Dear sadly misinformed people at Biltmore's Who's Who,
Yesterday I received a very curious envelope from you.
You informed me you were considering including me in your 2006/2007 Who's Who of Executives and Professionals.
Excuse me as I pick myself off the floor. My sides are hurting from the laughter.
Can we say scam? Or are you trying to taunt me? Are you just mean? Trying to shove in my face that I do not even fall into one of the mentioned categories? The only thing I'm an executive of is this house. Maybe that's what it is. Executives and Professionals of the HOME. Except I don't even excel at that.
Oh, goodness. The tears. The laughter. The exercise my stomach muscles are getting from this letter.
In closing I would ask you to do a bit of RESEARCH before mailing such letters. Unless of course you are just mean. Then by all means continue with your flagrant disregard for actual fact. In the case of you trying to scam me? Again, I mention RESEARCH. It would work much better.
Sincerely in pain from the laughter,
MoMMY
PS - Written on 8/20/2007
Another letter? Are you kidding me? Seriously?
290 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 290 of 290why are all these "executives" and SEO's (??) blogging on this site spelling congratulations "congradulations" and career as "carear"-??
Is someone telling a little fib for the sake of the blog?
Well, thanks to everyone here I didn't fall victim to all of this BNL (Bovine Nutrient Load). I went through my interview today. Boy, was he good at tugging on the emotional heartstrings. He did promise a reduced rate of a few hundred for 3 years with the option of extending. I was running off to work so I told him I needed to get back to him. At the exact moment I went in to write his contact info down my phone died. It is such a hard sell, it must be a load of ...
Also, I happened to send my info in after the deadline. That is a good sign that it's a scam. No self respecting publisher would take data after a deadline without a good reason. Here's to this list.
Also, I contacted Biltmore Estates (http://www.biltmore.com/) in North Carolina. They verified that this company has NOTHING to do with either the estates or hotel chain. I'll try to keep you posted on the outcome of this.
Cheers!
Mike
I was wondering where Biltmore received information about me. First, I thought that it was a scam. Next, I thought someone submitted information about me. I am glad that this website is posted b/c I received confirmation that my gut instinct was right and that it is a scam. Thanks to everyone and best wishes for future accomplishments.
I received one of these but noticed that they already have my info written in...looks like they caught on...can we say SHREADER????
Im a welder!!!!! enough said
I too received a letter from Who's Who! I am retired and just spend most of my days Fishing! I am very Proud to be recognized as a Master-Baiter! I bait many hooks every day and I am happy to see some organization finally recognized my talents as a MasterBaiter!
Sign me Jack MeHoff
I just received one as well. My husband was all impressed since I had received an HEB Teacher's Nomination amongst other things, thought it was more good karma coming back to my teaching career after 7 years to raise kids. What a bummer to see it is sickos playing on my lovely year. I will make them pay postage! I don't have a dog but I have a wonderful executive Kitty who makes sure we read our scriptures every night so she gets her pet time. I believe it will be well deserved!
Hi,
The tactics I've read here ring true to my experience: The inexplicable letter in the mail, the seemingly unfounded basis for inclusion (even if you ARE hardworking and/or successful at what you do... even mommying!), the phone interview, then... the SELL!
After getting off the phone, and agreeing to about $200 charged to my credit card (really for 2 plane vouchers which I felt worth it, as opposed to the 'networking' and other 'benefits'), I googled, and found all this negative stuff about Who's Who organizations. Now I'm really scared.
I checked BBB website. They are accredited and have a rating of B-. No reviews or other complaints that I could find.
It might be a scam, but I'm wondering: Is there anyone (besides the one person I read) who has actually BEEN scammed? That is to say: Has anyone paid, and NOT received the promised goods, been mislead about the goods they are getting, or charged for something they didn't agree to?
Please let me know... rvarra@aucegypt.edu. Title: "That Biltmore Thing..." (So it doesn't get junked).
My husband got this letter and was moderately impressed. No charge, seemed like it might be legit. I looked at all the personal info they asked for and thought a Google search might be in order.
Thank goodness for your blog!
For grins I went to some of their Executive or Professional "honoree of the week" sites. What a bunch of mediocre wannabees!
Now to decide what to do with the reply card.....
It is sad that there is so much of this nonsense going on. I sent mine back with the name Hugh Jass to make sure they at least have to expend the energy to open it
Like most of the responders to this string, I momentarily thought WOW, recognition at last. Then the saner side of my ego took over. You are being recognized for what - Have you discovered a cure for cancer or even the common cold? Have you figured out some way to keep the greedy from trying to get rich by pulling the wool over the unsuspecting's eyes? Doing a quick internet search has revealed this site, as well as many other sites, that all support the theory that "Biltmore Who's Who" is a SCAM. You might as well ask me for money to name a star after one of my loved ones.
