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I just received a letter saying I'm selected for the National Honor Roll. What is this? Is it reputable?

By Dadster on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 10:56 pm: Edit

Here's an article from a Seattle news organization: National Honor Roll Receives Low Marks. One quote is, "Apparently grades don't matter to the National Honor Roll, but money does." Apparently, this is yet another book-selling venture like Who's Who - High School and the rest.

By Ben on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 07:09 pm: Edit

I did too. I forgot to send it in too. Good thing, it's basically a scam.

Notice on the website Dadster posted, they cannot seems to spell "Roll" right. They spell it "Role". Whoops.

By Sweet Pea on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 06:45 pm: Edit

I just received a letter today. I don't know what it really is about. Honestly, should I fill out the paperwork that they our going to send me?

By carolyn howarter on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 09:21 pm: Edit

This is the second year I've received a letter from the National Honor Roll and it seems as though the candidates are chosen pretty arbitrarily. Nevertheless, it doesn't cost anything to do the paperwork and it isn't very time consuming, so it can't hurt to fill it out. Just don't give them money.

By Bobbi Lea on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 09:38 pm: Edit

I also just received a letter today stating that I was selected for induction into the National Honor Roll. Although I've never heard of this organization it hopefully can't hurt anything to go ahead and fill out the forms!

By Bob LArkin on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 02:05 am: Edit

Just received one today for my 12th grader son. I don't think that he appreciated being refered to as "her" and "daughter" throughout the letter. Smells like a scam to me.

Of course, every large organization receives it's mail at MAIL BOXES ETC #404. Check out the adress on the letter from National Honor Roll. It is a Mail Boxs ETC!! Check out this link http://www.maildropguide.com/go/Card.asp?id=985

By Bob Larkin on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 02:19 am: Edit

Also, checking their domain registration, here is what I found,they get their mail at a mail boxs etc.,in D.C., but they are a limited Liability Corporation in NY? Smells even worse!!

National Honor Roll, LLC
300 Merrick Road, Suite 204
Lynbrook, NY 11563
US

Domain Name: NATIONALHONORROLL.ORG

Administrative Contact::
Linda Romeo: lromeo@rhina.com
National Honor Roll LLC
300 Merrick Road, Ste. 204
Lynbrook, New York 11563
US
Phone:: 516-593-0555
Fax::
Technical Contact::
Linda Romeo: lromeo@rhina.com
National Honor Roll LLC
300 Merrick Road, Ste. 204
Lynbrook, New York 11563
US
Phone:: 516-593-0555
Fax::

Record updated date on: 2001-12-19 09:39:11
Record created date on: 2000-07-10
Record will be expiring on date: 2011-07-10
Database last updated on: 2003-01-07 02:08:08 EST

Domain servers in listed order:

NS1.THIRDCOAST.NET 129.41.60.2
NS2.THIRDCOAST.NET 216.55.64.2

By Bob Larkin on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 02:24 am: Edit

Oh, and Ms. Romeo, administrative contact for National Honor Roll LLC, has an email address at rhina.com. Guess What? rhina.com's administrative contact is Santo Romeo, at the same address as Linda, but evidently in the next suite (204 and 206). But notice Santo's email adres is at STUDENTMARKETING.NET. This is looking like a real scam. Here is Santo's Domain information:

Registrant:
Rhina International (RHINA-DOM)
300 MERRICK ROAD SUITE 206
LYNBROOK
NY,11563
US

Domain Name: RHINA.COM

Administrative Contact:
Romeo, Santo (SRN253) sromeo@STUDENTMARKETING.NET
RHINA INTERNATIONAL
300 MERRICK ROAD SUITE 206
LYNBROOK, NY 11563
516-592-8787 (FAX) 516-593-4705
Technical Contact:
Hostinfo (HO8994-ORG) hostinfo@SCTNET.COM
SCTnet.com
1895 Walt Whitman Rd
Melville , NY 11747
US
631-777-7889
Fax- 631-777-7484

Record expires on 01-Sep-2009.
Record created on 01-Sep-1998.
Database last updated on 7-Jan-2003 02:18:47 EST.

