Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts….

 

 

Beware Web Scams

A few days ago I received the following e-mail in my mail box.

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It is my pleasure to inform you that on May 15th, 2009 your information was reviewed and accepted for inclusion in the 2009/2010 edition of our registry.  

Strathmore’s Whos Who each year, recognizes and selects key executives, professionals and organizations in all disciplines and industries for outstanding business and professional achievements.

This recognition is shared by those who have reached a distinguished level of success in their chosen profession.

Please take a moment to complete the invitation by clicking on the link below. We ask that you complete it carefully, as it will be reviewed by our editorial department.

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** Please complete the online link by June 15th.

Strathmore’s Whos Who is pleased to inform you that there are no fees or dues to be included in the publication.

On behalf of the CEO and our esteemed staff, we wish you continued success.

Sincerely,

J.M. Blakely

Vice President, Research Division

Strathmore’s Whos Who
26 Bond St.
Westbury NY 11590
Phone: 516-997-2525

 

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When I initially read it, I felt honored, for someone being recognizing the ‘little guy’ who is working hard, trying to build a successful small company and wanting to give his customers the best service. But something just didn’t feel right about this e-mail. One of the things I tell my readers about their personal protection is to trust your instincts.    First because I’m also a bit skeptic, as this was an e-mail and not a letter in the mail, and two I know this wasn’t going to be a FREE honor. When I attempted to click on the link to see what they wanted the site link was trapped by my internet filter flagged it as a Scam site. Ah Ha..I thought,so what is this all about.

 So I looked up their organization via Google, http://www.strathmore-ltd.com/  which looks extremely  legitimate. I then did the next thing which was go to Google and look up their name followed by the word Scams (you can also use the word complaints) BINGO, I thought. There were 25,200 hits on Google, and these are just the one from people who were able or willing to put it on the internet that they have been scammed. There were also only 38 complaints against Strathmore’s Whos Who on the BBB Web site.

 My word for those looking to protect their wallets and their reputation is to just say NO.

 I became suspicious of the whole who’s who thing when I was in College and my little brother was in High School.  When I was in high school, I worked hard, studied hard, took all the right classes, joined the nice clubs, and was a bit active in the Key Club.  I was one of those students who got a whole page in the Senior yearbook as an outstanding student and a few awards.

 My little brother did none of those things, but was very popular with the “party” crowd.

Guess which of us was invited to be included in Who’s who among American high school students .. that right my little brother.

 So I my advice to you all is…beware Greeks bearing gifts.

By Victor Swindell, owner of PepperEyes.com, a division of Swindell Enterprises. PepperEyes.com is dedicated to assist those people who are unwilling to become a victim and are taking responsibility to protect themselves, their cars, or their possessions with our pepper spray, stun guns, and other personal protection products.