Do I need to dignify the fact that I got a letter? Biltmore losers: get a life. You're worse than the Nigerians.
Just got my letter and I am so proud to be amongst the lot of you all. We should start our own recognition on this site. We've past the stupid test! Now let's get this crap out of the mail and stop increasing the postal work load or they'll be charging us more for that stamp!
Thanks for being here everyone!!!
Dallas Unappreciated.
another nice detail, their site is hosted in Germany, by one of the mega hosting sites...what legit american company would do that?
This is the same crapola that has been around for years. My sister was hornswaggled in the stupid "Who's Who Amoung High School Students" scam. Got her name in the book, and paid $40 for a copy--and that was in 1977!
I just received a Biltmore letter today--my first ever! So I'm cross-cut shredding the application and stuffing the envelope full of shredded paper to send back to the idiots.
I just got my letter today. My husband laughed. I immediately did an internet search (hoping to prove him wrong!) and, of course, SCAM... Oh well...
I recieved a letter today inviting me to become part of the "Biltmore 2009 Honors Edition of Who's Who Among Executives and Professional Women". Oh the problems with that sentence.
First, my name has no 'i' in it. But misspelling Jesse is pretty common so no big deal. I'm over it. I forgive them. How big of me.
Second, I'm unemployed. Maybe they ARE trying to be mean. Well, I've dealt with mean people before. They're usually just big children. Of course, I don't like children. But either way I forgive them. Again. How bigger of me.
However! One thing I cannot forgive and my third (and certainly most hurtful) reason for disliking them... they've insulted my penis. My wang. My johnson, hot rod, pocket rocket, trouser snake, giggle-stick, crimson darth vader, etc... They can misspell my name to their heart's content. They can insult my lack of profession if it makes them feel big. BUT! I will not have them thrusting hateful comments towards my little pony! I'll be the first to admit my tally-whacker is no enourmous shvanstooker but it's hardly unnoticeable. And I will not have some heartless scam-jockeys contuse my honkerdoogle and THEN, on top of that, try to sell me something.
Biltmore has hurt me.
Jesse-
That may be the best comment ever.
What's the harm ??? people have too much time on their hands ?? If u have the money do as u please !!!!! before the USA .there was only historic blood royalty...here in the USA..we created our own !!! lol (Kennedy's ) I am not that vain of a person..but after the ass kicking that life has givin me i want the damn book lol ..i wear jeans and tee's, ride a custom American bike and work for a living..raised 2 kids on my own. And bought 3 houses of which 2 are owned outright. For shits and giggles i joined ..hell i'd never have made Marquis who's who lol !!! After all the hard work and sacrifice i have a book for my den..means nothing to nobody but me .. if u don't want it say no they r not forcing you to buy anything !! damn people threatenend by nothing!!!
I just received the letter. I thought how was I selected because I've worked in a grocery store for 17 years now. I thought to my self is the grocery buisness considered an executive and professional position for the who's who? I'm glad I looked this up online. Thanks for the info! I also will mail a blank form back to them so they have to pay for the postage.
I can top all of you....
The invitation came to our house today addressed to my husband's first wife.
She's been dead for six years.
This type of scamming should be illegal.
I got a fax from them today. I laughed. Then I took a black marker and made the fax as black as possible. Next, I went to the library and used their machine to fax them 100 copies.
I received the call today after sending in the info card. They keep reducing the price, 4 times, as I told them I would have to think about it. They said I would have to give them an answer because the cut off date is tomorrow. That's a bad way to do business.
I'm so glad I found this web site.
Hey, I'm a who's who, too. Who knew? (Try saying that five times fast).
Anyway I'm tempted to send back the card because I'd enjoy the resulting phone conversation - as they try to sell me a membership and I try to sell them a workbench from my garage.
I love telemarketers. I think I got on one of their no-call lists - I didn't have myself placed on a no-call list - and yet they've stopped calling.
Anyway, some have requirements that they can't hang up first. In the past I've kept some of those going for 15 minutes or more, until they violate their company policy and hang up very quietly.
I had one guy try to out-tough me by forcefully stating he didn't call to talk about what it was I wanted to talk about. This produced its own side conversation. I said, "why do you get to pick what we talk about?" He said, "I'm at work, this is a business call." I said, "well, I'm at home, and for me its not a business call. I want to talk about whether Wilma is hotter than Betty." He said again, "That's not why I called." I said, "That's why I answered."