Domain servers in listed order:

NS1.SCTNET.COM 207.41.170.25
LYNX.SCTNET.COM 207.41.170.26

By christina on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 05:33 pm: Edit

I got a letter too, but i went online and filled out the work. It turns out that the letters that you have to pay the shipping charge in order for them to send anything out, but i still filled out the biography thing. can't hurt.

By Dori on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 06:10 pm: Edit

i got the letter for this, and "who's who among high school students" on the same day last year. i asked one of my teachers about it and he said it's basically a scam. i filled out both anyway and sent them back...today i got a letter from the national honor roll saying i've been inducted for the second year in a row....it's really stupid....

By shae on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 06:06 pm: Edit

The letter I got from The National Honor ROLL, it is saying "My biography will be published", I asked one of my old teachers and she says all they do is write down your name in a book, that no one looks at. Yes It dose SMELL LIKE A SCAM.

By Jose Esquivel on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 08:46 am: Edit

Scams, scams, scams. If you do think it's one, then don't send the money. Just fill it in. There's no problem there. I got a card and I just sent the papers. No money. That's it. No problem.

By JasonTM on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 10:41 am: Edit

I recieved a letter that stated I have been nominated for the second year, however I am concerned not only that this is a scam... but where does the money go? I mean how much money can it cost for one of those books to be made... certainly not $50. What is there net profit?

By lizrk on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 01:01 pm: Edit

i've receved two lewtters from this place

By texaslizard on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 01:08 pm: Edit

this place has to be a scam i have gotten two letter from them one telling me i was nomminated and the other that i was accepted but the funning thing is that my freind got the same letters. and what place charges 4.50 for them to tell the colleges you apply to that your "in" the national honor roll

By DANICA DJURIC on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 07:47 pm: Edit

I'VE RECEIVED TWO LETTERS FROM "NHR", AND I HONESTLY THINK THAT THE PLACE IS A SCAM.I DONT NEED THEM TO SEND ME THEIR TRASH TOO, I GOT ENOUGH OF MY OWN .

By DANICA DJURIC on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 07:47 pm: Edit

I'VE RECEIVED TWO LETTERS FROM "NHR", AND I HONESTLY THINK THAT THE PLACE IS A SCAM.I DONT NEED THEM TO SEND ME THEIR TRASH TOO, I GOT ENOUGH OF MY OWN .

By Kristine L on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 03:45 am: Edit

I got one of those letters too. I went to the website and tried to see if it was legit. The only thing is that they failed to mention WHERE they get their info about me from.

By Evelyn Summers on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 03:47 pm: Edit

I'm pretty sure this is a fake. I filled out an application last year, and also ordered a book. Turns out that I didn't even receive my book that I paid money for! Definitely a scam. Has everyone else received their books?

By Sarah on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 07:19 pm: Edit

this is a second year i've recived one of these letters and i never sent in any money. What bothered me from the start is the fact that i am not the best student and my friends work harder than i do and i got this stuff.Also, on their website where they have a list of requirements they mention that there are "Strict academic guidelines" which means they probibly couldn't list them.... may mean they don't have any.

By Sarah on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 07:43 pm: Edit

oh ya! and above someone said something about who's who not being legit. But who's who is very reputable, and if you get something from them, it's legit and for real. I don't want anybody saying things that aren't true.

By GreenGuy03 on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 08:53 pm: Edit

Who's Who (HS) is "legit" in the sense that if you order their book, you'll probably get it. It is not "legit" in the sense that it is a high honor with stringent and consistent requirements, that it is recognized and respected by colleges, etc. They make money by selling books to people who say, "Wow, my kid got into Who's Who!" Note that the high school version of Who's Who is not published by the same company that does the legit "Who's Who in America". Those people failed to trademark their name, so anyone who wants to make money from the vanity of gullible people can start their own.

