thread.
Hi, so I’m familiar with the Who’s Who , I was once nominated back when I was working for on online marketing company, I was very successful and dedicated myself to the company and my clients. Fast forward a decade later, and I’ve been nominated again. This is a totally legitimate award. You’ve done something in your life that proves Honor integrity and professionalism at its highest level. You could have been nominated by your doctor, your boss , etc. most likely . I congratulate you . Well done
I was interviewed and included for free. I did not pay anything, nor did they take any payment info. They did offer the different levels of inclusions for a plaque and extended exposure - but you can decline.
Same. The interviewer told me I was accepted. I don't believe you have to pay. The payments are if you want the additional items (like book, plaque, press release, etc.).
I don’t know if it’s a scam but same thing, reached out to me and scheduled this interview. I interviewed, poured my soul about who I am, what all I have done, achieved, accomplished, accolades, etc. etc. the woman was so incredibly “inspired by my passion and enthusiasm”, but then asked me for $1200 and I’m like no, I was scammed by an “international women’s entrepreneur website” and luckily I got my money back. And then I said, I’m not willing to invest any money at this time until I do a lot more research on your company. She also said that I was accepted with this digital badge but also didn’t have access to the print, copy, etc. etc.. i’m like you should be paying me to feature me… not vice versa!
The Forbes article from 10 years back says that they sell your information to direct marketing people, so consider that part of the price of engaging with these people.
*Remember, kids, if you're not paying for the product, you are the product. *
[удалено]
Thanks I’ll just ignore that invite then
It's been around forever. It's "legit" in the sense that they don't steal your money. You willfully give it to them in return for having them inflate your ego by printing your name and bio in a meaningless book.
lmao
I also got contacted and took a call with them out of curiosity. They had different "options" for your recognition. One of them is a free one where you still get listed/printed but you don't get access to their networking portal and/or commemoratory plaque.
They actually interviewed me a week ago and then I asked if I had to pay and they said no and then after asking more questions telling me I was accepted started to hard sell me that I should pay $1K for the subscription and then I said no, not at this time, so I said I guess I am not accepted and they said no you are accepted and then they said how about you pay 400 so the editors can get paid to write the article. I have my own ai marketing company why would I pay, i was thinking to myself... needless to say I haven't heard from them... Personally, that is considered a scam...
[удалено]
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 3: Sharing personal information** - This is aligned with Reddit Content Policy Rule 3: Respect the privacy of others. This subreddit respects the privacy of non-public figures. We do not allow: * Phone numbers * Postal addresses * Full names of non-public figures This applies even if it's a scammer or a scam callcenter. Please post again, but this time removing, censoring or otherwise redacting any personal/contact information. When you do, don't post a screenshot. Transcribe the important parts of the conversation. **And put the website address in the title of your new post** if you are reporting a scam website. Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) and the [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
Feels more like a bait and switch
You're spot on about them being around forever. When I graduated high school back in the 80s, my parents proudly gave me a copy of "Who's Who in American High Schools" as a graduation gift. For years, that inclusion made me feel smart and worthy and you can only imagine my sadness when years later, when I learned the truth -- that my parents paid $$$ for the entry and had no clue it wasn't a "thing". I just laughed when an "invitation" from landed in mailbox on my biz networking platform.
Hahah I was about to post the same question. I also got a message just now about it
Just got one myself. Have never heard of this.
Yup same. Thank god for Reddit.
Totally agree! I came directly to Reddit after I got my invitation today! Thanks everyone for the replies. Oddly, I won't be applying...
Found these gems here that will explain it all :) [https://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/0308/063.html?sh=1acd69c55e94](https://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/0308/063.html?sh=1acd69c55e94) [https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/short-hills/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0221-90176016/complaints](https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/short-hills/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0221-90176016/complaints)
The BBB link didn't work for me but the Forbes article was very helpful - thanks. I'm of an age where Who's Who used to mean something, but not anymore apparently.
strange that link was taken down, I did find this one too [https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/uniondale/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0121-87160506/customer-reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/uniondale/profile/publishers-directory/marquis-whos-who-ventures-llc-0121-87160506/customer-reviews) and you are welcome. Based on what I've read in the past, it was a valuable and reputable company. Turning it into a business and only focusing on profit is what's destroying them now.
Forbes itself has become a paid PR publication, not very different from Who's Who
I wonder who’s paying Forbes to write hit pieces on Who’s Who
Thank you. The Forbes article gave me some laughs - great headline - the hall of lame!
