Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Scamming - Fraud
The website: "wanaonline.com" and others like it, which claim to belong to an organization that calls itself "Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" that are advertised by unsolicited emails, is a scam. The websites, which claim that the recipients can apply to see if they are eligible to be included in the so-called 2015 edition of the WWANA - Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Registry, is another trick used by scammers to collect personal information. Once the scammers have collected their potential victims' information, they will contact them in order to trick them in paying for a membership service that cost hundreds of dollars. Therefore, online users should not visit the website "wanaonline.com" and others like it, which claim they should register to the join the "Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network."
Online users who have already made payment to the fraudulent organization created by scammers, should contact their banks or credit card companies and let them know that they have unknowingly used their credit cards on a fraudulent website.
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They called me after accepting an invitation on Facebook where they mentioned my UALR university. I guess they are the same as all of you are writing. After receiving two calls from a "senior" representative that I, fortunately, could not attend, I began to suspect and verify on the internet. First, the page of them www.thealumniassociation.com, and then in Blogs and I found this one.I would almost certainly be the same as I read in this blog, thank you very much for having informed me in time.-->Me llamaron después de aceptar una invitación en Facebook donde mencionaron mI universidad UALR. Supongo que son lo mismo que todos ustedes están escribiendo. Después de recibir dos llamadas de un representante "senior" que afortunadamente no pude atender, comencé a sospechar y verifique en internet. Primero la página de ellos www.thealumniassociation.com, y luego en Blogs y encontré este. Estaría casI seguro que son los mismos que leo en este Blog, muchas gracias por haberme informado a tiempo.
I filled in something like this on Linked In. First I was called from New York but I was busy. They called again at an inconvenient time. Today they called at a 'good,' time for me. The lady did not seem that impressed with my achievements, only a BA to my name, no membership of any professional organisations, only POD book catalogues of my artwork to my name. Nevertheless she assured me I seemed adequately accomplished - but then she asked for my bank details, trying to sell me membership at hI Freda of dollars.I ended the conversation quickly after she kept insisting on getting bank details and committing g to payments right away.....
While speaking to the lady who called I understood that there was something wrong. Professional skills and credentials should be asked in writing and not by telephone.I expected her to ask for a subscription and I refused.If they make a living on this, please beware of them.Laura.
I'm in The Bahamas and got info that appeared from my University. The well-spoken lady that telephoned was very professional and plausible. However, I will not just give credit card info over the phone PLUS I didn't accept that I needed to pay $950.00 lifetime membership fee to be 'honoured'. After I told her that I didn't have this in my budget, she got very pushy; made me more suspicious... I said not now... she said "we don't have time to return calls to each person.... ha! Ha!!! what thieves..... thanks for the site.Here's the email I received... from The WAN applications-worldwidealumninetwork.net via sendgrid.net:"Dear (My Full Name)As a graduate of Lee University, we would like to extend you the invitation to connect with fellow alumni, network with top professionals, and represent your alma mater in the Worldwide Alumni Network. Our records indicate that you submitted an application in the past to join, however, we were unable to contact you to complete your inclusion. To join the Worldwide Alumni Network, please take a moment to re-submit your application by clicking the button below.Join The Worldwide AlumnI NetworkSincerely,-The Worldwide AlumnI Network TeamCopyright © 2017 Worldwide AlumnI NetworkOur mailing address is:1051 Franklin AvenueGarden City, NY 11530"
I paid them. Is there a way to get some justice done about it?
I saw their "invitation" on LinkedIn or Facebook, I do not remember exactly. But since it was on a decent website, I had no suspicions and filled the form including my contact info. Stupid decision, but really looked something good and did not come through a spam or strange email. Since then I get calls from unknown numbers, but I never pick up when an unknown number appears on my phone (if there is someone I know or it is something important, they can leave a message). First it was a number from New York(?), now it was 8453197521, which just called a few hours ago. After checking both numbers, it became clear that both are connected to this "Alumni". Thank you for the info you share on this very useful website! You saved me from making a bad decision! These people are really dangerous since they operate quite wisely, using specific targets (i.e academic, university and related) and seemingly a very convincing staff. Just take a look at their success rate (see comments). This is not simply a scam, but rather a new, higher level of scam(s). And more of their kind will follow, I am afraid... So take care and be safe!
