Bristol Who's Who

The client contacted our customer service department for the first time on May [redacted], 2015. He then spoke to a [redacted] who fulfilled his request to cancel and completely reimburse his membership,...

being that he was unsatisfied. It does take 3-5 days for credits to post to client accounts, but that is completely out of our hands and in the hands of their own bank. We resolved this as soon as we heard he was dissatisfied.

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This is the first time we are hearing of the client's dissatisfaction. He never contacted us in regards to canceling his membership and we have no record of calls to our customer service department. Please have him contact us at ###-###-#### to resolve this issue.

As per our Finance Department, the initial charge of $259.00 has also been refunded. Please have the client review their bank/credit cards statements. Thank you.

As requested, we refunded three charges of $19.95 back to the clients credit card on 1/*/2015. Today, 1/**/2015, I issued back the $200.00 refund as requested. The only reason we did not issue that refund until today is bc the client did not sign the agreement document we emailed them. We always do...

that so the client as well as our Finance Dept. has a copy of the refund agreement. However, as per this complaint, I issued the $200.00 refund and now this should be considered fully resolved.

I have had nothing but bad experiences with this company. The latest is that they charge my credit card for things I did not order. They refuse to communicate with me when I call them or work with me to explain their system. Example: I have called at least 8 times for Deanna Davis, the person who signed me up and who said I could call her anytime if I had any questions, but they will not allow me to speak with her. When I deal with a company, I want a single point of contact, and Deanna knew that when we originally spoke. When I call, they look up my name and then they tell me Deanna is not available. Today Deanna was both out of the office and on another line at the same time. Which is it? When I originally signed up with the company for $989, the verbal impression given to me was that they would help me market my business. Nothing has happened, except for a press release of my bio, which I thought was included in the original $989, but then they charged me an additional $900 for the release. And I basically wrote the press release for them!! They have also not promoted my two newest classes, nor have they promoted my latest book, as they promised they would. Furthermore, I never received any of the promised goods that they said they would send to me (e.g., airline tickets, hotel stays, etc.). The latest is a monthly fee of $19.95 that shows up automatically on my credit card without my approval, even after I told Mr. Kevin C[redacted] on ** June 2015 that I would never pay for anything from his company again. Basically, I told him to stop billing me for things I did not want. And they still do. My bad for signing up with this company in the first place. But they continue to "scam" me and I suspect other customers as well. I cannot rid myself of this parasite. They are completely unethical and should be put out of business. Anyone who works for this organization should be ashamed of themselves.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business...

in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely, [redacted]

As per our conversation with this client, [redacted], an agreement was made to drop him down to a lower membership. Attached, you can find a copy of the signed agreement. If he would like, we can resend his receipt.

The purchase of any additional product is at the client’s
own discretion. The client never contacted us to opt him out of our Perks Program,
which he was contacted about several times, specifically through email. He was
also sent a physical program card. We have gone ahead and discontinued...

the
Perks service for him, and as a courtesy, refunded the months charged.

The member, [redacted] authorized their membership purchase after an extensive interview with one of our editors. She provided her credit card information in order to make this purchase, fully aware that she would be charged immediately, and was given a confirmation number for...

the charge directly after it went through. She was advised that it would take 24 hours to receive her welcome package, which was received by her in the said time. This is the first time we have heard of any sort of disagreement with the purchase. We have not received any calls or emails requesting any cancellation. The complaint that we did not respond to any question or concern is unfair and untrue, as we go out of our way to ensure the satisfaction of every one of our members. It would be appreciated if we could work this out with the member and have some actual contact with her so that we may resolve this amicably. Thank you!

