Bristol Who's Who

Review: I was contacted by a representative from Bristol Who's Who and sold the idea that I could be part of a registry with thousands of other professionals. After being charged $259.00 for what I thought might be beneficial to my career turned out to be a complete scam. After extensive research, all I came up with was dead ends and no real evidence of this promised registry. I was sent false materials, names of executives who have little to no digital history and a customer service representative who would not do as I asked. I was told my money would be returned within 5-10 business days and 10 business days later my money hasn't been returned. I am getting charged interest on a payment for false services while this company continues to scam people.Desired Settlement: I just want my full amount of $259.00 returned and this company to be investigated and/or put out of business.

Consumer

Response:

I have not seen a written response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], but the money they charged was finally reversed back onto my card so my issue is resolved. Regardless, I believe their business should still be investigated or reported for bad business practice.

Sincerely,

Review: Bristol Who's Who has lied about their service and is refusing to refund me for a prepaid 3-yr service; as I don't want to continue a service I am not happy with.

BWW called to advertise my professional profile and portfolio to well known CEOs and other officers or companies around the nation. They pressured me into making a 3-yr commitment / service for $608.95 ; but threw in an incentive or writing a bio about me in a special printed publication journal, which they promised to send me a copy of. In addition, as a gift, they said they would send 2 free tickets to various vacation spots. Seemingly, handsome perks; but this is what they delivered:

1) Sent me a pamphlet about 2 free tickets for airfare, which expired back in 2010 (so, useless).

2) Never sent me (to this day!) the promised bio of me, in a printed publication.

3) In addition to the $608.95, charged my card for $199 more dollars and $19.99 / mo after. I was able to dispute with my card and get back the $199 and most of the monthly charges (not all). But not my $608.95, because I had hope I could resolve it with calling BWW, directly.

4) Emails were selectively answered; but consistently, every email was ignored, when it came to asking for refund.

5) I got a call from BWW earlier this year, advertising the bio publication that I was promised and never received yet. I thought they were finally addressing my email; but they were trying to send it to me as an additional service for an extra $200! I told them, I just bought this, late last year! I am still trying to get it from you; I am not paying an additional $200 for something that was already promised me for the $608.95! When I asked her to cancel my service and refund me, she hung up on me!

6) What I did receive was access to the BWW networking portal, where I wrote in my own bio and interest in (kind of like a social networking / facebook-type page). I could never figure out a way to invite others or look for others; but I did receive one or two network invites. This site is not good for networking.

7) I wrote to BWW, complaining about their service and that I can't get my money back, only parts about me not getting what I paid for were addressed. And what they told me was, "this couldn't have been promised to you, because this service was not available late last year; it is a new service. Well, I wrote down what was promised to me and I wrote down the name of the individual who promised me the printed publication and 2 free tickets. Her name was Marissa N[redacted]. Her telephone # is [redacted]. #[redacted]. She said she was an Account Director.

I see that I have been severely deceived by BWW. It has taken me a year, to try to attempt funds for un-rendered services. Now, I am turning to Revdex.com.

I am asking for my refund of $608.95; and cancellation of these supposed services (whatever they comprise of), effective immediately.

Thank you,

[redacted]Desired Settlement: I am asking for my refund of $608.95; and cancellation of these supposed services (whatever they comprise of), effective immediately.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Bristol Who's Who regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