He tried one last time, by appealing to my sense of maturity and responsibility. "Sir, will you please be serious?" From here I responded, "I don't get this. You insist on controlling conversation, and now you insult me because I'm not letting you? Why do you think you're better than other people? Have you ever talked this over with a therapist?"
He hung up.
I've talked politics, sports, religion, cars and even about the primary exports of Denmark. I've even flirted with some telemarketers. Sigh, wish they'd start calling again. Maybe the Biltmore scammers will, lol.
I received my letter yesterday. I was flattered, yet very skeptical and searched the internet to see the credibility of the Biltmore Who's Who group. I am very happy to have found your site which confirmed my skepticism. I think I will send the blank envelope just to make them pay for the mailing. Bastards...
I did send in the card like two weeks ago thinking they would just add my name to the list with no cost. I was wondering who would nominate me but then felt it could have happened. I have an MBA and am trying to migrate out of my current field. Then I received a phone call from someone today at work who gave me a short interview about my experience and my goals. In the back of my head I am hoping this is legit all the while waiting for them to drop the bomb about membership fees and what not. And sure enough it came. He told me all the things I would receive as a member and that it would cost me $689 for a platinum membership and I would have to pay $189 for the book and how good it is for networking. When I said I didn't have any form of payment on me he told me he could hold while I got it. I then informed him that I had to tend to and emergency on the plant floor and he still was trying to sell me different package each time I told him I had to go. Each time giving me a Better (haha) deal than the last. Then stated due to publishing dead lines I could not keeping them waiting that I could not get back with them they needed a commitment now. I finally hung up. The first thing I did was get on the internet when I got home to check out the credibility. After reading about them on various websites Really glad I did not give them cc information
I thoroughly enjoy your humor Mom of MMY. Thanks for a great read! Of course I found your site because I also recently received a letter telling me what an asset I am to society. I wonder what gave them the idea I would make a gullible target - aka their source list... property listings perhaps?
I find it amusing (after reading all the ways recipients have retaliated) that they pre-printed my name and address on the application form. You all have inspired me to skip mailing an empty envelope to them. In lieu of air, I think I will mail them a bunch of non-incriminating junk mail. Maybe some grocery ads...
I too was suspicous of the letter. I would not join any organization who would allow me as a member.
My husband got this letter today. He was so excited. He showed it to me, and I knew it must be a scam. My husband is a kennel attendant. How is he a who's who, when he cleans up after dogs for a living!!! I had to burst my husbands bubble, but I had to stop him from framing the letter!!!! Maybe he can be on a who's poo list!!! Thanks for this blog! 3 years later and still going, scary! I will be sending back their envelope with phoney info on it!
I replied to the mailer, thinking that it was a scam. Anyway I kept getting calls from these people and no one left a voice mail. I guess that they do not want folks to research before speaking to them. I got the long speach about how special I am and all the hard work that i have done has finally paid off and I am being recognized. i asked how they got my name, and they siad that this information is not devulged to them becuase of privacy. Now it is clear that these folks are scam artist and should b prosecuted for misrepresenting the benefits, or lack thereof.
If a pattern can be shown that they are targeting people under false pretense this can be used as wire fraud, federal offense. We'll see what happens when the FBI takes a look at this company.
The internet is awesome, you can find anything or find out about anything! I loved Paul's response to telemarketers. I am definitely going to start using that type of "conversation". When I send my letter back, I am going to use the Attorney General's office phone and address.
What a bunch of BS! Yep, that's right. I'm not a loser but I'm not exactly an over achiever either. I work hard for what I've accomplished and I'm proud of myself but I'm not the type to go putting up plaques to up my self esteem. I'm perfectly happy with me, myself and I and the little peaceful existence I have. Needless to say when I got this information in the mail for Biltmore's Who's Who I was shocked. I received a Who's Who award in my Junior and Senior years of school but I'm an adult now and didn't know these things even existed. Because of my job, fruad analyst, I took the liberty of checking out this company. You see, my work number is not on a directory of any sort so when I received a call on my work phone I frowned big time! The jabber mouth on the other end started rambling off all the crap they are advised to say all day long then followed it up with, "You only need to pay $900.00 plus dollars to be a member" Yeah, right. At that point I said listen you called me at work, this is a secure line, because of my job I cannot disclose private information. Good-bye! haha! Go contact someone that's been trying to save the world and leave us little people alone!