We have tried to contact [redacted] directly on several occasions. We cannot come to a resolution with the client. We have been going back and forth with [redacted] for weeks and she refuses to come to any sort of agreement other than a full refund, which we cannot honor, as the purchase is almost a year old. All products were provided and received. [redacted] has never expressed any dissatisfaction and completely approved all purchases. He even confirmed that he had received said products and used the services. Nothing about Bristol Who’s Who is fraudulent and [redacted]’s assistant’s opinion was never one of the client, [redacted]. The claim that we are a scam is slanderous, unjust and baseless, as we do everything we can to make our members happy. We are unsure as to how to proceed with this complaint, as we cannot speak to the actual cardholder/client and his assistant refuses to work with us in any capacity. Please advise.   Best Regards,
[redacted]

Review: Having recently been promoted to a new role which had been updated [redacted], I was invited on the same to apply for inclusion in the Bristol Who's Who. I took the call at work so was under a fair amount of pressure in any case but the sales patter was difficult to understand and unclear. The salesperson was clearly (benefit of hindsight) reading from a script which included a pause to see if I would make the grade or not. More fool me that I was flattered enough when she said yes that I didn't dig in to what exactly I would get for handing over my subscription. Payment was taken there and then and it was 3 days until I received the 'package' at which time I learned that it is completely irrelevant for someone working in the UK and that it did not include any cancellation rights.

I have since tried to contact the company 3 times via email to argue that when distance selling in to the UK, not only should the pitch be clear and non-pressured but also that UK consumers are entitled to cancellation rights. To date I have not even received an acknowledgement and this feels nothing more than a scam.Desired Settlement: I would like the company to have the common courtesy to respond. To give their view on why they are not subject to the usual rules and regs regarding selling in to the UK and a full refund of the rip-off membership fees. They should also be forced to stop their misleading advertising on UK websites.

Business

Response:

We have tried to contact the client regarding their request to cancel on multiple occasions, on the phone and via email. Please have the client call us directly to resolve any outstanding issues. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

The description of 'multiple times' is open to interpretation. Yes, Lisa has tried a couple of times which I have had to reschedule due to the time difference but I have long periods of silence when I have to chase via email. I hope to speak to her today but do not accept the assertion that a cancellation can only be done after a telephone conversation.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution, subject to my receiving reimbursement, is satisfactory.

Sincerely,

Review: 1. In or about October 2014, in response to an invitation on the [redacted] page I completed a few questions to see if I qualified to be on the Bristol Who's Who 2014 edition.

2. On 30 October 2014, a phone call was received from Bristol Who's Who's representative, [redacted] (tel [redacted]).

3. After a long conversation, she advised me that I qualified to be on the list and this would require payment of USD 1 028.95 (ZAR 11 659.08).

4. I indicated to her that, as they advertised for [redacted]s to be listed, my company, JFKS Consulting Pty Ltd (who was paying the amount in point 3 above) should enjoy the exposure.

5. She insisted that this was personal but the company, through me, would be exposed to advertisement. We agreed and I gave her my [redacted] card details to process the transaction.

6. The fee was the total package for all the services being rendered, i.e. listing on the Who's Who 2014 list of executives.

7. My profile as captured by [redacted] was corrected and forwarded to Bristol Who's Who for publication.

8. On 4 December 2014, I received a call from [redacted] from Bristol Who's Who and after a lengthy discussion, he advised me of a press release on their publication. In parting, he spoke of an invoice I must keep safely for tax purposes.

9. I immediately enquired what invoice, because we concluded that the fee in point 3 above was a once-off payment.

10. He apologised and agreed that if that was the initial agreement, they would honour it and he would immediately forward an email to set my mind at ease.

11. No email was forthcoming so I dispatched a text message on the phone number he used, advising that I was awaiting the email.

12. I then approached [redacted] and informed them that no further payments should be debited on my card from Bristol Who's Who without my express authorisation.

13. To my surprise, [redacted] called me on * December 2014 to advise me that 2 further payments were made to Bristol Who's Who of USD199 on ** November 2014 and USD19.95 on * December 2014.

14. These were unauthorised transactions. [redacted], whilst knowing about these transactions, lied to me by undertaking to honour the agreement as reached on ** October 2014.

COMPLAINT:

1. I am concerned about the dishonest manner in which Bristol Who's Who conducts itself and debiting money in an unauthorised manner against my [redacted] credit card.

2. To their credit, their sales people are highly powered and are excellent in entrapping clients to the contract.

3. Given the unethical conduct, my concern is whether the publication is a hoax, or real.

4. My company has reimbursed me but are now demanding (rightly so) proof of the publication and refused to refund me the amounts set out in point 13 above, on account of me relaying to them that there will be no further costs attached to the transaction.