Review: This company used a link on a website stating that they were a [redacted] network for alumni. I followed the link and filled the information to be "considered" for inclusion in the Who's who among GW Alumni network. A representative called me with further questions making it seem that this was some sort of privilege and that I needed to prove my worthiness to become a part of the Who's who network; that this application was on a competitive basis and that only the best candidates are selected for this network. So I answered all her questions and she eventually told me that I met the requirements. She then told me I needed to pay a fee for a lifetime inclusion in the network. I accepted thinking this was a [redacted] endeavor and gave her my debit card number. They charged me $989.00 in April. I am a school principal and therefore extremely busy. It wasn't until recently that I discovered they were also debiting a $19.00 fee every month. When I discovered that I decided to make the time to look further into the situation. That's when I realized that it is a fraud. They are not at all affiliated with [redacted] and they prey of people's need for recognition of their hard work and achievements to get their money. Their method of getting you to fill out the "application" and the way they "interview" you to see if you "qualify" is deceitful and has one purpose only: to get your money. I called them immediately after discovering that I had been tricked into this situation to demand a cancelation to ask for my money back. The lady first asked me to explain what I wanted and then she put me on hold for a good 15 minutes. Then she told me no one could help me at this time but that someone would call me back right away. No one called me back. When I called them back they wanted me to tell them again what my complaint was because they had no idea who I had talked to before. They were rude and put me on hold for a while again. FInally a man picked up asking what I wanted. I stated my claim for the third time. The man told me it had been too long and they were not going to refund anything. When I said I really wanted to work this out with the company rather than look for other alternatives, he wished be good luck and a good day and hung up the phone.Desired Settlement: To get my money back and an apology for the rude treatment I have received from a company who initially had all the time in the world to call me and e-mail me but suddenly is too busy to talk to me and shows no concern for my claim.

Business

Response:

The $19.95 fee is for an optional Perks and Discount Program. The client had the option to opt out of the service but had not called to cancel it at any time before the beginning of September. As soon as the client got in contact with us, we cancelled the program, and refunded the four months he was charged. We are a professional networking directory dedicated to global networking, personal branding and highlighting individuals who have graduated from prestigious universities. We do not only highlight individuals from one particular university. We apologize for any misunderstanding and removed him from our perks program. Unfortunately, we are out of the cancellation policy’s time frame in regards to the initial membership. Please have the client contact us if there are any further questions. 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:

My complaint is not only related to the monthly fees. I still believe that this company misrepresented themselves and sold me a product that was not what I was lead to believe. The resolution I am seeking is a full refund of the "life time membership" I was charged for, as I have no use for a product that is not what it was made to look like.

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

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have been contacted directly by Bristol Who's Who regarding complaint ID [redacted], however my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

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

Sincerely,

Review: I fell for this transaction through [redacted] There was a section in the website looking to connect with colleagues, other important people from my school. I clicked and people started to call me. I was so called "interviewed" by one of the sales associates and then had to make a decision right on the spot to pay either $1,000 for lifetime membership or $789 for 5 years. I never had a chance to go over the site as it is not allowed. Then my land line phone rang and had to go. However, the sales associate refused to get back to her and made me purchase the phony website scam.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund.

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, [redacted]

Review: Dear Sir/Madam,

Enclosed is all email correspondence between Bristol Who's Who (BWW) and our company ([redacted]). We responded to an advertisement for this company seeking further information as a result of our accounts/profiles with LinkedIn, a legitimate Professional Networking organisation. Note that we have paid US$3308.55 since August **, 2014 and have received nothing tangible in exchange for the considerable funds displaced. Thus, the supicion that BWW is a fradulent company began to surface and a detailed analysis of credit card charges recently took place. Specific suspicious incidences have been described within the enclosed document. Of note (not included in the document), [redacted] received a telephone call earlier this month (February 2015) asking for a further US$700 whereby he directed BWW staff to myself, his [redacted], telling the representative to be sure to explain what the charge was for, and no call was ever placed to me, further adding evidence to the suspected fradulent activities of this organisation. We have since seen many claims of fraudulent activity by this organisation on the web.Desired Settlement: As a resolution to this problem, we would like a full refund of the US$3308.55 paid.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Business

Response:

Please advise on the member name so that I may further assist. 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:

No solution has been presented (i.e. no full refund in $US).

To answer your question, the member in question is [redacted].

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Bristol Who's Who regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

Business

Response:

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,

Review: I am a graduate of [redacted]).

There was a link for Alumni on [redacted] that highlighted free membership to join my university alumni and join [redacted] graduates.

So I clicked it and completed the information.

then I received a call from a lady from Bristol Who's Who who claimed that she is following up on my application for alumni.

I was misled to think that they are agents for different universities including [redacted].

She went through quick questions with me and then congratulated me for being approved for this alumni.

They have offered me a lifetime membership for 900+ dollars and a three years membership for 4 or 5 hundreds.

