Princeton Premier
January 28th, 2008 by Alan Yu“What in the world is this?” I thought to myself when I got this e-mail recently. It just sounded so fishy right from the start. Apparently it is a directory type of service that implies that you have been selected for possible inclusion in some prestigious directory. Here is a copy of the e-mail:
Received: from smtp10.resultsmail.com ([216.158.103.77])
by l-daemon (Sun Java System Messaging Server 6.2-7.05 (built Sep 5 2006))
with ESMTP id <0JVB007LBT6G3X50@l-daemon> Sun,
27 Jan 2008 16:27:58 -0700 (MST)
Received: by smtp10.resultsmail.com (PowerMTA(TM) v3.2r23)
id hjk9sg0g7asi ; Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:29:07 -0800
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:29:07 -0800
From: Princeton Premier
Subject: Alan Yu’s Selection Into Princeton PremierAlan Yu,
It is my pleasure to inform you that you are being considered for inclusion into the 2008-2009 Princeton Premier Business Leaders and Professionals “Honors Edition” section of the Registry.
The 2008-2009 edition of the Registry will include biographies of the world’s most accomplished individuals. Recognition of this kind is an honor shared by thousands of executives and professionals throughout the world each year. Inclusion is considered by many as the single highest mark of achievement.
Upon final confirmation, you will be listed among thousands of accomplished individuals in the Princeton Premier Registry.
For accuracy and publication deadlines, please complete your application form and return it to us within five business days.
You may access the application form using the following link:
http://app.formassembly.com/forms/view/3366
On behalf of the Managing Director, we wish you continued success.
Sincerely,
Jason Harris
Managing Director
Princeton Premier23-35a Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11105 United StatesIf you do not wish to receive future e-mail
from Princeton Premier, please use the link below.
For one thing, I was thinking to myself that if you were nominated for some kind of award shouldn’t the organization already have basic information about you? Kind of silly for you to have to fill out a form and provide information in that sense. It would kind of be like wanting to award someone for a lifetime achievement award and then asking the recipient on what it is exactly that they do.
Just from putting all the pieces together, my guess is that once you fill out the form you are then contacted by a person who tries to sell you say a premium membership fee of some sort to have yourself listed in it. I think I’ll pass and keep my wallet closed.
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January 29th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Hi Alan
I also received this offer and googled it to find your posting. Since when does an American organization have an MD this is a British title.
President or VP but not MD.
Sounds like a phishing scam to me.
Derek Lane - WAGO Ltd
January 30th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I also received this email. It’s spam to promote new members to their site. http://www.princetonpremier.com
January 30th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hi Alan
I too received this offer and felt it was spam right off the bat. I Googled it and what do you know here is your posting. I wonder how many unsuspecting victims will sign up?
January 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I also received this today, and then looked up the e-mail address that it came from. Here are the results of that search…
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/sls/532384816.html
January 31st, 2008 at 11:39 am
I too am one of those very special people, about to be inducted into the “Honors” society of the “Princeton Premiere.”
How wonderful! All they need is all my personal information. What do you think? Should I give it to them?
(noooo.)
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:05 am
Well here we all our together. Now we can set up a competing directory. I too googled and came here after receiving the request.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Seems we are all sceptics at heart and rightly so. I’m another who googled it after receiving the request and came here
February 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Ditto folks. Thanks for posting this originally.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
You guys all missed the awards ceremony last night. it was great! Sean Young was there drinking and heckling. Britney couldn’t make it but sent her kids unchaperoned. I applied numerous times via the spam but somehow didn’t pay any membership fees so i was automatally disqualified.
OK. I got the letter, too. Thanks for the info. Now off to get that Macy’s $100 gift certificate.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
It’s always nice to know you’re not alone in the world. Seems Princeton Premier has been very busy with bogus emails lately! Thanks, everyone, for posting as it helped me avoid making an idiotic move.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this post! I also google them while I was on the phone with one of their reps. I was impressed and honored until he said $789.99!!! What??? Why would I pay to be listed and honored??? I thought the purpose you were honoring me, was that I was smart??? Duhhhh? Heck no you can’t have any money!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I got the e-mail from them online then one of their account managers named Richard Wellington called me to congratulate me for being selected. He then proceeded to interview me and said that I would be an excellent candidate. He then asked for $789.00 for the life time membership! I asked why I should be paying for something that I had been selected for and said that I would investigate the company. Thanks for the confirmation. Don’t touch this one. I also alerted the BBB about this company.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Where are you all from>… I am down here in Australia.
Yes I am a pretty good sales consultant but hey lets not get too excited about that occupation…
Selected for an award…in real estate maybe but thats about it. I am definately hanging onto my $$$ for my holiday in New York… Jimmy Choos await!
February 6th, 2008 at 5:49 am
After receiving their congratulatory email, I went straight to Google News. All of their press releases appear on pr.com which is a media service for PAID press releases, I believe at a cost of $400 each.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I am honored to have been selected by Princeton Premier as well! I am so proud to be among my colleagues and accomplished business people right here in this blog! Thank you for this opportunity. I have been hoping that after years of struggling as a middle manager and small business owner that I would be recognized! I just cannot afford the recognition.
Thank you to all on this page who have unveiled the mystery of this email. I am like others - I Googled the company and found you! Thank you so much!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Wow - what great company I’m in! They like me - they really like me!
Glad google turned up this blog, although I’m very sad that I missed the awards ceremony….