5. I have therefore lost complete trust in Bristol Who's Who and would prefer not to have anything to do with them. If the contract can be reversed and my money refunded in total, that would be appreciated. If not, the unauthorised payments mentioned in point 13 above should be refunded.

Your assistance is highly appreciated.Desired Settlement: If the contract can be reversed and my money refunded in total, that would be appreciated.

If not, the unauthorised payments mentioned in point 13 above should be refunded.

Business

Response:

Our Finance Dept. drafted an agreement document with [redacted] and it was agreed that we would refund $823.16 and $199.00 back to his account. [redacted] signed this document and the refunds were issued as agreed. This is now fully resolved.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[The original contract amount deducted from my bank account was USD 1,028-95. On the [redacted] December Bristol offered to repay me the sum of USD 1,023-11.This was acceptable to me based on the additional undertaking that the unauthorised further deduction from my bank of USD 199-00 AND USD 19-95 would be restored to my bank account as these were subject to a dispute with the Bank. There is a difference due to me of USD 205-79. There is no explanation from Bristol as to why I should be out of pocket for this amount

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

the amount deducted from my bank account was in the sum of USD 1028-95. The company does not explain the difference of USD 205-79 due to me.The other deductions which were unauthorised of USD 199-00 and USD 19-95 are being reversed by the Bank directly. In dispute is the above amount still due to meMany thanks

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

As per the signed document, we retained the small fee as agreed to by our [redacted] as well as client. Everything else was refunded as per the agreement.

Review: I bought a one year of service with out auto renewal of some service with this company. in April 2015

they called me one month after telling me that I have to pay money extra other wise my profile was not going to be active to others to see online and for me to search others. and in the same conversation I was very clear and specific when I said to the lady that called me that I was not interested on any other service of this company and that I don't want to authorize to this company to do any other transaction from my credit card for any reason or any service. however I have been charged 5 times $19.95 each month for a service that didn't agree.Desired Settlement: I want to receive my total refund of 5 months of$19.95 each one and get my money back y want to never do business any more with this company that use my private information to take advance over me

Business

Response:

The purchase of any additional product is at the client’s

own discretion. The client never contacted us to opt him out of our Perks Program,

which he was contacted about several times, specifically through email. He was

also sent a physical program card. We have gone ahead and discontinued the

Perks service for him, and as a courtesy, refunded the months charged.

Review: I received a solicitation from Bristol Who's Who through a pop up window, which indicated that I was selected to be listed in your directory. The solicitation did not indicate any fee associated with this.

A few days after completing on the on-line form, that is YESTERDAY afternoon (my time in France) I received a telephone call from a womanwho explained that to complete the entry of my biography into the directory she would need some additional information. I spent about 30 minutes on the phone answering questions at the end of which she then informed me that I could become an member and went through a variety of options several of which were very expensive.

I kept telling that I could not afford such a price, no matter what benefits and that I needed to wait to see with my research lab at University if I could work on a grant to become part of the Who's Who...until the lady finally made me a reduced introductory offer (185USD) which I approved on the understanding that this was the total cost I would be billed (which WAS NOT, since I discovered that shipping was not included in the initial price I had been told).

I was told by this same lady that I would receive a welcome package via email shortly after I authorized the billing of my credit card and I received an e-mail receipt. I have not YET received a welcome package and now I am sincerely having second thoughts and AM no longer interested in the program.

After looking up the Revdex.com website, I have discovered that I have not been the only one to be taken in in this oragnized scam. I also realize, on visiting your website, that I could have benefited from a Complimentary Basic Membership that is free of charge. However, of course, I was NEVER offered this possibility.

Thank you for your understanding,Desired Settlement: I simply want a FULL refund of what I have been devited ($228.95) since I have NOT yet received the package, and thus have not YET fully-consummated anything or any service provided with the amount that has been DEBITED on my card!

Business

Response:

As requested, a full refund in the amount of $228.95 has been issued back to the client's credit card. I have also emailed the client a copy of the refund receipt so they have it for their records.