I have explained that I do not know much about this alumni and how effective it is.

The lady explained that thousands of of [redacted] graduates are part of this alumni

Then she explained that if I like they can give me one year membership. I have accepted thinking that this is my University [redacted] alumni

End result, my credit card was debited for the one year service of 259 USD on [redacted]April-2015.

subsequently I have received an email from This company explaining the service. I was shocked to discover that this alumni is a just an online registration form and not related directly or indirectly with my university ([redacted])

My university has an alumni at [redacted]

I have contacted bristolwhoswho on the numbers I have for them, I have also dropped them an email with no response.

This is a fraud or misrepresentation of the service and I kindly request to refund me the 259 USD. I would appreciate your help in this.Desired Settlement: This is a fraud or misrepresentation of the service and I kindly request to refund me the 259 USD.

I also believe that the use of alumni should not be allowed for this organization. this is an online community form and not more. they should not be allowed to misrepresent their service like that.

I would appreciate your help in this.

Business

Response:

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.

Business

Response:

We refunded the client promptly after his request to withdraw his membership. We also sent the client a refund receipt via email. Any other issues regarding the refund should be taken up with his bank or credit card company.

Consumer

Response:

Thanks for your help during this

Review: I answered of a solicitation from Bristol Who's Who through a pop up window on my personal page in [redacted], which indicated that I was selected to be listed in your directory. I clicked on the popup and a page opened where I could leave my short CV e-mail address and phone number. Bristols who’swho offered that I can be included in there databank without any fee. Then I received an e-mail: 11/** “Dear [redacted] Thank you for applying to Bristol Who's Who. We have received your application and one of our Membership Directors will follow up with you in 1-3 business days. While our selection committee reviews your application, please take some time to learn more about our company.”

Today 11/** I got a call around 5.00 pm (Finland) from a lady which told me she needs to review together with me my CV. After half an hour she congratulated me that I was selected to be included in the databank of Bristol Who's Who and a life membership would cost round about 1000 Dollar. It was clear stated on the page which I filled, that the service to be included in the directory is free of charge. As I ask her that it was stated that the registration is free of charge, she did reply that it is not free it cost lifelong 999 Dollar. I told her that I do not want to make such a deal and when I spend money I need to sleep over. She replied that the directory is published on deadline. As I understand now it is an online registry. She never informed me that the Complimentary Basic Membership is free of charge. As I replied that this is too much and I need to sleep over such an important investment she down on a 5 years membership for 89 Dollar, a three year a two year and finally to a one year membership for 99 Dollar. At the one year membership she convinced me to give me credit card details, after she had everything she confirmed an told that it cost 99 plus some extra fee of 49,99 Dollar. I told her that I would not accept that and she put me on hold telling she needs to speak with the manager and then she confirmed that she was allowed to charge in special case only 99 Dollar. After a longer time on hold she gave me the confirmation number. I got the transaction recipe about the charging of 99 Dollar, but nearly all the billing details are missing and the one entered is wrong.

After more than five hours I did not receive anything not even a confirmation e-mail and I became more and more sceptic about the seriousness of this company. So I checked the internet and there webpage. There is stated that “Complimentary Basic Membership – Limited Benefits / Non-Interactive: A basic membership with BWW is free of charge. The Basic Membership entitles the member to a basic listing within the BWW’s member database which is searchable by other members of BWW, only. A Basic Membership is not interactive, and does not permit the member to actively use the services beyond what is described in other levels of membership.” Especially the misleading information regarding the cost of the membership and the missing information that there is a free membership, the aggressive sales behaviour regarding the extra service fee (which were at the end non charged because I became aware), the missing or wrong details in the transaction recipe soundness of the service. I’m not any more interested in the program or service.Desired Settlement: I want full refund of my payment 99 Dollar. I wish that all of my information are cancelled from the database/ Bristol who's who. I do not like to get any further calls from the company.

Business

Response:

Client made this purchase on 11/** and it was refunded in full as she requested the same day. The refund receipt was emailed to her and she confirmed receipt of the refund proof.

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,

Bristol Who's Who is probably a scam. Don't give them money without being positive that they're legitimate.

