"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam

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."

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Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network Scam

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.

The Fake "Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Website

Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network - wanaonline.com

Check the comment section below for additional information, share what you know, or ask a question about this article by leaving a comment below. And, to quickly find answers to your questions, use our search Search engine.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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Comments, Questions, Answers, or Reviews

Comments (Total: 94)

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June 20, 2018 at 12:23 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Bogota, Bogota D.C., Colombia

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.

Delete

January 23, 2018 at 11:36 AM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Budapest, Hungary

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...

Delete

January 11, 2018 at 12:03 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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.

Delete

January 4, 2018 at 8:15 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

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 Network

Sincerely,

-The Worldwide AlumnI Network Team

Copyright © 2017 Worldwide AlumnI Network

Our mailing address is:

1051 Franklin Avenue

Garden City, NY 11530"

Delete

December 23, 2017 at 2:35 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Bogota, Bogota D.C., Colombia

I paid them. Is there a way to get some justice done about it?

Delete

October 30, 2017 at 6:43 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Budapest, Hungary

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!

Delete

October 29, 2017 at 11:41 AM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, France

Got caught by them, cost about 400$.

Delete

October 20, 2017 at 12:55 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Surquillo, Lima, Peru

I was scammed by them. I stated that I was a disabled person. I live in Lima, Perú. My disability is due to back problems and the stress makes my pain worse. Is there a way to sue them or that can get a penalty or so?

Delete

October 20, 2017 at 2:06 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
info

To sue or arrest them we will have to find them first, which is difficult because technology makes it easy for the scammers to operate anywhere in the world. In some countries, law enforcers do not have enough resources to apprehend those scammers.

Delete

August 30, 2017 at 12:14 PM by
"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam
an anonymous user from: Rome, Latium, Italy

Hi everyone!

I have just been called from this association from the number 1 (718) 304 5402. They presented as WANA saying all the same stuff that I red in the posts below. I'm living in Italy; fortunately the telefon connection failed at a certain point of the conversation, and then I found this blog. Thank you very much guys! I won't speak with them anymore! Paolo

Delete

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

"Worldwide Network of Notable Alumni Network" Scam