Best,

Review: Very clever scam trading on the vanity of people like me. They interviewed me on the phone to see if I "qualified"--by the end I was grateful to be accepted! At that point they have all the client's valued information. Then they hit the dupe for a $789 to join. Yes, I fell for it. Afterwards a slick "counselor" calls relentlessly to draw you into paying another $500 for a plaque, another wad to be featured on their online magazine, and so on. I had to change my credit card number to prevent them from bleeding my account. By that time I'd researched them to discover the complaints and warnings against this specific group.Desired Settlement: Would like $500 refunded, and this group investigated.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding Bristol Who's Who appears to have been resolved.

(By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)

Sincerely,[redacted]

Review: I signed up with Bristol Who's Who in October 2014. There was only supposed to be a one time payment for a period of 5 years. Soon after, I got laid off my job and inquired about cancelling the registration. I was told by a [redacted] this was impossible but this would be the only charge. He did offer a verbal $200 discount that I have never seen.

In December, I say a charge for $23.43 against by credit card to Bristol Who's Who. I contacted [redacted] who said that this was for a Perks Program and that my money would be refunded. I never consented to the Perks Program. On January *, another charge of $23.78 was again charged against my credit card. So, instead of refunding me the money that was promised, they charged me again. This was never consented.Desired Settlement: I have talked to [redacted] who will refund the January *, charge, but I would like the December charge also refunded. I would also like the $200 discount that was verbally promised by a [redacted] as now I do not have an income (other than retirement funds) and every dollar counts.

Business

Response:

As requested, we refunded three charges of $19.95 back to the clients credit card on 1/*/2015. Today, 1/**/2015, I issued back the $200.00 refund as requested. The only reason we did not issue that refund until today is bc the client did not sign the agreement document we emailed them. We always do that so the client as well as our Finance Dept. has a copy of the refund agreement. However, as per this complaint, I issued the $200.00 refund and now this should be considered fully resolved.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I called and requested a full refund of my membership the day after I enrolled (see full email text below). It's been nearly a month (email below is from 3/*) and I have yet to see a refund in my credit card statement. I emailed [redacted] TWICE and have received no reply.

Here is the email confirming I would be refunded the $989.

Dear [redacted],

It was a pleasure briefly speaking with you. I am sending this email for your records, your request to cancel has been processed. Please allow 5 to 7 business days to see the refund back into your account. As I had mentioned over the phone it would be an honor to establish you with an introductory program for 1 yr for only $259.00. [redacted] I wish you nothing but great success and many blessings in your future endeavors.

Best regards,

Eduard sanchez

email sign

[redacted] / [redacted] of Customer Service

Bristol Who's Who

+[redacted]Desired Settlement: Refund the full $989

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In December 2014, I purchased a lifetime membership from [redacted] at Bristol Who's Who because they offered publishing and networking opportunities with professionals like myself in my industry. I elected the lifetime - one time payment option so I don't have to pay any further charges. The rep on the phone told me that because of this lifetime charge, I was to also receive a press release of my biography to search engines and also receive help getting lists of qualified leads and names whenever I need along with 2 free airline tickets roundtrip as a bonus. I received my welcome package via email on 12/** signed by from [redacted] of the company. I was also told that I can redeem my 2 airline vouchers if I contacted Customer Service which I did on 12/**, but on the welcome package it was for a travel agency and you have to pay for specific hotel stay durations only at certain locations with specific dates through them if you want the free 2 airline tickets. The rep on the phone made no mention of that whatsoever! In January, I received multiple calls from [redacted] to discuss publishing my biography..for $995 extra which will be billed to my account! I refused the service and said I was told all was included in my lifetime membership because I made a 1 time payment upfront. He quickly got off the phone and said he will get in touch with me again in February should I change my mind. I reviewed my statement today and noticed a charge of $19.95 from Bristol's Who's Who on my credit card statement. I emailed the company and called the service line to leave a message for a call back. I also notified my credit card company and they informed me that this is for a monthly subscription!! I did not sign up for this and did not authorize this transaction or any transaction more than the first lifetime payment!!! I DO NOT want to deal with this type of service from a company that does not fully disclose it's business practices or intentions. I also do not want to feel this anxiety or stress of not knowing what they will do next. I am truly disappointed in this company and need your help to get this resolved.Desired Settlement: I would like to cancel my membership and have all the funds I invested in returned to me.