Review: I heard about Bristol's who who through [redacted]. They had a sales ad saying if you are an associate professor then you could qualify. I filled out some information and was later called by an advisor who sold me the lifetime membership for $989. The next day I went on their website and figured that this is not something worth investing in so I called and cancelled membership on May **, 2015. I was told I would receive a refund shortly and it is not June **, 2015 and there is yet to be a refund on my credit card.Desired Settlement: To get refunded the full amount of $989 back to my credit card

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: Through [redacted], I followed a website link to Bristol's Who´s Who because they claimed that if I was an alumni of Ohio State, I could be eligible to be part of this list. I sent out my information, thinking it was an OSU alumni program. I then received a phone call to interview me. At the end of the interview, they said that it is a network service and that the membership is 800 dlls. I said no, and they said they could bring it down to new members to $138.95, to which I agreed. They called again a few months later to say I needed to pay more for more services, to which I said no, and said that I had never agreed to pay anything further to Bristol's Who's who. Starting on October 2014, a monthly fee appeared in my card for $19.95. I just noticed it last month (April) I NEVER AUTHORIZED these charges, so I paid up in full my card and decided to put it on hold (it still is on hold). I finally had the chance to call today to ask for my removal from their lists and charges. They refused to give me a confirmation number and I am afraid they will continue with these charges.Desired Settlement: I need for them to cancel my account and erase my records as a minimum.

Business

Response:

When the client, [redacted], called us on May [redacted], 2015, we immediately followed his request and deactivated his account. After the purchase of his initial membership, any additional products are optional. The client was notified via email about our perks feature and was given a log-in and the option to opt out of it. As a courtesy, we will go ahead and refund the charge for that feature. The client will receive a confirmation of this via email.

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 have been contacted by the representative of the Bristol Who's Who with the interview and the possibility to become a member of its directory. After making a payment of 628.95 US dollars with my [redacted] card I have only received there receipt for the payment and not thing else. The sales person has promised that I will be emailed straight away the access logging access to the website and other welcome information however none of this has been provided. They have also did not provided in the receipt any information with respect to for what crevice I have exactly paid.Desired Settlement: I want to have the full refund back to my credit card.

Business

Response:

As requested, the $628.95 was refunded in full. A copy of the refund receipt was emailed to the client for their records.

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.However, I would like that you note that in order to receive the refund the Bristol Who's Who was rather impolite in the communications it send to me.

Sincerely,

Review: I applied for membership to the Bristol's Who's Who of Distinguished Alumni on 7/**/15. I was charged $789 for a 5-year membership, and was told I'd receive a "welcome package" in my email within 2 business days. I followed up today, 8/*, with an email, inquiring when I'd receive the package. No response. The $789, however, was charged to my credit card.

I then decided to research the company and discovered overwhelmingly through reviews and feedback that this is a fraudulent company that varies the price to different people, uses pressure tactics, and does not have a reputable background. I also read that in order for them to deliver services that they promise, they will charge additional money, which they don't tell you about upfront.

I do not feel safe entrusting in this company, and do not want anything more to do with this company or its services, and would like a full refund of the $789.Desired Settlement: A full refund of my $789

Business

Response:

We responded to the client's email by resending them their Welcome Package, containing all relevant material. The client never contacted us with any question or concern and never voiced any dissatisfaction. 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 fraudulent. The client has been fully reimbursed for the service. Thank you.

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. That said, I will not take back or apologize for any comments regarding this business' fraudulence. Any simple web search reveals numerous examples and complaints regarding how this company did not disclose all of its financial terms upfront.

Sincerely,

[redacted]

[redacted] scam, especially for lawyers/attorneys. There are dozens and dozens of [redacted] search entries indicating that this "company" is a scam, and even a Wikipedia article on it. When being interviewed for your entry into the Bristol Who's Who, you will hear fake background noise, as if Bristol is a very busy office and call center.

Additionally, the price changes based on who you are and what you do -- attorneys are charged about $1,000. They advertise on [redacted] all the time, so be alert.

When they call you and you do not answer, a voicemail message is never left. When you call them (based on an email they send), you never get "your consultant," but someone with another name.

