Posted: 2016-06-15T14:46:31 by an anonymous user from or near: Friedberg, Hesse, Germany
It looks like they are particularly active at the moment... Actually, it is even worse. Upon updating my profile on LinkedIn as "Director...", next day, I was invited via LinkedIn Ad "Are you a director? Apply for our elite network...".
As so many others, I was quite intrigued and clicked on the link, since I took this as a credible group on LinkedIn.
In the dialogue, I entered my professional credentials up to the point where I was asked to provide a short verbatim of why I felt I should be accepted into this venerable society. At this point I stopped.
In the following I received 3 calls of a rep, who was extremely friendly, no issue, call again, etc, etc.
In the end, he did an interview which appeared very professional. Upon accepting me into the society with sincere congratulations, he started to explain member benefits which ended with the previously commented 1.198 USD lifetime and 989 USD 5-year membership. Upon my insistence of a trial period, references, etc. he claimed that the association was soo elite that they couldn't even grant trial access, BUT he had the fantastic offer for a 6-months 285 USD membership. For the fun of it, I played along, but it turned a little agressive with "ok let's start with the expiry date of your credit card" so I ended the call.
Upon research I found the "real" International Society of Business Leaders" (www.isobl.com) which looks credible on the net - not to mention that the fake "International Society of Executives and Professionals" even uses the same logo.
I intend to write to them and LinkedIn but they are probably already aware...what a shame! Not to mention that even the address Frankin Avenue, Garden City NY is almost the same.
Well, you just feel so stupid afterwards, but luckily at least I did not fall for it and paid...