Business

Response:

This is fully resolved with the client. Client signed a document accepting a refund of $951.20 which was issued today, 2/**/2015 - Also a refund of $19.95 was issued back on 2/*/2015 as requested.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID[redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: Basically, this company is a scam. I really wish I had done more homework before giving them my money. It looks like they have tried several iterations of this directory - from Middle and High School "Who's Who" to Executives, and now Alumni. It is completely fake. They make you fill out an application, then call and interview. When they "welcome" you into their "club," you then have to pay a membership fee. You have to give a bunch of information, and then are promised follow emails to review your profile and such. However, the only follow-up you receive is confirmation of your payment. The website is completely bogus. The pictures are all fake. Whoever put it up just copy/pasted the greek script typically used as place holders when creating a website. It is a complete scam. The email is from Bristol Branding.Desired Settlement: I WANT EVERY CENT OF MY MONEY BACK

Business

Response:

This complaint is completely baseless and without substance, it is based purely on opinion of a service she has never even used, and in no way reflects Bristol Who's Who. There is negative press about many industries but it does not mean that the other companies have related practices. Our company has and always will provide communication between the prestigious and the accomplished, providing contact with professionals one would normally not have access to. For many reason, we feel very hurt when any individual calls us a scam. We've been in business for 10+ years and have over 500,000 members who are part of our registry. Our staff is here 18+ hours a day serving over 190 countries. Anyone can post anything online, with no discretion or limits, but we prove our integrity by providing the service, the network, and our incredible member registry. Bristol Who’s Who has great reputation and will continue to provide excellent customer service. The client never contacted us with any question or concern and never voiced any dissatisfaction. She was emailed a Welcome Package, to her provided email address- [redacted], on 3/**/2015, the day after she purchased membership. If the client had done any research she would have seen that 100% of our members are REAL and legitimate, accomplished professionals, and there is value in networking on our website, which is also a fully functional real page. I apologize if [redacted] purchased something she was later not interested in using, but in no way is this slander justified.

Review: Bristol Who's Who was displayed as a running advertisement on a visited website and was billed as a "networking tool." I completed the interest form and was contacted by a Bristol Who's Who representative that explained it was prestigious to be selected by them as a member and I would find it an immensely helpful resource for networking. It was a very high pressure sales pitch and allowed no time to consider it; the offer was now or never. For the special price of $989 I could purchase a lifetime membership. The charge was immediately applied to my credit card. The representative had taken my profile via telephone. I received my Welcome Packet, logged in and found a profile with a great many inaccuracies. Expecting immediate "networking" or "collaboration" results, I found no one helpful to connect with and to date (09/**/2015) have received only one connection request - this from a company in France that assists clients in building an international business. I work for a non-profit entity that does business solely in the state of Michigan. Not only that, but ALL of my profile information is available for anyone to view - no need to log into the Bristol Who's Who website. They offer members no security whatsoever! The $989 membership fee was paid by me personally as my organization cannot afford this hefty a membership fee. It was not readily afforded by myself, either, but felt it may be worth the high cost if it provided benefit to our work with low income individuals. My only contact from Bristol once my membership was confirmed was a representative informing me that they were providing me with a prestigious award and it would cost me only $450 to receive the plaque and commendation. I declined. I have allowed enough time to pass from membership confirmation in May 2015 until today to determine that there will be no positive networking or collaboration through Bristol Who's Who. As a result, earlier today, I completed an online contact form on their website describing my dissatisfaction with their service and requesting a full refund. A representative called to inform me that too much time had passed, members exclaim all the time about how wonderful the services are, and there is absolutely no way they will refund my $989. It was at this time that a bit of Internet research revealed that this company has several complaints about them and are described as "fraudulent." There are several complaints on the Revdex.com website and it is noted that these complaints were resolved with full refunds from Bristol Who's Who. I am counting on the same result. Thank you.Desired Settlement: A full refund of the $989 membership fee.

Consumer

Response:

Lisa G[redacted], of Bristol Who's Who, kindly and expeditiously, agrees to apply a full credit to my credit card upon the close of this complaint. I signed an agreement to such and am satisfied that this matter is fully resolved upon receipt of the the promised refund. Thank you.

Sincerely,