February 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Wow! What an honor to be able to buy my way into the Princeton Premier. Thank all of you for the info in this blog. I, too, will hang on to my money and delete their email. Would have like to attend the awards ceremony though…
February 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Thanks, all, for the useful information. I’m going to forward this link and the original “spam of honor” to http://www.snopes.com. Scams like this deserve to be outed.
February 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I knew it was a hoax straight up, because I have NEVER done anything noteworthy, or even mildly impressive. It would be great to get a copy of the 2008 - 2009 Princeton Premier Business Leaders and Professional registry, and see who thought they were among the worlds most accomplished individuals only to find they are the worlds biggest losers.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Ok, me from India, name Aju John…the chances of fame, finally knocking in my door, to be busted again…!!! :(( :(( this makes me real angry, how come the things that sound nice, turn out to be false…always…? (anyone else had had the experiance…?)
Regards & God Bless…!
P.S: get saved or get ready to be roasted…(i am one of those Christian fanatics, from India to top it!)
February 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I was contacted as well and was interviewed by this very nice lady Elizabeth Jones who did not stop complimenting me for all my achievements…until she asked me to choose between gold and platinum membership!!! 589 USD or 789 USD + 199 USD for the CD-ROM. When I said I was not ready to pay she became quite aggressive…oh well. I wish I had googled before!
February 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Yes, well being the high level business professional that I am, Donald T. and I shared a limo to the induction ceremony. Quite nice actually. All the heavy business hitters were there including Malcome Forbes’ ghost!
Ditto for all of the above, I Goggled and landed here - thanks to all you sharp people out there for smelling out the BS!!
February 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am
You people are lying. Everyone knows our awards ceremony was cancelled because of the writers’ strike.
By the way, I will list all of you in the new directory I am about to create, with double-platinum membership, for only $450!
February 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I feel so stupid, I actually thought that I had gotten to that point of my carreer that someone was interested in recognizing me. Oh well there goes that! I guess I should have googled this before I gave up my information and told all my friends and family! Now what to I say!!!!:o)
February 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I got the email also in my yahoo account. I was pretty sure it was some kind of cheap marketing trick.
My question is, give the way blogs like this one for example, uncover skeezy things fairly quickly, why people think this is even remotely effective as a marketing ploy.
I guess they just don’t have any brains or ethics.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I just recieved the same email, hit the search engine and here I am.
I feel like the prom date that gets all dressed up and nobody shows up.
Oh well, I will go have a couple drinks and meet a stranger to fill my social needs…
Thanks for the heads up everyone! First rounds on me.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I would never pay for a directory that allowed someone like me to be listed.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Another lucky nominee from Australia. Also a sceptic who is happy to have googled Princeton Premier before replying to that flattering email. Now for the delete button …
February 9th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Blimey they want me to pay to be listed in their publication for something which I’ve accomplished - I hope it was something worthwhile, I’d hate to waste my money. Looks like they are trying everywhere, I’m in England.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Priceless…. The scary thing is that there are probably many people not as ‘enlightened’ as all of us “accomplished individuals.”
February 10th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I am not worthy of this great honour. I will invest the $789 wisely, perhaps in an American war
February 10th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
yep - just been hit. Talk about ‘ham’ in your spam.
I’m in Oz too.
February 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I am shocked and appalled that all of these commenters think that our fine company would spam them. These are valid offers people! It’s a chance in a lifetime!
And you consider it spam… insulting really.
Speaking of insults, are you tired of your friends giving you a hard time about your accent? Sign up now for our Talk Like a Native program and receive 50% the initial signup fee of $213,137!!!
I KNOW! I could hardly believe that deal myself! I’m originally from Hell, but have dropped my fang-induced lisp and am a New Yorker through and through. No more mistaking ME for Satan!
Also see our other offers for ‘Vi@gra’ and great opportunities in the St0ck Market!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
They used to do something like this when I was in High School. It was something like “Who’s who list”
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who’s_Who_Among_American_High_School_Students) They add your name to a “prestigious” list and then charge you a ridiculous amount to buy the book with your name in it. Then again, I have had a similar experience with my High School Alumni directory.
February 11th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Yes, I am pleased to report I have been nominated for a ‘Princeton Premier’ award. I have respectfully declined, on account of my pet pig being more worthy.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Just in case you wanted to know about the next step.
Straight from their email
Congratulations and Welcome to The Princeton Premier. We will process your biography and send out your Welcome Package based on the membership package you select today. Our current membership fees are as follows:
Platinum Lifetime Membership - $789
Gold 5 Year Membership - $589
Associates 3 Year Membership - $389
Executive (non-profit) 2 Year Membership - $189
Introductory (non-profit) 1 Year Trial Membership - $99
Please add $19.95 DHL Shipping and Handling to each membership. For our Platinum, Gold, and Associate members; your two roundtrip complimentary airline tickets will be included within your welcome package. Your Welcome Package will consist of your Congratulatory Letter, your biographical sketch (for your editorial review), your press release for the media, as well as your username and password which will give you full access and privileges to our networking website.
Please be sure to visit our website. You can view some of our editor’s work by clicking on the press releases tab on our homepage. This will also allow you to see the caliber of person included in our publication. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I use their business directory to prospect for business. They have programs where you can try their service for free. It’s a pretty useful tool for small and midsize companies. They have some very talented writers and editors who construct and publish professional biographies for you that detail your career and help you promote yourself and your business. That is where the cost is. You can get some good exposure through them if you need it. It really depends on who you are and what you do. They have some rather prestigous individuals and major companies as their corporate affiliates in almost every industry. Are we talking about the same Princeton Premier here?