Review: On january [redacted], 2015 in response to an invitation on the linked in page I completed a few questions to see if I qualified to be on the Bristol Who's Who 2015 edition. Days after that I received a phone call for an interview, and the lady said congratulation you are qualified for the program.

Days after that she called me to request a one time payment for 5 years memebership. 989.00 dollars.

Then days after that they called again to say I have to pay for a press release, I said I was explained it was included, but she wont stop saying I had to pay that because it was mandatory for all members, it was really intimidating. it started at 900 and somenthing, I didnt really had that money available, so I was really worried on what would happen since it was mandatory, she then offered me a special discount, and charged me for 528.95

I sent all my information for my profile. Today I see they had charged me in march and april 19.95 monthly and I didnt authorize this never!!

I did not sign up for this and did not authorize this 19.95 transactions or any transaction more than the first lifetime payment and the mandatory press release!!! I dont 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 stress of not knowing what they will do next. I am truly disappointed in this company and feel they have in someway obligated me to everything. They really intimidate you.Desired Settlement: I would like them to refund all the charges to my credit card and leave this episode behind.

Business

Response:

The client never contacted us with any question or concern and never voiced any dissatisfaction. Obviously no purchase is "necessary" or required. Any further products purchased after the client's initial membership is a voluntary purchase. We sincerely apologize if this phone call upset the client but it was in no way a necessity to purchase anything further from Bristol Who's Who. In regards to the $19.95 charge, the client had the option of opting out of the subscription via phone or email, but never did, and continued to have access to this exclusive program. In order to resolve this, please have the client call us at ###-###-####.

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:

[Your Answer Here]

Hello,I saw the answer Bristol who's who sent.I saw the answer was sent on april [redacted], a person from Bristol talked to me on april [redacted], she said she was from the finance department and that she will stop the 19.95 charge from now on after she send a document for me to sign. I said I want a full refund for everything and that they dont charge me for anything else anymore. She said she would talk with someone else and they will get back to me.How was I supposed to request to opt out if I didnt even know I was in?I will be traveling out of the country on wednesday and they do everything by phone, Im afraid I wont have my cellphone active and dont know what will happen.-- [redacted]

Review: I was contacted on my job and pressured into joining Bristol Who's Who. Also, I was promised airline tickets that I never received. I joined about 6 weeks ago and was contacted again today and the caller tried to pressure me to buy more services. I feel that Bristol Who's Who pressured me into joining while I was at work and falsely promised airline tickets.Desired Settlement: I am asking for a full refund as there methods is predatory and false promissory notes.

[redacted]

Business

Response:

After getting in contact with the client, we have completely reimbursed him for the service and resolved the issue. Before this complaint, he had not gotten in contact with us to express his dissatisfaction. The issue is resolved. Thank you.

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 was contacted by Bristol Who's Who for distinguished alumni. They spent a considerable amount of time on the phone explaining their service, asking me questions about my career, awards, education etc as if it was a highly competitive process and they wanted you to be part of their publication. Then I said okay and they told me it would cost 989.00 for a lifetime membership. I originally said okay if it will get me the exposure they promise and networking connections. However, after I researched it I called back immediately and told them I wanted to cancel because I was not comfortable with that type of expenditure. Then, they said to hold and another man came on the phone, the Financial Officer and he tried to convince me of five year for approximately 500. I said no, I just want to cancel before anything else is done. He said please give us a try. We will refund you the 989.00 on your credit card and just charge you 249.00 for one year and see how it goes. I told him I still was not sure that it was good investment. He continued and I agreed to the one year. He sent me an agreement that said they would fully charge back the 989.00 and then make a separate charge of the 249.00. I electronically agreed. This occurred on 8/**/2015. I checked my account and it still has not been refunded. I called them to tell them it has been too long and since they cannot refund, I want to since they did not refund my money immediately. They said the 989.00 would be refunded but that I could not cancel. I told them the way they are doing business. 989.00 is a lot of money sitting on my credit card and they said they would get it refunded. That was on 9/**/2015. As of 09/**/2015 it has still not be reversed. I told them I want to cancel all and they said no. I told them I do not want to deal with them because of their messy handling of my membership. Then I asked to speak to a manager. They said someone would call me back. I received blocked calls which I answered and no one responded. I called and got the same response. The charge has not been reversed.Desired Settlement: I get my money refunded that was promised me and I am allowed to cancel my membership and have not futher contact with the organization. Also something posted about what I consider to be a scam.

