Where they got my unlisted address, they wouldn't say. I sent in post card, rep Karen called me May 19th. Was friendly, flattering, I enjoyed talking with her. There was no mention of money but at end, said $918.95 for "lifetime" with a plane ticket I said I could not use; she said it had to be paid today.
I made a serious mistake giving my credit card #. She said proof papers would be mailed in 5-6 days, edit and send back.
Afterwards, I spoke with several professional friends who were also solicited, said it was a scam and cancel immediately. One friend, attorney, is in Marquis Who's Who and didn't pay anything.
I realized I need privacy, not exposure or publicity as I'm 68, semi-retired, have med. Problems and personal projects that are priority. I have serious life stressors and don't need to stress over this one too. Also, large dental, etc. Bills on "fixed" income so can't afford luxury I don't even want, even if it was free. I also realize if my friends, family and associates saw my name in the publication, they would lose respect for me and think I've been stupidly ripped off. If I don't want anyone to see my entry, why would I want to be in it?
I called in just a few hrs on May 19th, left message for Karen x1275 to cancel credit charge and do no work and send no papers and I had already called Citibank. May 21st I received call from Tara x1409 to dispute my message. She said work was already done, customized and papers already sent. How could they do it so fast? She said Karen used Send button immediately, I asked her to use Delete button as they should have A.M. May 20 after hearing my message.
She asked if Karen told me "all sales final", I said I had not heard that. Tara said she would review the tape (I didn't know it was taped) to see if I was told "all sales final" and call me back. If not said, they would cancel. Meanwhile, she would take off $199 to change from lifetime to 5 yrs and I said I wanted whole thing off and don't want to be a member - no publicity/exposure. They said they send out 3,000 letters (to who?) not a good thing to be exposed to 3,000 unknown strangers, also they publish in Library of Congress (I found out anyone can for anything).
I've been successful for many years as a home based secretarial service and have never advertised - clients and associates refer me and they stay for years. I take care of people who depend on me but don't need more - no more need to prove myself nor need money for survival. Prof. Work has become a "hobby" more than a necessity, national networking is last thing I need at this stage.
Tara never called back and I did not receive packet until May 31st and on same day my credit card bill without $199 reduction. I left messages again for Karen and Tara I received papers 12 days after I cancelled, and they could have stopped mailing since it wasn't postmarked until May 29th; but no return calls.
If rep lied to me knowing it was taped, what does this say for the company? Citibank took off charge pending 90 day dispute period and will inform Cambridge and send me dispute papers. When I tell them about the several websites and many complaints about fraud and scam I have since found, that may solve it. (?) I didn't see all these sites until yesterday. It looks like my instincts were right.
I have a perfect credit record and want to keep it that way; always been financially responsible and conservative and usually don't have anything to do with telemarketers but I did send in card inviting me to be in Who's Who so talked to her. It was a moment I regret and wish I had said, "I'll think about it and get back to you." But as everyone says, they flatter your ego and say you deserve recognition for your proud lifetime achievements. I also read they solicit and accept everyone.
I know now this is a common story, some didn't buy into it, some did and got money back, some got reductions, some didn't get refunds. I want complete removal of entire amount and no entry in their "publications" - no membership in this sham company. With all I've read, they may be forced out of business and where would that leave a lifetime or 5 yr membership?
Aren't there laws about a certain time period to cancel a credit card charge? If so, certainly more than a few hours!
I hope you can help me and supply some support documentation to submit to Citibank Mastercard
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