February 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I actually received this exact email and submitted the application just to see what would come up. The app is really short, so I thought, why not? Then I just now received a phone call and did this interview, where I was asked questions about my current job, where I graduated from, and where I see myself in 5 years, etc., etc., etc. Then, after all that, I get asked if I would like to become a “Platinum” or “Gold” member. I was interested to see what this was all about, so I asked what the differences between the two are. For Platinum you have to pay around $789 or so, and for gold, it’s around $589. I told the person on the phone that I am not interested in paying for something that I do not know much about. She then went on to try and sell it again, talking about the benefits I would receive and such.
But, my real question was, and still is, what about the history of the Princeton Premier program? How do they decide who to nominate, and what connections does this program really have? I initially thought from the name alone that this might be connected to the Princeton Review, but it is not from what I can tell. I still do not know how or when it started, or what real life networking connections this program truly offers to its members. Therefore, I declined membership, and the person on the phone asked if I wanted a one year subscription that would go for the rate of $100. I declined once again, all the while realizing that this program uses the upside-down business pyramid effect- where they start at the top and try to sell you the most expensive package, and then they work their way down from there to lesser packages in trying to sell you something- anything if it gets down to it. Basically, they just want your money right there on the spot.
You are not allowed to take time to decide- you have to say yes or no right there, which is not a good way of doing prestigious business in my eyes, so I declined altogether. I have researched the Princeton Premier and have not seen anything of true interest to me. I believe that this is just a way of making easy money from unsuspecting people. I am in other honor organizations that actually deliver, have well known success and have good reputations. It is my recommendation to stay away from anything that makes you spend a ridiculous amount of money on something so vague and not so well known. Maybe one day, in the future, the Princeton Premier will become something more useful though. They said they’re internationally known, but nobody I know has heard of them. Just by reading everyone’s responses here, I see that I was right all along.
February 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Oh, and I too am very sorry I missed the prestigious ceremony we all have been invited to. It sounds like I missed some really life changing, earth shattering things. I’m not sorry that I didn’t waste my money though.
February 13th, 2008 at 4:57 am
Dear Amy,
In response to your question - “But, my real question was, and still is, what about the history of the Princeton Premier program? How do they decide who to nominate, and what connections does this program really have?” - There is no history; it’s a sales scam. They decide who to nominate by the order in which your e-mail address shows up in thir files. I am a nobody form a small town in Canada - believe me when I say (and I hate to burst your and Digressor’s bubble) but, they don’t know or care who you are. They are hoping that you are naive enough and ego-centric enough to bite. End of story.
February 13th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Wow, thank you all. I got the mail this morning, and instantly that liitle radar went up..wait a minute. So I too googled Princeton Premier Awards. I thought I’m good at my job, but how is this connected. Some scam, eh!
February 13th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I too got an email from Princeton. I am all the way in England. I am glad I googled them, even though I did submit my details. I certainly will not be parting with my money. Many thanks bloggers.
Carol
February 13th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Thank you all. I just got my “Special” invite and was immediately suspicious. If it sounds to good to be true, it generally is.
Keep your eyes open.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:28 am
What a great Valentine’s Day notice! Finally, the world is recognizing my brilliance! Luckily, I have enough humility to realize this is too good to be true - and sure enough, it was.
Very funny messages though - made it all worth while.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
This is hilarious. I too just got the email and instantly went to google, like so many of you above.
What really set off my spam/scam radar was that if they were what they say they are then they would have done at least some basic research about the people they “select”.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I got my invitation today. Usually, spam does not include my first and last name. I was suspicious, as it came in through a normally spammy email address. I checked the links and they did not look immediately terribly suspicious.
Google pointed out this blog.
Due diligence wins out. Perhaps all of us _should_ be in a book of our own.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:09 am
And here I thought I was special. Well…back to my water engine and perpetual motion machine.
I wonder if they aren’t some sort of shill group for google…getting us all to use google to find out who they are exposes us to the advertising agenda of the google monster. A conspiracy I daresay and we have all falen for it. I would suggest in the future that we al refuse to google it; just fill out the form, pay them the money and leave it at that. That will teach google to try and control us!
So there.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:27 am
I have received this thing at least 4-5 times. So instead of hitting delete I googled it and came here. Sounds like a bunch of DA’s trying to take working people’s money. I hope some poor sap doesn’t fall for it and actually pay the fee.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I received the same e-mail today and I wondered how they got my name and why they would want me in their publication. I googled them too and although I’m uncertain about their legitimacy, the fact that my immediate response was to be a skeptic will likely keep me from responding to them. They always say to “go with your gut” so I’ll do just that.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I too received it. I am paying with the million I am waiting to be wired to my account from the estate of an uncle I never knew I had. He was a big shot minister in the Nigerian government. All I had to do was to send money for the wire transfer, give my driver’s license and SSN. I’ll be rich and famous with my name in the Princeton Scam; I mean, Premier…
February 16th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
So…none of you are members and yet all are so quick to judge the credibility of this company. Seems fair to me.
Good luck with your bashing of this noble company.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
You are all unfortunately mistaken. I filled in the form, had the interview, paid the dollars…..and now thanks to my Platinum membership I am internationally recognised as a high acheiver…..a “make things happen” kind of guy….I have won the lotto…..I now have Miss World 2004 as a mistress….my wife has had the boob job she always wanted (with the lotto money) ….life could not be better.