Business

Response:

The client originally agreed to an introductory membership with a partial refund. When she notified us that the refund did not seem to have been posted, the information was transferred to our Finance Department immediately. When the client contacted us a second time regarding her dissatisfaction, we agreed to refund the full amount. The client’s request for a refund has been fulfilled.

Review: While I was updating my profile in [redacted] I received a solicitation from this firm indicating that I was selected to be listed in their directory. The directory is advertised as a network of "top professionals, executives, and business owners of organizations, businesses, and associations throughout the world". I was under the impression that this is a true selection process to be included in this directory. I filled in the professional information the pop-up window requested and, a few days later, I received a call from a sales agent who requested a lot of additional information to determine if I can become a member. After about 20-30 minutes on the phone she determined that I can be a member and offered a life time "membership" for $1000. I asked about other options and particularly about what I am getting back for the money that I am paying. I specifically stated that I am interested in networking in my field and I would like to think about this a bit. She insisted that I have to make a call right then because the window of opportunity to be listed in the directory can close. I settled for a 2 year membership which was presented to me as the least expensive option ($508.95) and she insisted in processing the payment immediately. A few days later I received a welcome package with instructions to login in the website and update my profile. Due to work commitment I was not able to login until yesterday when I discovered to my stupefaction that basically anybody that is applying and willing the pay the membership fees is included in the directory and there are only 6 other professionals with a title and field of work (even remotely) similar to mine.

I requested a full refund of my money. [redacted] from finance offered to refund ~$400 invoking a 20% fee for cancellation requests coming later than 24 hours. I argued that I am entitled to a full refund for the following reasons:

1) BWW is advertised as an exclusive network of “top professionals, executives, and business owners of organizations, businesses, and associations throughout the world”. Directory includes a broad spectrum of individuals and qualifications and the only common thing seems to be the willingness to be listed there for a fee. During my “qualification interview” I specifically mentioned that I am interested in networking. The sales agent did not mention that there are very few professionals with similar qualification and interest in their "network". The advertising and the sales technique are misleading.

2) The sales agent that called me used high pressure sales tactics and convinced me purchase the highest possible “product”. There was no mention of cancellation fees, or other membership options available on the website, such as free membership, or 1 year membership.

3) Even if I could access the website earlier, I could not cancel within 24 hours. I signed up for the service on 10/**/1014 at 1:52 EST and I received the login info on 10/**/2014 5:04 EST.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in settling this matter.Desired Settlement: Full refund of the $ 508.95.

Business

Response:

As requested, a full refund in the amount of $508.95 has been issued back to the client's credit card. A copy of the refund receipt has been emailed to the client so they may keep it for their records.

Best,

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 believe I have been the victim of an on-line / telephone “who’s who” scam. I was updating my [redacted] profile and I received a solicitation from this firm which indicated that I was selected to be listed in their directory. A pop-up window requested that I provide some professional information which I completed. The solicitation did not indicate any fee associated with this.

A few days after completing on the on-line form, I received a telephone call on June [redacted] from a woman who explained that to complete the entry of my biography into the directory she would need some additional information. I spent about 15-20 minutes on the phone with her answering questions at the end of which she then informed me that I could become a “member” and she went through a variety of options – several of which were very expensive. It was a bit of “hard sell” and I became wary. I kept telling her “no” until she finally made me an “introductory” offer at the cost shown above which I approved on the understanding that this was the total cost I would be billed. I was told I would receive a “welcome package” via email by the next day. I authorized the billing of my credit card and I received an e-mail receipt.

After no “welcome package” arrived, I called the company explained that (i) I had not received a “welcome package” and (ii) that I was no longer interested and that I desired a refund. The person with whom I spoke apologized for the inconvenience and said a “welcome package” would arrive. I relented and finally did receive an email “welcome package” on June [redacted]. I was supposed to open the link and verify the accuracy of the listing. As of July [redacted], I had not done that simply because I did not have the time.