Comment for Jesse (not Jessie) That has got to be the most entertaining bitching session of a mans penis I have ever heard. Kudos! And thanks for the laugh, I really needed that!
Again, can't reiterate how wonderful the internet is as a tool for scammers like this!! Admittedly at first, I was excited when I skimmed the letter I received from Biltmore, and further that someone "nominated" me for all of my efforts. Thankfully I was quick enough to think to "google" the name, realizing that if something is too good to be true, it usually is. On the other hand, you really do have to give someone credit for coming up with a "creative" idea-
Hahaha!
I got my letter in the mail yesterday, decided to check them out online today.
Yes, I admit...after reading all these fab posts, I got a little devil inside me that told me to call the number and play a little game with the person on the other end of the phone. That person turned out to be 'Jacob'...poor boy!
Needless to say, I lead that poor boy arond by his short and curlies. I talked about everything.....God, dog poo, sweat, food, hair...and other unmetionables... :O....and after 35 minutes (maybe a record?) he still wanted me to join!
So I asked him if he'd ever been scammed. He said no...then started saying something....probably about how this SO wasn't a scam...haha..and I politely told him he had.
Today.
By me.
And it felt FAB!!!
I think he'll need at least 6 months of therapy after our little conversation...either that or he'll find a real job.
Kudos to all for the posts on this site......it didn't cost me a thing, apart from the phone call. And I have to say, for the amusement it brought me, it was well worth the 35 minutes of my life!
Great job all!
Nadine :)
I'm glad I received a Biltmore who's who letter..I got a great workout on the stomach muscles from reading these comments (no sit-ups for me tonight). This blog has given me such knowledge, entertainment, and more entertainment.
Congrats to you all! Thank you!
Nicole
WOW...just when I thought this was my year for recognition of what I do for a living. This suck's. I filled out the paperwork and sealed the envelope and it's waiting to be mailed. Now..I don't know what to do with it. Did I say this suck's?? Anyhow..I'll just go back to supporting my two children 1 and 8 whom of which the 8yr old has type 1 diabetes and my two foster children 12 and 13...oh yeah..my mother-in-law who lives with me that refuses to work and support her own self. I'll go back to my 12 hour shifts at the hospital and watch sick people cough and complain to me as well as the not sick patients that just want to complain cause their lonely...THIS SUCKS!...
Biltmore...go kick rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experience with Biltmore Who's Who. I got my letter today and wondered what this was all about. Yes, I work hard and I am putting myself through school but that's what a 1000 other people do every day too. So, I decided to check out their website - and nowhere can you find any mention of the membership process or fees. So, before I apply or return the card, I figured I would Google the company and voila, all hell breaks lose. I am so grateful that I didn't let my ego get the better of me yet.
I appreciate the idea of sending the empty envelope back, so their hopes can go up in smoke too and get charged at least a little bit. The paper will go to recycling so hopefully in the long run it had a benefit to something.
Thanks a million, CJ
I never realized how smart, successful, and established I am!! This complimenting gentleman from the "Biltmore Who's Who" was interviewing me on whether or not I am worthy of membership. When he congratulated me on my approval and I was going to receive a wall plaque to show my friends that I was accepted in the "Who's Who" world, I was just so proud! All my education and professional development has really paid off! I will be able to put their emblem on my business cards and my company is going to promote me and give me that raise I deserve! The benefits are just endless and I am going straight to the top!! Boy, did it hurt when reality gave me a swift kick to the head when I heard "...and all this can be yours for $649.00 blah...blah...blah..." Bottom line - I am so truly grateful for all these comments posted on this site. I feel bad for those people who do not take the time to research these scams before sending in their money. You all have saved so many people from these awful Biltmore money-suckers! Thank you!!!
It is definitely a scam
Thanks so much for the laugh - and the warning.
I love your website!!
I got my letter today and cannot wait to receive my plaque, which I plan to take with me on job interviews - that's right ladies and gentlemen - I am the most successful unemployed woman in Tampa.
Got my letter today! After I opened it, the next thing I did was google it. Got this. What a waste of trees all that paper is... Yes, I will send back the empty envelope...
I just celebrated 32 years with my company, as a cable splicer. I read the letter to my 90 year old mother.She was proud that someone finally recognized how hard I work. I wont burst her bubble, but my friends & I have had a good laugh over this one. Do you think the Biltmore book would like a picture of me working in a muddy pit?
This scam has been around for awhile & I'm disappointed that it's the first time I've been contacted by them.The only thing they're getting from me is a blank envelope. Ya'll have a good day.