It’s all thanks to Princton Premier…Oh and the Nigerain Govt for depositing $4M dollars into my bank account from the excess funds that they emailed me to tell me about, but please …sssshhhhh! It’s very very secret!
How lucky can one guy be eh? I have just heard that I could possibly have unclaimed Dutch lottery winnings, just waiting for me to collect…apparently I only have to send them my bank account details….no subscription fee at all! …and I don’t even do the Dutch Lotto. Astounding!
February 19th, 2008 at 12:25 am
I’m really cheesed off! You guys have been contacted weeks before my eminence has come to the surface and you will have filled the eminent publication quotas I’m sure. Oh well, I’ll just have to hope that my continuing brilliance keeps my name on the lips of someone somewhere………
Reminds me of a proposed publication from 30 years ago pre internet. The judge during the ensuing court case with a charge of falsely labelling mail as “On Her Majesties Service”, to avoid postage, described the same perpetrator as a “Walter Mitty like character” who so believed his own rhetoric that he lived in a totally false world of his own invention. I’d love to see this leather bound gem.
February 19th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I may be a simple Irishman but when I received this email I had the wits about me to call my son who is anything but simple!
He got on to this sight and it has been interesting reading all your comments.
I just couldn’t figure out why such an illustrious sounding organisaiton would want to contact an old peat bog farmer such as myself. “Have they nothing better to do” says I?
February 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Look! They even publish each sucker!
http://www.pr.com/company-profile/press-releases/26659
Sorry PP but I am not interested. I’ll stick with reputable groups like the IEEE.
February 21st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
And I thought I was so special, too! And now I know my electrical provider in Texas sells their mailing lists, as the email PP sent my invitation to was strictly for work!
February 21st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I stayed on the phone long enough to find out that a basic listing is FREE. IF you want the option to network through the site and to be published in the book, you have a choice of membership plans that range from lifetime to a single year. I paid the 99 bucks to get the directory (I’ve blown more for lunch) which has thousands of contacts with email addresses and websites. I wonder how many connections you guys can acquire for 99 dollars. If you actually READ the press releases and google the PEOPLE, they are real, legit, senior level executives. Hmmm…now whats the difference between them and you? Oh! I know…they ARE successfull and understand the value of NETWORKING!
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
After seeing all these responses I don’t feel so honoured by this special offer anymore, what do you mean I’m not one of a kind!?… Thanks for the blog people!!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Looks like you can see a list of the idiots who took the bait on their PR page.
“Dr. John Edward Millheim, Vice President of Shepherds Theological Seminary, Has Been Named a Princeton Premier Honored Member in Business”
lol
They have contact information by the way, in case you want to call them with out first filling out their form.
Princeton Premier
Justin Grella
718-874-6071
reply@princetonpremier.com
http://www.princetonpremier.com
That is a New York City phone number. Probably Brooklyn or Queens.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Almost forgot: http://www.pr.com/company-profile/press-releases/26659
February 25th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Even an old Swede like me have been honoured.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
CONGRATULATIONS, MATES! I am pleased to notify you that the Princeton Premier message was a way to attract you to a wonderful “networking” community. If you signed up, now you will be passed on to our colleagues in Nigeria, who will follow up with you. Congratulations, Mr. Captain Oblivious, er, Obvious, (No. 57, above), who clearly just LOVES to be featured on a WORTHLESS “networking” locale — and loves it enough to pay a full bill for the honour.
That is WHY the likes of Princeton Premier go into business, and stay in business despite the rather obvious smell of this.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Mama said I would never mount to much bein a high school drop out, havin 8 kids, livin in a trailer park, and workin part time at the WalMart and all….but now I know I have made it….cuz I just gave my life savins to be in Princeton Premiers WHOWANTSTHEIRNAMEINAUSELESSDIRECTORY???
February 25th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
If anyone is sctually interested in this thing,……email me I have some swamp land in florida to sell ya.
February 26th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Wow! Somebody finally recognized my under-achievements as an underground b-movie director! I guess my film “Pus$bucket” ended up winning awards I was unaware of. Did I get into Cannes? Sundance? Princeton SURELY has a need for someone like me. They are quite discerning! I guess its ok that I make disturbing, ridiculous films that bring me, like, 50 cents profit. Good for them! They found me and my genius for business! Finally.
February 26th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
#62 (Raul) A scam is a practice in which your money is taken and the action or service for which you paid is not performed. Princeton Premiere does exactly what they say they will do,and therefore not a scam. Defamatory statements and false accusations are libelous. Yes, they use mass EMail to solicit members and obviously they are in business to make money (who isnt?) but dont negate the value of the service when you really dont know anything about it. Just because the EMails reach a handful of people who dont place any value on themselves doesnt mean that it doesnt also reach folks who do. FYI, Im not IN the book. I ordered the book once I found out that it would contain hundreds of lawyers from around the world. Maybe you should all buy copies in case PP pursues legal action.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Captain Obvious,
This is kind of off topic, but isn’t your definition of a “scam” a little too narrow? I think links like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scam provide a more broad explanation of it. Basically, it doesn’t necessarily have to always be about a situation involving money. I know on the web that word is usually used more as a way to say a “confidence trick” type of situation. You did raise a true concern though that everyone should take seriously about the type of words that are used to label something as people need to be sure that it is used in a responsible way.
On topic with this post though, I think it is pretty apparent that a lot of people here actually did listen to the whole pitch and were generous enough to post their experiences about it to help others. Your comment about the free listing is interesting as well as it conflicts with what a lot of others have posted here with rather detailed and consistent responses too which is a little hard to ignore.