By Rackie7839 on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 12:02 am: Edit

I was a little skeptical when i went to their website to see how i received this "prestigious award." when i got there, all it said was that you could not be nominated by your parents or some crap like that. it also said you have to meet strict requirements, yet it doesnt state those. this is all a scam, dont send your money.

By Amyengo (Amyengo) on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 12:58 am: Edit

Wow, im glad i checked out what NHR is really about... i had a feeling there was something fishy. anyways, glad i didnt send anything important to them. sorry for all who did. anyways, what do they do with all the pictures the students give them?

By lilnique on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 09:52 am: Edit

im glad i finally decided to see what this is really about and i happened to come upon this site. my mom told me was a scam from the first letter i recieved . i filled it out anyway but i sent no money. when i got it the second time i decided to do some research to see what the origin of this was. if its a scam why don't we try to stop it so others won't fall into the trap

By bigwhig on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 04:53 pm: Edit

I recieved the same letter, for my daughter saying that she has been selected for the induction for the second consecutive year.

By L. Wise on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 08:20 am: Edit

I'm very curious about this organization. My son just received his letter saying that he had been selected for the second consecutive year. The problem is......he does not even have any final grades for this school year so how can he be selected again? I am now convinced this is really for money and has nothing to do with grades.

By zam on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 08:06 pm: Edit

I recieved a letter last fall. I was a bit wary of it but sent in the application any way. Today I received the letter saying I had been accepted and it felt worse than the last letter. When I saw the crap they are selling I decided to go look for the site and found nothing.
I recieve good grades in the highest classes avaliable at my school but I'm not good enough a student, with enough extacurrecular activities to qualify for a real award. I'd just warn others to stay away and not to give them any money.

By Kimberly on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 09:34 pm: Edit

Last year I filled out the NHR form and actually believed it. This year I had gotten another form. I filled it out and was really thinking that this was for real, I mean my grades seem like they would qualify. This year we decided I'd send a picture, about 30 min. ago I sealed the envelope with a $12 check for the picture processing fee. Then I decided I'd look into this, its a good thing this was the first web site that showed up for the National Honor Roll search. Needless to say, that check is in the garbage. By the way, can't this place be sued?! If some people are sending money and not recieving anything, I mean, there is an address and a name of the person whos in charge of this mess.

By Usafa4me (Usafa4me) on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 08:08 pm: Edit

Okay I can't believe how stupid I feel for buying into this stuff, hey wait a second - isn't the point of the NHR is to make feel "smart"?

By Rosalind Gather on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 03:14 am: Edit

I recieved a letter stating that I was on the National Honor Role, but dang I didn't notice that it was that much of a scam. It's a good thing I didn't send them any money. Infact I forgot to fill out the papers and send the it into them.

By kimberly on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 07:43 pm: Edit

so is there an ACTUAL National Honor Roll? i just got one in november and mailed it off (couldnt hurt, could it?), and a friend who's 25 says he got a letter just like that as well. that was SIX years ago... how can a company that's not legit last for that long?

By JUNIOR on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 02:13 pm: Edit

I recieved one as well from NHR and Who's who what the hell is it? They are charging to tell colleges that i've been inducted. I wonder do colleges actually know what the hell is it?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 02:30 pm: Edit

Kimberly, some scams run for years and years just barely inside the edge of legality. The one I'm always hearing around holiday times is "Have a star named after your loved one" and have it recorded in book form in the Library of Congress. Well, anyone can "name" a star, put the list of names in a book, and send the book to the library of Congress...or a Swiss vault or whatever. The "name" means nothing, however, because such authority is exercised by an international astronomical association that identifies stars, comets, moons, etc. Forget the intials...something like the IAAU or some such.

Always remember the test in the foreward to BORED OF THE RINGS: "A _______ and their ________ are soon parted. You have five minutes...ready, set, go!"