Today, on July [redacted] I received a call from Bristol Who’s Who informing me that I needed to complete my review of the information and provide my photo within the next two weeks so that the editorial department could complete the biography and issue the press release. [The proposed biographical information is ridiculously drafted and highly unprofessional – certainly not worth $208.00.] He also informed me that there would be an additional editorial charge of $535.00!

At that point in the conversation, I told the individual that I thought this whole process was a scam and I wanted a refund. He told me that I was beyond the time for a refund. I protested that I have not received anything of value. I demanded a full refund and was refused. At no time did I receive any notification that there would be additional charges and I terminated the call. I subsequently received an email to which I responded to again demand a refund.Desired Settlement: Refund of $208.95 to my MasterCard

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: Review: I believe I and many others have been the victim of an on-line / telephone Bristol Whos Who scam. I received a solicitation from this firm which indicated that I was selected to be listed in their directory. A pop-up window requested that I provide some professional information which I completed. The solicitation did not indicate any fee associated with this. A few days after completing on the on-line form, I received a telephone call in June 2014 from a man ([redacted]) who explained that to complete the entry of my biography into the directory he would need some additional information. I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with him answering questions at the end of which she then informed me that I could become an member and he went through a variety of options several of which were very expensive. I now assume the idea is to get the victim to acknowledge that the lesser amount seems cheep in comparison. It was a total hard sell and I became wary. I kept telling asking questions about how it worked and benefits etc...until he finally made me a reduced introductory offer which I approved on the understanding that this was the total cost I would be billed. I was told by [redacted] 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. After a while I emailed [redacted] at Bristol and explained that I had not received a welcome package and that I was having second thoughts and no longer interested in the program. He contacted me and not only said he would send the email but tried to up sell the lifetime package etc...Since then and at several times I was contacted for additional costs and services never explained at the outset and all requiring more payments for useless items and products, (ie: crystal plaque +/- $300.00, hard cover book or registry $200+, etc....) After several pestering calls and at home on weekends, I lost my cool and told him I wanted a refund immediately. [redacted] called back several times over a few weeks which I ignored, then [redacted] got me on the phone using a call # blocker and apologized for upsetting me and offered the lifetime membership at no cost, to which I said fine. Following this I was contacted by [redacted] once again about the new member press release and spotlight program to close out the members package where your bio etc is sent to each member directly. This again was at a cost of +/- $500 to which I said no and I had no time. Following this, [redacted] called 25-35 times minimum , until I was again caught in a hurry by a blocked phone #.[redacted] offered to reduce the cost for this to $350 and I said fine just to get him off my back and was assured the bio would be run in the next issue newsletter as a spotlight.I did open the link and verify the accuracy of the listing and sent the Bio for the press release. These events mostly transpired thought the month of July 2014. On August [redacted], 2014 I sent an email asking [redacted] about the directory (which I have access to now) and why there were only a few hundred members not the hundreds of thousands they claimed and in addition many of the members are retired or link connections dont go through. I have since emailed the company and [redacted] and expressed that I thought this whole process was a scam with little or no value and I wanted a refund. I have not had any response to my emails etc...Desired Settlement: A FULL REFUND OF $689.90 USD

Business

Response:

Our Finance Dept. has been trying to reach [redacted] since we received notice of this Revdex.com Complaint. He has never been available. We have no problem working with him on issuing a refund but we would need to speak with him first. Is this something the Revdex.com can arrange?

Review: I received a call from this company, Bristol's Who's Who, they offered a one time payment for a one year membership. After I agreed I have noticed three monthly bills of $19.95 (April, May and June) to which I never agreed and of course was never told about. I believe this qualifies as a SCAM!Desired Settlement: I want a full refund because I was never told about the monthly payments and I do not want to deal with or be associated with a scamming business.

Business

Response:

The $19.95 fee was for an optional service. The client was notified about the service through email and regular mail with the option of opting out of it. The client never contacted us to terminate the service. We will opt the client out of the service and refund the months they were charged. Thank you.

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,