I personally never bothered to fill out the form to get that far, so I can’t really comment on that. While it might not be the same case here, I remember something else that had a similar amount of scrutiny at first and the organization then afterwards introduced items to try and avoid a similar incident in the future. I think it is safe to say that something is not right though from their end.
General thought too about that directory you purchased for $99, it made the value of it sound even worst to me personally when you said that as why would say a high powered executive want to be solicited/contacted by just anyone in that fashion? Obviously your experience is different from mine, but when it comes to networking with others, especially with more established individuals, actually doing it face to face or through personal referral is a lot more powerful and effective in my opinion.
I personally don’t think having certain people in that “directory” directly correlates to the value of it per say like most things in life. For example, based on all the information so far who’s to say that it wasn’t just someone with a lot of money that just heard the word “Award” or “Princeton” and since that amount is peanuts to them they just went ahead with it? I would look at the big picture.
It’s like saying if a famous actor placed his name on a product that had questionable qualities compared to the other things that are available, it doesn’t necessarily make that product better and I would be inclined to say that it can make the actor’s name look worst. Example, you say hundreds of lawyer contacts…..but what’s stopping me from using the Internet or even a phone directory from getting more for free? As apparent, there are mass e-mailings to try and get what seems to be anyone on it in the first place. So how can you necessarily put more value on those contacts? That’s a serious question too.
If you feel that it is a very great product though, my personal advice is that you share your experience with others such as any success you have had with it. Unfortunately, you seem to be the only real vocal advocate for this here and as a result people will be looking at the way you conduct yourself here as a reflection of the type of people who do business with that company.
Also, who are you referring to when you say things such as “Hmmm…now whats the difference between them and you? Oh! I know…they ARE successfull and understand the value of NETWORKING!” or “Just because the EMails reach a handful of people who dont place any value on themselves doesnt mean that it doesnt also reach folks who do.” Are those comments aimed at me? Everyone who doesn’t want to pay to be listed?
Just to note, I am personally open to a transparent discussion with an executive representative from that company, whoever that may be, if they wish and I will post my discoveries here.
February 28th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I was deeply honored and signed up immediately!
kidding
February 28th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
In case there was any doubt as to the legitimacy of the Princenton Premier Bios - the website was created on June 7, 2007 and was done using a domain by proxy service. Makes it hard to believe this statement in their spam message - Recognition of this kind is an honor shared by thousands of executives and professionals throughout the world each year.
I also find it interesting that the al6400 blog comes up higher than the site in question when searching google for the phrase princeton premier bios - so even googles search algorithm thinks that site is crap.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I am honoured to be amongst the many brilliant people who like me just smiled, cut and pasted, then googled the Premier Punks!…Someone here said “Look they even publish the losers names” that would be sad but I found out that most of the “listings” are fake also…I decided to “google” a couple of the famous people and guess what?…YUP…none of them exist either. Sad but true folks…I just stick to my tried and true adage…”If it sounds too good to be true….it probably is”…works for CARS, MEN and most other things (but I’m still open that maybe there is a gorgeous intelligent, straight, loyal, fun, nice smelling, slim, doesnt live with his mother…kinda guy out there for me)
QLD AUSTRALIA
February 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I got my invitation today Im from Australia as soon as I got the mail I knew it was a scam! So i googled them Cheeky buggers!! the nerve of this scammer!! and found your blog, thanks, all for the useful information!
February 28th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I got this invite today and I am in Florida. They sent it to my business email which I am not sure how they got. It sounded like the other scam the Cambridge Who’s Who so I googled and found all of these posts. I feel sorry for anyone that gets sucked into this. I clicked on the unsubscribe and flagged as SPAM. Good Luck to all!!!
February 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Got it in my work email today….so went right to Google. What’s scary is that Google also brought up the “press releases” of those poor saps who’ve been suckered into membership.
I’m a pretty fart smeller….I mean smart feller….and something certainly stinks here. I need to get back to my email….seems like I need ‘Vi@gra’ and other tricks to getmyself back in shape.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I got it too. I tried to join but after the interview they told me I am not qualified. Geeze!!!
February 29th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I recieved this email today at my office and immediately thought I had been nominated by my CEO, or one my former professors…until I realized how suspicious the email was especially since there are an incredible amount of identity theft and scams which occur every second! Thankfully I came across this site (some of the comments are hilarious). Hopefully most people will have enough common sense to second guess unknown emails before proceeding ahead with anything…
March 1st, 2008 at 7:23 am
I googled them and these press releases come up (quoting PR.com/Princeton Premeir/public information)
Petoskey, MI, January 25, 2008 –(PR.com)– Kathryn B. Bardins, President of Bardins Communications, Has Been Selected for Inclusion in the 2008-2009 Princeton Premier Registry. Kathryn makes her home in Petoskey, Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Lynchburg College. Kathryn served as Vice President of Community Affairs for the local NBC affiliate, KARE TV, from 1987 to 1994. In that time she created and managed several notable projects. She was also the editor of Family Times, Baby Times and Senior Times, three Twin Cities’ publications from 1994 to 2004. Family Time’s was named the “Best Monthly Publication in America” in 1995. Her achievements involve a number of leadership recognition awards such as the National Emmy Award for Community Service. It is an honor to announce that Kathryn Bardins is a new member in the upcoming registry; she is truly outstanding individual.
what makes me laugh is
“In that time she created and managed several notable projects”
and
“Her achievements involve a number of leadership recognition awards such as the National Emmy Award for Community Service.”
an emmy award for community service???????? lmao
who writes this stuff-5th graders???