By J Doe on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 12:31 pm: Edit

These guys are nothing but crooks! Start writing emails to Lynn Romeo, the chief crook at the National Honor Roll. Tell your friends and parents to write letter to Lynn Romeo. Write to your congressman, your senator, the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), the Federal Attorney General (John Ashcroft - www.usdoj.gov/ag), your state Attorney General (go to Google.com and type in "attorney general" and the name of your state), the New York state Attorney General (Eliot Spitzer - www.oag.state.ny.us). Let's take these crooks down!! Post messages in all of the newsgroups and bulletin boards you know of so others will find out about this scam. These kind of deceptive tactics have no place in the world of education!!!

Here is a dialog of emails (names eliminated for privacy) with Lynn Romeo of the National Honor Roll. Start at the bottom and read upward. Copy any of it you wish and reuse it to send letters, emails, and put postings about the deceptive marketing tactics being used by the National Honor Roll.

-----Original Message-----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

Reference the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act or COPPA.

Further, reference the link below and provide me with your response after you have read the short article:

http://www.kirotv.com/consumer/1874074/detail.html

Also, perhaps you can explain to me why you using an address which is a Mail Boxes, Etc. in Washington D.C. and not your real address in New York.

Provide me with the name, address, phone number, and contact person of the source from which you obtained our child's personal information so I can put a stop to these deceptive marketing tactics.

J. Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Romeo
To: J Doe
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear J Doe:

Although we would like to honor your request for information, contractual obligations to others appear to prevent us from doing so. We would be happy to reconsider our position if you could point us to the authority upon which your lawyer relied for the proposition that we are required to provide the information that you have requested. Once we have that information, we would be able to determine how we can best satisfy any obligations to all concerned.

I am uncertain as to the basis for your recent claim that NHR engages in deceptive marketing. We certainly provide everything that we promise to provide, we offer many things (including publication of qualifying students' biographies for no cost) and we offer a money back guarantee if not satisfied with any purchase.

If I can provide any more information to you within the confines of our obligations to others, please be in touch.

L. Romeo


-----Original Message-----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

We received your letter requesting biographical information yesterday. It is now obvious you are using deceptive techniques to sell books, not honoring any students for achievement.

As I requested previously, please provide me with the name, address, phone number, and contact person of the source from which you obtained our child's personal information.

Sincerely,

J Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

I have checked with my attorney's also and they have confirmed to me you are required to provide me with the name, address, phone number, and contact person of the source from which you obtained our child's personal information.

I will continue to pursue this matter until you have satisfied my request.

Sincerely,

J Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Romeo
To: J Doe
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear J Doe:

I checked with my legal department and they have confirmed that I cannot give any information other than "internet source". We have your child's name, address, and graduation year.

Sincerely,

Lynn Romeo


-----Original Message-----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

Thanks for your reply to my inquiry.

Before we go any further, it is necessary that I know the source from which you obtained my child's information. Any agreements you have with your "nominators" don't change the fact that you've obtained personal information about our child, who is a minor, from a source unknown to us, the parent's, and are now requesting additional personal information. By law, we have a right to know the source from where you obtained this information.

I would very much appreciate your cooperation in providing me with the name, address, phone number, and contact person of the source from which you obtained our child's name, address, and any other personal information you may have in your possession.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

J Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Romeo
To: J Doe
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear J Doe:

Thank you for getting back to me so promptly. We got your child's name from an online source. Due to the nondisclosure agreement we have with each of our nominators, I can't get more specific than that. We're looking forward to receiving your child's profile and hope to hear from them soon.

Sincerely,

Lynn Romeo


-----Original Message-----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

Our child’s name is XXXXXX XXXXXXXX and the profile number is XXX-XXXX-XXX.

J Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Romeo
To: J Doe
Subject: National Honor Roll

Can you tell me xxx name and profile number (on the letter)?