I got one of these. I don't run a business of any kind, unless you count my website where I document my urban exploration. Many, many years ago I got the one where they will include your poetry because it's soooooo good. then you can buy the book of all the poetry for some ridiculous price. Sadly, being young and dumb (as opposed to being old and dumb like I am now) I purchased the book.
I figure this must be the same thing.
I got my letter today. I read it and giggled but had to check out it's validity on the web because I did just graduate with a 3.98
Well I feel dumb! I got my letter and since I was drunk when I opened and read it I filled it out and mailed it. I was suprised when they called me cause I at least thought that my handwritting would be illegable. Silly me! Well they tried SUPER hard to sell me the book, but when I am sober my witts aren't nearlly as vunerable to such poppycock bull sh*t. Wish I had at least read this before I read the letter. None the less no harm, no foul. I just got a 15 minute boring call from a sales guy.
I am glad I came to this website. I am a U.S. Army Recruiter. I just received a Biltmore letter in the mail. I knew something was scandalous about this letter. It was sent to my personal home address and not the recruiting station I work at! My work does not involve putting down my personal home address on anything so I couldn't understand why this letter was sent to my home instead of my work address. I'm not listed in my local phone book. SCAM!!
Thanks all. I'm in Kansas City and also received the B.M. who's who letter. I put the number of my local Better Business Bureau in for my phone number. Tee hee;)
Please...I've read enough of all this bull Z*$&. Seriously, are you all so pathetic and need someone else to blame for your misfortunes? Before you go off on them do some research. At least look somewhat to know what you are talking about. If you're complaining than you surely didn't qualify...boo hoo, too bad, so sad. Get over it. MANY people and corporations, retired and not, have benefited from this. Especially is today's economy. I feel sorry for all of you who have access to internet and have no better ways to occupy your time. Do the research people before you put down someone who is trying to help you. For God's sake..if you want bad press just google yourself. Trust me, it's frightening. Any one with a computer and an ax to gring can say what ever they want. Think twice about this. Go to the Better Business Bureau and get more facts before spouting off. You'll see they are legit and if you don't see that then you didn't deserve to be in it in the first place.
I received one and instantly new it was a scam, becuse I am desinging the ultimate economic system at this time. I will be in charge as you might have determined.
I got the letter from Biltmore a few days ago. I figured it had to be some kind of scam. In reading the letter, I immediately thought... "Ok, how much is this little deal going to cost? Surely they want SOMETHING to put you on their exclusive list." As I read through the letter, all I noticed was FREE was mentioned many times throughout. I thought... oh, nice, a free registry!!! I wonder if the colleges we pay thousands in tuition too sell our names and addresses to these scam companies after they've milked us for all they can get. I graduated with my Bachelor's almost one year ago... maybe my school figured they'd make a little more off me by selling my name and address to this Biltmore scam company?
I had contemplated sending this in since it was FREE to be listed in their elite directory. After reading here about the high pressure pitch to buy a several hundred dollar book, I think I'll pass...
Thanks for the insight. :O)
Also want to add, I see this little deal has been around for at least 3 years.... interesting. I guess it has resurfaced in 2009 as so many people are out of work and are desperate enough to try anything to network to get a job.
Got one too.. I addition to going to the BWW site, I did a reverse search using White Pages...
Biltmore Whos Whowork
4601 Sheridan St, Ste 500
Hollywood, FL 33021-3440
(954) 893-0114
David Mittlerwork
4601 Sheridan St, Ste 500
Hollywood, FL 33021-3439
(954) 893-0114
Jean Theardwork
4601 Sheridan St, Ste 500
Hollywood, FL 33021-3439
(954) 893-0114
Joseph Yachnowitzwork
4601 Sheridan St
Hollywood, FL 33021-3440
(954) 893-0114
I wonder why the Florida DA's Office has not put them out of bussniess yet?
Thanks for all of the confirmation that my thoughts on this were right!
It's usually a big tip-off when you've been married for years and you get something in the mail with your maiden name on it. LOL Wow! For being such an "affluent" person, they haven't really kept up with me very well, have they?
Thanks to everyone that has posted. My wife got this letter today and something told me to check the web before sending it in. SO far these posts have been the most informative and the funnest I have found. Thanks again, and for those who follow, they are now trying to get between $600-700 for the memberships now. Got to love the website though, not a word of cost and looks so up and up.
Take care all.