March 1st, 2008 at 10:25 am
I am glad there is only one dumb ass here.
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 am
Thank you Chuck Norris… and Google…
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Greetings,
We at Princeton Premier have read most of the responses here and are happy to answer any questions you may have about membership and inclusion. It seems like most people did not take the time or are not savy enough to realize the potential benefits of membership. A one year mebership is only $99 which includes a professional written biography of your lifes work including academic and professional achievement as well as a press release announcing your inclusion into the registry as well as access to our online network in which numerous business contacts can be made. At a cost of $8.25 a month we believe this an oppurtunity to not be missed.
Thank you reading this message. - Joe Nunziato
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I received the same trash. The fact is, we all have something in common, “we all want to be awarded and recognized”, even if it’s for just dealing with everyday matters. Who doesn’t want prestige? It’s so easy to get trapped into a world of spam like this.
Here’s a true award…I award each and everyone of you on this blog “The SMART People Award”… it recognizes your ability to not to be had.
March 4th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Mr. Joe Nunziato
I just read your comments, and I too received this email. What you imply on your email is that strangers are “considered for inclusion” in the “Honors Edition” section of the registry when you dont have a clue about anything on that person. And then you continue to say that it “includes biographies of the world’s most accomplished individuals”. What I want to know is how are you tracking any of this? Do you take the word of the person setting up an account with you? or do you actually verify information? Cause personally, I dont see how you are doing it.Oh, and now you say that its $99 to be included when my email says exactly “There is no cost to be included in the Registry.”
Im sorry Joe and Jason, but this business you are running has SCAM written all over it.
March 10th, 2008 at 2:15 am
Thanks for all the information. I am glad I googled it first. I am not going to even fill it out now that I know it is junk. You guys are great.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Yes, I got it too. A typical no brainer, “delete” or “send to junk” email. You know the killer decisions we all have to make each morning. Curiosity caused me to google and find you guys. I am glad I did. If my highly accomplished delete finger hadn’t had a moment of pause, I would have missed all these quite funny and very entertaining responses. It is my belly laugh for the day. So - Thanks! Princeton Premier - whatever you are. At least you make a girl from Oklahoma LOL!!!! Take care, you highly accomplished leaders and professionals - You all have my honored recognition for a job well done! Now don’t you feel good about yourselves? I know I do. It is even kind of scary to be required to put an email address in this blog, don’t you think? Well, Back to work at the real world.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Guys,
I registered, and I received a call they interviewed me for 30 min and everything was smooth, until the guy asked for my credit card number he wanted it over the phone since all webistes are not secure Dahhhh, and when i refused to do that and asked him to send me an email requesting y credit card info, and now his answer was we are not allowed to send emails double DAhhhh!!! so i convinced him that I will send it to his email, I wonder did I gave him the impression that I’m stupid enough to give my credit card number via phone or email to a strangerrrrr, and I thought I sounded smart Dahhhhhhh.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hello To All You Very Accomplished Individuals,
I to received this e-mail, not once but twice. At first I was flattered, living in Princeton and all, but then I did what all of you did, I “GOOGLED” it. I am glad I did. It was exciting at first but then it’s back to reality. And the reality is we are who we are and that’s an Honor I can live with.
God Bless,
Sue
March 12th, 2008 at 4:02 am
My word.
why is this even still going around with negative blogs since January? I am amazed I just got this email yesterday 
Everyone should contine to use the website to connect in good ways such as this and stop being so intend on taking advantage of eachother like this spam email does.
What would this company be capable of without Google??? Ha, google rocks!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I apologize I should have done some edited before hitting submit above…that is what I get for talking on the phone and typeing…….
Goodness grashious!
Thy is this even still going around with negative blogs since January? I am amazed I just got this email yesterday. 
Everyone should contine to use this website to connect in good ways such as this and stop being so intent on taking advantage of each other like this spam email does.
What would this company be capable of without Google??? Ha, google rocks!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:07 am
oh screw it…u get what I’m saying atleast…this input box needs spell check to help me out!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:48 am
I received this in my “junk” mailbox via my work email. I was suspicious so “googled” it and came here. Thanks to all of you for your contributions. Passing on this “honor” is a no-brainer for this “dumb” blonde!
Theresa
March 13th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Well, I guess we’re all here for the same reason, and we got here in the same way. And I’m ok with that. What I’m not ok with, is that I only just got my email from PP - today in fact, and so many of you got yours ages ago. I feel so…second string.
I guess I’m not important enough to scam, spam or go phishing with as a first choice?
Glad I found out now, rather than later - before I got involved in a committed relationship.
And thanks to all of you for sharing and caring.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I was just nominated as well. I was pretty shocked considering that I have not accomplished a damn thing at my job in the last few years, unless they are now recognizing people for reading tmz, cnn, and shopping online. Wait no, I am forgetting last week when I called out sick at 10am bc I was too hung over to show up. Unless they are awarding recognition to those of us who do nothing, than I am sure there was a mistake.
March 14th, 2008 at 5:06 am
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people part of the time. But you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.
Wisdom comes with googling before we leap of an attractive precipice.
E. Tree
March 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Love the internet/love google. Everything you need to know right at the push of a button.
At the very least it was fun reading many of the very clever comments above.