Sincerely,

Lynn Romeo


-----Original Message -----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

I received your letter today regarding the National Honor Roll and am very interested. I look forward to receiving your biography questionnaire. I'm just curious...where did you obtain our child's name/address?

Thank you!

Sincerely,

J Doe

By J Doe on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 12:37 pm: Edit

Lynn Romeo's email address is lromeo@nationalhonorroll.org. Write to her and complain about the deceptive marketing tactics she uses.

By J Doe on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 12:42 pm: Edit

The link above doesn't appear to be working so here's an updated link to try.

"National Honor Roll Receives Low Marks"

http://www.kirotv.com/consumer/1874074/detail.html

By Gideon Ape on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 08:58 pm: Edit

i recieved NHR mail thingy,and from what im seeing,im starting to wonderif it really is a scam.I purchased their "year book" and got my name stamped on it,and forreals if this thing is a scam L. Romeo and her Juliet will receive a call from Whitley,Jenkins, and Riddle. or we can just go to Judge Judy and see what she has to say about this rubbish.sheesh i never thought grown folks would need to bum money off a childs education, really lame not to mention no morals, but then again if this NHR Achievement is real, by all means, Thank You! You know if this really is a scam, you can rest assure L.Romeo,one way or another, you and your irrational company will go down the drain,well my toilet at least.BUt in any other reasons, i really do think that its a good thing to recognize student achievements.ack ill juss sit,wait and see. After reading this story on this site http://www.kirotv.com/consumer/1874074/detail.html
it does make me think!! hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!
"the truth is out there" <--good tv show!

By Gideon Ape on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 09:01 pm: Edit

i recieved NHR mail thingy,and from what im seeing,im starting to wonderif it really is a scam.I purchased their "year book" and got my name stamped on it,and forreals if this thing is a scam L. Romeo and her Juliet will receive a call from Whitley,Jenkins, and Riddle. or we can just go to Judge Judy and see what she has to say about this rubbish.sheesh i never thought grown folks would need to bum money off a childs education, really lame not to mention no morals, but then again if this NHR Achievement is real, by all means, Thank You! You know if this really is a scam, you can rest assure L.Romeo,one way or another, you and your irrational company will go down the drain,well my toilet at least.BUt in any other reasons, i really do think that its a good thing to recognize student achievements.ack ill juss sit,wait and see. After reading this story on this site http://www.kirotv.com/consumer/1874074/detail.html
it does make me think!! hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!
"the truth is out there" <--good tv show by tha way!

By J Doe on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 09:10 pm: Edit

Here's an update of the ongoing discussion above:

----- Original Message -----
From: J Doe
To: Lynn Romeo
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear Ms. Romeo:

If you are unwilling to provide me with this information, perhaps you would be willing to write a letter on my behalf to the source, and
send me a copy of the letter along with proof/confirmation that the letter was sent and received.

I have tried to communicate and be open with you. My only intention is to contact the source from which this personal information is coming from so it can be deleted and stopped from further
distribution.

I have now given you a viable alternative to pursue which gives me what I want and allows you to protect your "source".

This is your last chance to assist me with this matter. Should you choose not to cooperate you leave me no alternative but to pursue other means, which I will do.

J. Doe


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Romeo
To: J Doe
Subject: National Honor Roll

Dear J. Doe:

We understand that COPPA is limited to children under 13, so it would be inapplicable to information that your child provided to our sources which indicates that he is a senior in high school. Accordingly, we must continue to honor our contractual obligations to those sources. I trust that you will understand our need to do so.

As to your other questions, I indicated earlier that we certainly provide everything that we promise to provide, that we offer many things (including publication of qualifying students' biographies for no cost) and that we offer a money back guarantee if not satisfied with any purchase. I am not willing to debate with you others' unfounded opinions of our offers or business methods. We are disappointed that such opinions have adversely impacted your interest
in our services despite our guarantee.