Need a sales job, Biltmore Who Who is hiring, no experience needed...LOL
Job ID 4365607
Company Name Biltmore Whos Who
Job Category Sales; Real Estate
Location Boca Raton, FL
Position Type Full-Time, Employee
Experience 0-1 Years Experience
Date Posted May 10, 2009
View Biltmore Whos Who profile and job listings
SALES -Times are tough... For who? Not for us!! We have doubled our sales force every year for the last 4yrs. Articulate w/exc comm skills? Phones sales exp a+, Call 954-668-2816. Boca. Sal+comm. M-F. 9-5:30pm. 4365607@pbapply.com
Me too, me too - all of it. Thanks for showing up so high in the search results.
Wow. This scam is hilarious. I'm a college student and not even employed. I just recieved this "who's who" letter in the mail. So funny. I'm also, sending it back blank. Thanks for this site, I found it through a search engine.
I was flattered too when I read the invitation but I remember receiving one from another company years ago and I had to pay money. I did a serach and your site was #2. I knew it was bogus. Thanks so much. I will send the letter back blank too.
I was terrified when this letter came in the mail to my husband. We have been in witness protection for only a few months and I thought it was a trick to try to get info from us before the trial. I don't understand why anyone would send something like this to anyone. I nearly had a heart attack.
I got the letter too, yayy me!! I ripped it into tiny little pieces, stuffed it into the convenient "postage to be paid by addressee" envelope and will be mailing it back to them tomorrow. Now what can I use as filler to make the envelope a little heavier and more expensive to mail?? [evil laugh].
Let's all cost them postage expense by sending back other junk mail in their pre-paid postage envelope. They thought they were smart by pre-printing our name on the form. Fold up all the junk mail you can stuff in the envelope to make it heavy, and mail it back to them.
Notice all of the pro-biltmore who's who postings have spelling errors just as on the bww web site. See.....
"On March 31st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
concerned Says: "
and
"On May 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Adam Says:"
I am perplexed as to why my business address line is prefilled with my home address, and if I was "nominated" why my business information is not already known. Go to there website and nominate 100 fake people with a phone number from the "Rejection Hotline". The recording is hilarious and there are rejection hotline numbers in nearly every major city.
"their website" don't I look like a "Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals"
I just got over three stamps worth of Geico and Progressive brochures stuffed into the return envelope. Maybe that damn gecko or Flo will want to join, who's who!
Thanks for taking the time to write and to let other wannabe's like me know... if it's too good to be true...it probably is! I guess I'll go call Nina and let her know that I won't be sending the $500.00 afterall!
Hmmm...I guess I should be flattered, at least they thought enough of me to try to scam me-LIKE I HAVE ANY MONEY TO SPARE!!!!!!!!! Idiots!
Be careful about sending it back "blank." My info is pre-printed on the form. So instead I am just sealing up the envelope and sending it back empty :)
I love this WHO'S WHO! What is Biltimore? Is it a misspelling of Baltimore?
They refer to me as Mr. So, as a professional and executive shouldn't they know that I am a Mrs! Whatever. So happy to be a candidate of this piece of trash. I think I will send it back in....empty! Glad I'm not the only one receiving this junk!
What pisses me off is that after I received one of these in the mail, (I am a business owner) I goggled it as I was suspicious and found this thread that has comments from 2006. This is 2009! Why the hell hasn't some authority shut them down ??!! It has been going on for years ! Think about how many hard working people they have stolen money from? How much food have they taken off the table of a family already struggling to make ends meet or keep a small company afloat? Shame on authorities that profess to be so smart they can intercept terrorist chatter from across the globe but can't stop scam artist from destroying our own people financially in our own country on the internet ??!!! Now that pisses me off.... C'mon FBI , if you added all the money they have stolen you would be solving the biggest crime of the century ! Think of it as bank robbery, cause that's what it is dummy !
Thanks for letting me know. I got one too. Thought I was special. ha!
A thought for consideration...
These scammers (BWW) can find your name and address and mail you a fancy form...not too hard right?
When you send their return envelope back empty...sure they pay postage (it ain't much)...but you also CONFIRM for them that YOU actually exist.
It would be pretty easy to cross reference a post mark with a datbase they keep.
If you send the envelope back with the pre-filled form in it, or your other junk mail in it...the confirmation is much more definitive.
Now you get put on the list of future "targets".
They could even automate the process with a scanning machine and a "sorting/sifting" program. Heck, make it real simple with a unique serial number on each return envelope.
That's what I would do if I was trying to make a living as a scammer.
This scam stuff works, otherwise folks wouldn't bother doing it.