It’s nice that at least some segment of the population has the intelligence to CHECK something before believing everything you read.
March 14th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I just got mine today! Since it showed up in my junk mail folder, I decided to go ahead and click it just to see what kind of scam it was …
I too was like, what have I done that was so special? lol ….
March 15th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I was so impressed, thought something great had happened! Mine came to my work email today. Surprised it didn’t go to junk mail. I also goggled them and thanks to all of my fellow nominees, we are all a bit wiser and richer! Thanks and congratulations
March 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Yeah i got the email as well, i was so honored that i thought to myself, hey i should reply to this….so i did, i got a call from a rep about 20mins later and i sat chatting to him on the phone (as i was bored at work) then after about 20mins of me making idle chit chat he offered me a listing for 789.00 i declined graciously ofcourse and then reminded him that the 20min he had just spent on the phone calling someone from AUSTRALIA would ahve cost him atleast $90…..
WHAT A SUCKER!
March 17th, 2008 at 5:15 am
I too am being considered for inclusion, googled it- and found the right club to belong in at this blog. Thanks all!
March 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
You know, I am so glad I did this.
Imagine these guys. Here I am–I actually LIVE in Princeton, and am somewhat a “popular” name among my peers.
These folks come along and invite me to this elite cadre of global professionals.
Wow–whodathunk a guy like me–serving a 15-year stint for tax evasion and extortion–would be considered for their short-list.
Truly honored . . .
March 20th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Thanks everyone who reported this to the BBB. Can’t trust anything that comes in the email these days.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I just wanted to be #100…
What a joke, I got a call 5 years ago from the “who’s who” book, same scam. I am an executive and there is no way I would want some stranger calling me because they spent almost $800.00 on a book of names. Go join linkedin (www.linkedin.com) for free and you can ACTUALLY network with people.
I love that they have been in business for less than a year but are so prestigious…
Sucker born every minute.
March 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
After two seconds of interest/flattery I did a little digging and came across this blog.
It sounds like the newest “I am the wife of the oil minister of Nigeria and have 4.8 million I need a trusted friend…”
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I got the email just now, and i immediately Googled the name and got this blog. I also got the company’s web site: (www.princetonpremier.com) When I went to their site. all the page said was:
Account for domain princetonpremier.com has been suspended.
HAHA! The scam artists have been shut down. Nice!
March 24th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Oh boy! I knew it was a scam… I started reading the postings but I quickly realized there were too many!!! I am glad though there are so many accomplished individuals in this world!
March 24th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Mr. Nunziato, “you can’t fool all the people all the time.”
I’m a lowly associate at a large US law firm and must confess I have been desperate for complements, since they’re pretty hard to come by when you’re in my position. So, yes, I felt “honored” when I received your PP notice this morning.
However, I only needed to consult my law firm’s directory to be returned to earth. Trust me, if PP had an ounce of legitimacy it would have been listed in the bio of a partner at my firm. Lawyers, more than any other professionals, never miss out on a chance to accept an award, no matter how ridiculous; but, the folks at my firm are at least smart enough to know you’ve got to be beyond desperate to pay for your own so-called award!!!
March 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
I don’t know what you’re all so virulent about. They have complimentary listings too. I use their services every day. No complaints whatsoever. I market my products through their network and it is actually a useful tool for me.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Nice Blog. Got my email this morning. I have no intention of filling out the form, but it’s not a new “scam.” My Grandfather was in “Who’s Who,” and I remember him telling me he paid for that. I (in my 20s) paid to be in “Outstanding Young Men of America” (of which I was not). I learned then these weren’t worth it, even if they’re more hyperbole than actual scams. Of course maybe for some people it is worth having a list of those willing to pay $800 for such a thing!
March 25th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Mmmm let’s see:
“I use their services every day. No complaints whatsoever. I market my products through their network and it is actually a useful tool for me.”
I bet. I have enough people “marketing their product” to me. I will skip this one. I just got another one that states that I also get a blonde and a BMW. Off to get my new car and wife.
March 26th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Thanks guys for these very precious information. I too just got this email and was about to make a foolish move and respond,then googled it ad got to this blog, which have been very helpful. I guess this is the beauty of web searches !!!I won’t respond to them, though I think i deserve the award
March 26th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
And to think I just updated my resume yesterday……
Thanks for the blog Alan. Nice to have met you all. Oh, I passed on the offer.
March 27th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Wow- pretty popular blog- I just received my invitation and also jumped on google to see what this was about. Though, I’m intrigued by the people who find it useful, I may at least check out the website being that I happen to be in sales.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
My goodness I’m a lucky girl. Who’s Who passed me up but finally I get some hard earned recognition. Maybe this will help me leverage a big fat raise.
Or, perhaps I’ll pass. I’m saving all of my shameless self-promotion, ego-stroking, and feeble attempts to feel like a success for my midlife crisis. That’s still a few years off.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:19 am
A moment of official recognition I thought at last! But this lasted for only a couple of seconds as having become so skeptic in my later years of such e-mails (which encompass a multitude of good news JUST for ME such as those either informing me of a huge lottery win and/or begging me to accept millions of dollars that some stranger in Africa wants to entrust to my account!)I, of course, immediately “googled” and found you all before me!!!!!
Thank goodness for Google and all of you. I shall be eternally grateful that as a result of this checking I am now not going to race to call my husband, boss, children and grandchildren with “the news”!!!!
