Stanford Who's Who David Hayes scammed recent college grad into large membership fees over the phone. New York City, New York
Stanford Who's Who called me on Friday May 27th at 9AM sharp to tell me I was chosen to be a part of business professionals, get free airplane tickets, and instant publication in journals. They praised my skills, and told me it was an honor to be chosen of such a title, and I would put it on my resume. I just graduated college, in which I was entered into another Who's Who organization that actually exists called "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and College," so I thought they were affiliated. I later found out they are not affiliated.
I spoke to David Hayes, who said he was my unique account manager. His number was blocked when he called my phone, and I do not know how he obtained my personal cell phone number. He said his number is 1 877 650 2140 - 2003, but he hasn't picked up again since he called me. He asked me for my information, what charity work I did, and if I had any other work published. I thought I was finished, but then he started demanding I pay $700 for a platinum membership, and $500 for a gold right away to get the membership finalized. As a recent college grad, I cannot afford this, so kindly told him I cannot pay such prices. So he knocked down the price to $189 and it sounded like a better deal. But it turns out it was not the company I thought, I will not get the services provided, and it was a scam.
I have not yet received my "log-in" information, or a confirmation e-mail about my membership purchase, but they charged my card within hours of my phone call. I do not have to pay to be in the official "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges," and if I had know it was not the same organization, I would have never paid. Standford Who's Who took advantage of my status, privacy, and tricked me into paying a large fee for virtually nothing. Once I noticed the charge was made later on Friday, and that the organization was a scam, I canceled my debit card so I did not experience further charges. Now the case is under investigation with my bank. I have called his mailbox many times, and left a message asking about the charges. I have not tried to get a refund from them directly, but I'm going to keep calling until someone picks up. I want justice!