I recommend you just recycle this, and all junk mail.
I received the Biltmore Who's Who letter today. I live in Virginia and I mention this in case Virginia is their target this month. Although, I have done work in my state and the surrounding states as an historical videographer for over 30 years, I have never received anything like this to recognize me for my work. I have been recognized in the community, but with the presentation of a plaque and in the presence of a large group. I am not nationally recognized, as far as I know, as I have not received any plaque, honorary degree, or special anything from anyone outside of my state. These people have a lot of gall sending this crapola out. Recycling comes Thursday...so this is where I am sending this junk!!
I find it funny that all of the people who are for this website post anonymously, have poor grammar and can't spell. If all of you are executives who have gained great things from this organization, then I wonder how you got this far without being able to spell "sulcking" lol. I had to read that one twice!
Thanks for letting this stay up. As long as these scammers are sending out letters, I hope people will be able to come to this site and save themselves a headache.
Well, I'm insulted that they waited this long to acknowledge me. Now all the best comebacks are taken! I did not consider replying, but was curious about the nature of the scam. You folks are wonderful. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.
stick it to them, dont send back empty.
occupation presently unemployed sand production specialist
see enclosed 6 ounce sample of latest manufactured sand(or bs)
postage is ~41 cents per ounce, enclosed is a free sample of $2.50 worth of my occupation
that should cost them about $2.50
there is my 2 cents worth
I'm always leery about receiving anything from that area of Florida. Most of my scam phone calls - car warranty/credit cards - come from that area, so I always check them out and found this website. I'm sending them their envelope back with a letter from another scam I received with my name cut out and theirs pasted in its place. Maybe they can use the $1,400 airfare tickets I won if I call the 888 number from Finn and Gilliam. That letter came in the mail at the same time but didn't have a return address on the envelope or on the letter. They did however use the same type of stamp. Maybe Biltmore can figure out who Finn and Gilliam are and put them in their who's who book and then everybody will know all about them.
June 2010 and this is still going on? Incredible!! Thanks so much to all for sharing their experiences and confirming my initial gut feeling that this was a scam of some sort. Gotta love google!
Thank you for posting this! I just got the letter from Biltmore too. I recently received a letter inviting me to a professional women's group or society of some sort - - it was the same scam - so when I got the Biltmore letter, I knew to check it out first. Although I am a professional, and have been recognized by legitimate groups, I had to question this. First off - - the address is from South Florida. No offense So. Fla. - I used to live there, but as most people know - most scams seem to originate from there. That immediately caused me to be suspicious. Second - as one person said in an earlier post, if they have all my information already, which they obviously do since they contacted me, then why do I need to fill out an application? Just put me in the book and be done with it! Anyway - I do thank you and all the posters who responded to your blog for confirming what I thought was just "too good to be true."
well, I am currently job hunting and have learned to google all the companies I am applying for (since the last job I worked for turned out to be such a waste of time). I'm wondering if anyone really knows what a scam is. A scam is when you do not get what has been promised to you. If your credit card or payment is not used for what you agreed upon. If there is no networking service, then it is a scam. As far as the payment, I don't know exactly how much it is, but it sounds like they are selling you a service, so of course they are going to ask you for money. Does anyone on here work for free? Nope. It's called telemarketing for a reason. They are sales people and if you curse the person on the other end of the phone, you will get calls forever! trust me. Their job is to sale you something whether you want it or not. I've read a bunch of these postings and it seems that everyone is so excited to jump on the band wagon and say it's a scam without really knowing anything. Just because you can't afford it, doesn't make it a scam. Just because they are trying to sell you something, doesn't make it a scam. Obviously if they are still in business and have had the same name all this time, then they must be SOMETHING legit...whatever that is. I've worked for companies that are scams and that have changed their name several times to avoid prosecution. Don't be stupid cattle following what everyone else says. Use your own brain. This is America, unless it's a charity, everything is for sale. It's 2010, people pay for dating services..top dollar too. And this is just a side not while I am job hunting, so no, I'm not going to do spell check. Just think about it that before you start insulting phone sales people or bad mouthing a company you don't actually know anything about. Post some solid evidence. I'd like to hear from the people who paid money and didn't get what they were offered.
What questions are asked during the interview process?
Yes; can you say, "Scam"??
I am a business owner, so I wanted to see what this was about-- I am in Texas, so why a company in Hollywood, Fla (home of the business scam, in my experience) would want to list me for "FREE", was thought-provoking and I thought worthy of some investigation.
