I was contacted by a sales rep for Madison Who's Who in March. I fell for their scam, believing I was "selected" as one of the top Realtors for my area. I agreed to join, and paid by credit card nearly $600. I filled out all my biography information and sent it back, and started waiting.
I pretty much forgot about the whole thing, until they sent me a certificate that said I would be included in the 2006 Madison Who's Who. Again I waited. I didn't hear from the company for a very long time, probably 10 months, and then I got a call from ANOTHER sales rep. It seems he had no idea I was already a member, and was trying to sell me a membership. This happened 5 more times within a month.
I called the company to inquire about my book, and was told it was in the process of being "corrected" and would be published shortly. I called 2 months later and was told that it would ship in the first quarter of 2007. No book.
In December (21 months after I joined) I called the company to tell them I had still not received my book, perhaps they had the wrong address? They told me that the book was STILL being corrected, and had not been published yet. Remember, this is the 2006 book... I told them that I was angry because not only was this a breach of contract, but my brokerage, phone and address had all changed and now would be printed incorrect. I asked why no one ever contacted me to check my contact info, if they were spending all this time correcting everyone else's. No answer.
I started emailing and letter-writing and requesting a refund. I was told I couldn't get any refund because they only give refunds within 48 hours of signing the contract. They told me they would give me a partial refund of $189, and I told them not to bother because it wasn't going to resolve the situation. They subsequently credited my credit card $189.
Since then, still no book, no refund, and no replies to my emails, faxes or letters.
This company will take money from anyone that lets them - it's not exclusive, it's a scam. Do not join. I am considering a class-action lawsuit.
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