Snake honoured for outstanding work in “Rodent Control”

Meet Casper. He’s my 6 year old Ghost Corn snake and loves nothing more than a nice juicy mouse for his tea.

OK Scam Detectives – Why are you telling us this?

Last week I had an email congratulating me on my acceptance for Strathmore’s Who’s Who, a “Registry and Global network for outstanding professionals”. My work in the field of web design had come to their attention and they felt that I warranted inclusion in the directory:

“The Publishing Committee selected you as a potential candidate based not only upon your current standing, but focusing as well on criteria from executive and professional directories, associations, and trade journals. Given your background, the Director believes your profile makes a fitting addition to our publication.

There is no fee nor obligation to be listed. As we are working off of secondary sources, we must receive verification from you that your profile is accurate. After receiving verification, we will validate your registry listing within seven business days. “

Aren’t you flattered?

Not really, I was sure there was a catch to this “no fee and no obligation” opportunity.

And this has what to do with your pet snake exactly?

I decided to test just how exacting the “publishing committee” are when considering new candidates for their publication.

A quick visit to their website revealed a registration form, so I filled it in in the name of Casper LeSerpent, a professional in the field of rodent control.

About an hour ago I had a telephone call from Victor in Long Island US, asking for Mr LeSerpent. Naturally he was unavailable to speak, but as his personal assistant I was happy to speak on his behalf.

Victor spent a good half an hour telling me about how the “publishing committee” had checked out Casper’s application and their initial investigations had shown that his outstanding work made him an ideal candidate for inclusion in the Directory at no cost. His reputation in the field of rodent control was excellent and several of their members had recommended his inclusion prior to his application.

He asked me to elaborate on Casper’s career in rodent control and I was happy to talk about his environmentally friendly approach (no poisons or mechanical traps) and how patience was his key to success, waiting for the rodent to emerge from hiding before striking and humanely destroying it by way of his patented “superconstriction” method.

Victor listened patiently throughout, making all the right listening noises before telling me that he was going to ratify the committee’s recommendation and Casper would be included in the directory.

So what’s the catch?

Whilst inclusion in the directory is free, a free entry only consists of Casper’s name and Company name. Most members find that to take advantage of the fantastic networking opportunities offered by inclusion in this prestigious tome (which boasts 55,000 entries by the way) they opt for lifetime membership.

Lifetime membership entitles Casper to a photograph in the directory, an expanded biography and listing of his email address so that other members can contact him. Not only that, but Casper would receive a hand crafted certificate verifying his credentials as one of the leading practitioners in his field and a hand finished, leather bound copy of the directory.

Go on then, how much?

Well, it’s only $799 now (£518) with a further $399 (£259) billed in 30 days upon approval of Casper’s biography. A mere $1198 (£777).

Is it really a scam?

Unlike most of the scams we report here on Scam Detectives, I can’t entirely denounce this as a fraud. I have no doubt that upon paying the hundreds of dollars requested, Casper’s biography would be published in the directory, he’d receive his certificate and probably even a copy of the book.

HOWEVER, I do question the value of being listed in a directory which, whilst telling potential members that:

“Based on one’s position and lifetime of accomplishments, we honor professional men and women in all academic areas and professions. Inclusion is limited to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.”

will accept a fictional practitioner with no web presence and no confirmation of business achievement on the strength of a phone call and payment of a few hundred dollars.

Please note: Casper is fed on frozen mice – we NEVER feed him live prey and his food is humanely disposed of before we buy it. No rodents were harmed in the writing of this article.

Tags: Business Directories, Strathmore, who's who