When googling this free-service, I immediately found ONE-HUNDRED and SIXTY-THREE COMPLAINTS to the BBB. Yet, they received an "A" rating? Most complaints had everything to do with MONEY- ??whatt?? money? I thought this listing service charges NO FEES, as this is exactly what their email to me stated. Hmm. Did I miss the fine-print? Yes, it is possible, as this went to my spam/scam email box and pictures and links do not show-up in those emails..
I have to say the BBB could do a much better job of policing their members; if someone has THAT many complaints, even if sixty-three of them were not followed-through on by those who instigated them, that still leave a full one-hundred complaints open in thirty-six months! THIRTY=SIX months?? and One Hundred complaints OPEN? Yet, they receive an A out of A+ to F rating system? Makes me think that BBB will support their members as long as the cash is flowing to them.., which is one reason I will not join BBB, either.
Sounds like a scam? Complaints flow in their short time in biz? I think we all know what it is. I don't like being told something is free, only to see that others have had to fight for the return of their monies? Even if these scammers had to give it back, who needs the headache? Now, I have WORK to do...
I guess they're making their way in Texas, but now its the email version, so they must've learned about not sending paid postage envelopes. This guy had an English accent, probably to make it sound more "legit" but because I can google while on the phone, I didn't get suckered into it. I thought I was being recognized for all the hard work I do with my non-profit (www.iwant2help.us) but no matter. I know, my friends know, and everyone I've helped knows. :)
Thanks for the great posts, everyone.
I read all of these complaints & I'm sorry that soo many people have had the feeling that they are getting scammed, but like any National networking organization there is a membership fee & they let you know that if all you want is the Honorary Mention like the Who's Who Among American High School Students it's free, but like that who's who there is NO way to get to know or network with anyone in it! I met the Executive Director of the Meals on Wheels in S.E.Florida through Biltmore & as the V.P. of the Elks I through them a Luau last year where part of the proceeds went to their organization & I plan on doing it again this year & inviting the other people I've met thru Biltmore to come have fun and KNOW that the money will be going to a good cause. Sounds to me that most of these people don't belong to any organizations where you have to pay dues???? Just sayin......
Folks, you could be more accurate. The owners of the company are former Commodity Brokers who got fined/sanctioned, etc. out of the commodity business. They've just found a new scam.... "Stupidity and Vanity of Fat Heads" People actually fall for this every day and fork over thousands and thousands of dollars ever week
Folks, you couldn't be more accurate. The owners of the company are former Commodity Brokers who got fined/sanctioned, etc. out of the commodity business. They've just found a new scam.... "Stupidity and Vanity of Fat Heads" People actually fall for this every day and fork over thousands and thousands of dollars ever week
I am graduating next month and just discovered an email from Biltmore Who's Who in my campus email. How do they get our email addresses? Creeps....invading my privacy. I knew it was a scam from the moment I saw the word FREE....
Thanks, "Mom," for alerting all of us naive students about the evils of the real world. You just saved our credit cards!
Hey everyone! First off, thank god for websites like this one with a variety of info and comments from a variety of people to see if this organization is legitimate! I have a question.....IS THIS REALLY A SCAM OR NOT? Get this, okay. I auditioned one night for 'Terror Behind the Walls,' at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA. It was an audition to act for the haunted attraction & I LOVE ACTING FOR ALL MY LIFE & horror as well. I went & had a TIME OF MY LIFE, did very well too from the impression of the WONDERFUL theatrical directors, producers & such. Well...the very next morning I got a call from Biltmore's Whose Who whatever stating I got accepted & for some reason..THEY ALREADY KNEW A LITTLE ABOUT ME.....I'm excited but at the same time scared...there are WAY TOO MANY SCAMS IN THIS WORLD....and I AM RESILIENT..I need HELP! Is this a big scam or is there possibility for this towards me?
Hello! I also filled out the application with Biltmore Who's Who on line, and then got a phone call interview about 1 week later. After a 30 minute ego- stroking interview, they pitched their exorbitant fees starting at about $1000 dollars. After saying no, I would like written information about their benefits, they refused. They did however continue to lower the price. In the meantime, I did research online and found several reports of SCAM. I then reported them to the Better Business Bureau, and looked up their credit rating. Do you know they are accredited and have an A rating? Very interesting. They also have over 182 "solved" complaints. I am inclined to think that this is a scam, but I am frustrated that they seem to have managed to dupe the BBB system! I am thankful that I did not give them any money, but I am concerned about how much personal information I gave them, I wish their was a better system for diligence.
I wonder if Biltmore will post my bail?
Post a Comment