…………..and so we plod on we exemplary business people some more recognized than others but at least it doesn’t cost us anything!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
March 31st, 2008 at 7:11 am
Wow, becoming one big family
“the_all_selected_for_princeton_premier_but_
checked_google_first_and_rejected_family”….or something.
When do we have the first reunion? (let’s have a party!)
thx for this
Note: I’m from Holland, so reached that country also)
March 31st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Anyone else see the humour in my receiving this email on April Fool’s Day?
I’m a bit annoyed that it has taken me so long to get recognised - what have you all done that was so meritorious that you received your email months before me?
March 31st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Ditto to all the above!
March 31st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Am I being paranoid or might us leaving replies be the REAL scam? Just kidding
. Thanks everyone.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
What a great story
From all ‘negative’ energy and experiences come ‘positive’ ones.
Living my vision is already my award
For all who visit here after me well done you passed!
March 31st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I loaded up my emails to find that I also have been nominated. My first instinct was to google these guys which took me straight to this blog! I am not even going to waste my time with these people especially if it is going to cost me money in something that I am not even remotely interested in.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Greetings, fellow potential Princetonians.
While I’m good in my professional field and a functioning member of society, even in my most grandiose moments I harbour doubts that I’d qualify as one of the “world’s most accomplished individuals” - hence my suspicion.
I’m in Australia, and have reported this to the Office of Fair Trading and to the Federal Government’s Scamwatch.
I’m off now to hit my boss up for a raise - I am, after all, supremely accomplished…..
March 31st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
They said I would never make! To be made an Honourary Princeton Premier (or as I call Honourary Private Part) is truly remarkable.
This is even better than sleeping with Elle McPherson
April 1st, 2008 at 2:20 am
Hey you guys…anyone got a loan of $789? I am looking to update my curriculum vitae.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
And for such an honor you will be charged for a copy of the book in addition to the $798.00 if you ever want to read about your glorious self!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Wow, I am a Princeton Premier member waiting for my Princess Premier - surely these guys sending this email thinks if they close their eyes no one would see them…
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:05 am
Seems we’re a like-minded group - google brought me right here too. I guess I’m not as cynical though…I’m hoping for great things after submitting my application. How could these credentials, as submitted on my app, not open major doors:
Jim “Booger” Dandy
Copy Paper Refiller
Finger-Pullers & Co., LLC
Specialty: Beer-drinking & watching TV.
See you at the top!!
April 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
How about that! I just received the same e-mail and immediately googled and found this. I must say I am so thrilled to be honored by the Princeton Premier, I understand that many consider it to the be the single highest honor one can receive in their professional lifetime. I am so embarrassed that I have never heard of Princeton Preminer. It is so exclusive, that you share your honors with thousands of other executives. And their search and nomination process is so thorough, that they can nominate you for their prestigious listing before they even know what exactly it is that you do. Amazing!
April 16th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I’m crushed - I thought I was the onlyist ONE.
April 17th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Anybody got any idea why were selected by this illustrious institution in the 1st place and where they got our contact ‘e’mail address’s came from ?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Just out of curiousity…why dont you guys just accept a FREE listing???
April 24th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Just got The Email today - Only proves: I am unique…just like everbody else!
April 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Unlike the rest of you, I knew immediately that it was a come-on — but for a very different reason.
If it was a legitimate listing of the world’s most accomplished individuals, I would have been one of the first they would have contacted — years ago!
LOL
For the information of others, I can share a tidbit that might give a clue as to how they are coming up with names and email addresses. In my case, they had my name correct, but it came through an organizational email account that has only my title as part of the address. I believe there are only 2 ways they could have gotten that — going to the website of the organization I am the volunteer treasurer of, or getting it from a specialized publication where both my name and organizational email address appeared in print (and on the web). In other words, they’re doing something more than just harvesting email addresses through an automated system. As far as I know, there are no other places where my name and that email address are associated (it’s an address that never has outgoing mail, only incoming, forwarded to my personal account.)
Hope this helps others figure out why they got the “invitation.”
April 25th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I too have been selected, I want to thank my family, friends and those who stood behind me all those years! LOL
“Just out of curiousity…why dont you guys just accept a FREE listing???” - JustCurious
Because there is no such thing as FREE, especially for a person as unimportant as myself.
April 28th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Ahh bugger, I do my job well but to be included in such a prestigious list, at only a small cost….pfffttt.
Don’t touch it.
Cheers
April 28th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Sorry guys, but the list is BS and worth nothing.
This I know this for a fact, because they want to include a true loser like me on the list
I’m lazy and really suck at my job as a manager. (I thought I would be good, but I’m not!) And I’m at the lowest level of management.
So if you’re a top performer, you wouldn’t want to be on the same list as me.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:28 am
It’s an honour just to be nominated. That would be the begining of my speech. Oh that’s right…It’s not an acting award. Well then I’m not interested!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 6:56 am
Back atcha Jason Harris, Managing Director,Princeton Premier
Sorry I cannot attend the awards ceremony as my schedule is so busy accepting the previous 10 nominations. First come, first serve. This most prestigious award is most appreciated but I don’t have room on my shelf for any more.
Nomination Declined!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:22 am
Funny how they just keep plugging away! At least it was shoved correctly into my Junk Mail folder my Outlook. Thanks for the post though, I like all these others did the quick google search and joined this little shindig
May 1st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I want to thank Larry Page and Google for providing the fastest way out of scam as they had me on the phone…phew.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Is there an internet police?
Initially the guy seemed genuine, but as the call progressed he kept on tryin to sell me all kind of packages.
Who can stop this?