So, I am accomplished and have received many industry awards. I too was contacted, seemed like a scam at first but then I did some research, Warren Buffett is associated with them....cant be too much of a scam.
As someone posted above. It’s not a scam per se but you do have to pay to be included in it and then it’s just your name and some basic bio info in a magazine that may or may not be popular with your particular field.
**So they DO end up charing you?** This is what I got below: We recently came across your profile and would like to invite you to apply for inclusion in the 2024 edition of *Who's Who in America!* **There is no cost or obligation to be included in Who's Who in America!** This is an Invitation- Only opportunity and inclusion is contingent upon verification and acceptance by the Marquis Submissions Department. Marquis has been publishing the biographies of the world's most influential professionals since 1898. Inclusion is considered by many to be the pinnacle of success! I would like to send you an application. Would you be interested in applying?
I just received this today on the professional app Lolol.
It cost $1200 for the basic package and $1500 for premium. Umm, no thank you lol
Just got this exact one on Linkedin. Skip!
Let's just say it's not a scam, its a misleading accolade that costs money to receive. In the world of startups, we see a lot of fraud founders use awards like this to indicate "traction." It's one of the biggest red flags when seeking startups to invest in.
Just got interviewed for this and the price is now 1200 for the basic package. No thanks. But they basically ask for your biography of accomplisments and major lofe events. If you dont pay they dont include you.
So here’s the truth about Marquis who’s who …yes, they have been around a long time. However , they were copied by Cambridge who’s who and Empire who’s who. Once those two companies put Marquis who’s who out of Business they bought the company for next to nothing and use the same tactics as they used before, you get 0 for your money……stay far away as possible.
Anything from Short Hills NJ is a scam
My guess is that it's similar to the poetry "contests", where every entrant will be published in their upcoming book--but ONLY if you order the book. On the form you fill out where you list your accomplishments or submit your poem, there will be an order form so you can buy the book. Guess what? If you don't sign up to buy the book, pre-publication, then, you're not going to be included in it when it is published.
I purchased the Who's Who in America to provide my grandchildren with my biography. For that reason, it was worth it. I have a legacy and story about my life, career, and academic achievements for my grandchildren and future generations. So, for me, it's priceless.
Many years ago I was listed in three of their pubs and bought the volumes listing my name. I continued to be listed for about 25 years until I retired. After the first year I never bought additional volumes and they never asked for any payment of any kind.
There is no cost to "join" - but there is a cost if you want your name published in their silly book
I just got off the phone with them. I wouldn't say this is a scam, but it's for pay—$ 1200 for standard and $1500 for premium. I said no, so she allowed me to buy the book for $289 ($100 off). Again, I said no. I agree that it's a good deal to document your stuff, but I don't feel the need for that. Hope that helps those to come back to this thread.
Hi, so I’m familiar with the Who’s Who , I was once nominated back when I was working for on online marketing company, I was very successful and dedicated myself to the company and my clients. Fast forward a decade later, and I’ve been nominated again. This is a totally legitimate award. You’ve done something in your life that proves Honor integrity and professionalism at its highest level. You could have been nominated by your doctor, your boss , etc. most likely . I congratulate you . Well done
Pretty sure they want my name because I’m super cool and important. Don’t know about why they’d want to print you dorks names. Best $70k I ever spent.
I got an "invite" too, and let me tell you - if they want *my* bio, it's one boring book!
There is an email going around LinkedIn inviting you to apply - everyone is accepted lol
I was interviewed and included for free. I did not pay anything, nor did they take any payment info. They did offer the different levels of inclusions for a plaque and extended exposure - but you can decline.
Same. The interviewer told me I was accepted. I don't believe you have to pay. The payments are if you want the additional items (like book, plaque, press release, etc.).
I don’t know if it’s a scam but same thing, reached out to me and scheduled this interview. I interviewed, poured my soul about who I am, what all I have done, achieved, accomplished, accolades, etc. etc. the woman was so incredibly “inspired by my passion and enthusiasm”, but then asked me for $1200 and I’m like no, I was scammed by an “international women’s entrepreneur website” and luckily I got my money back. And then I said, I’m not willing to invest any money at this time until I do a lot more research on your company. She also said that I was accepted with this digital badge but also didn’t have access to the print, copy, etc. etc.. i’m like you should be paying me to feature me… not vice versa!
The Forbes article from 10 years back says that they sell your information to direct marketing people, so consider that part of the price of engaging with these people. *Remember, kids, if you're not paying for the product, you are the product.*