I'm sorry that we could not be of further assistance to you at this time.

Lynn Romeo

By Shasta on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 04:08 pm: Edit

This is my second consecutive year being a part of the National Honor Roll, although it does not seem 100% legit, it still looks good when feeling out a college application, and although some may think it is a money scheme, it's still a privelege to be one of those chosen to be a member of the National Honor Roll. It doesn't take but a minute to write in your school activities, and all your information goes in a book seen across America.

By ivybound20031 on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 07:49 pm: Edit

I,m not sure where you are getting you information from but I was inducted into the National Honor Roll and I never had to purchase one item from them. I actually had my name in their book and got a ton of recognition for this at no cost. How can something be a scam with no cost? It seems the wold is ready to jump at anything so they can sue. I bet you people trashing this company would also like to sue Mc Donalds for making you fat. I further back myself to this organization being legal by having a friend win a scholarship due to this induction. Oppsss. I forgot they purchased the book and received it. So please tell me where the scam is and try not to ruin a this for the other hard working people.

By ivybound20031 on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 10:19 pm: Edit

staight from their website


. Prove to me this is a valid program.
A.1. We include only those students who meet our strict standards for academic achievement. Approximately 2% of students who respond are rejected because they do not. Another 3% are rejected because they do not give us enough information about their achievements for us to make this determination.
2. If you have questions about the program or about filling out the Student Profile, you can call us Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. EST. Our phone number is 202-737-0715.
3. You can write to us at: The National Honor Roll, 2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #8000, Washington DC 20006.
4. There is no charge for being listed. All you have to do is return your completed Student Profile to us. We need this information so we can review your qualifications and so we can publish the most up-to-date information about you.
5. The benefits that come with inclusion in the National Honor Roll are also without cost or obligation.
6. Of course, we urge you to speak with your parents and teachers about us and ask them what they think!

By crossfire on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 12:31 am: Edit

Doesn't sound to me like anyone wants to sue. Seems like there is just a healthy skepticism about someone offering a product that doesn't seem to have any true benefits. Kind of like those infomercials you see on TV at 3 a.m. in the morning. Lots of hype, but little value. Sounds like they'll take just about anyone's biographical info without question. So what good is that? So you can have your name in print. Heck anyone can do that by just getting a telephone number and at least you have something of use along with getting your "name in print". Anyone can publish a book nowadays for little money. The real question is this...what value does it bring? Do the people who view this book place any credibility on it?

By Alton Barnes on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 12:03 pm: Edit

I was sent these same papers for the past two years. I fill them out and send them off but that is as far as it goes. Does anyone actually have a book or a plaque or anything form them?

By ivybound20031 on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 03:26 pm: Edit

Yeah I actually have a friend who got a scholarship. They also bought a plaque and the book. They have both in their dorm room. If you go to the NHR website you can read for yourself that there is not obligation to buy anything.

By Bobbi Harrison on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 04:20 pm: Edit

I really appreciate everyone's letters. I had no idea that it was a scam until I decided to fill the form out on the Internet.My mom was going to buy the book and everything. It really made me feel really stupid. I couldn't believe it! I thought it was going to be great but i see that I was wrong.

Thank-You

By Jessica on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:07 pm: Edit

I got a letter from the National Honor Roll a couple of months ago. How do they determine if you are in the top 4% oa all high schoolers? Are they running a scam on you to get money?

By ivybound20031 on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Maybe some of you are right. I guess the people who did get a letter and think it is a scam are stupid and should not have been nominated. HOW CAN IT BE A SCAM IF YOU CAN GET INTO THE BOOK WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY? I think the only real scam is the cost of college. Is college a scam they sell tshirts, shorts oh yeah a year book also but the main reason for a college is education?

By Lish on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 04:45 pm: Edit

I've been inducted into the National Honor Roll two years in a row, along with Who's Who Among American High School Students, and I am very happy with them both. I can understand why people may think it is a scam I guess, but I am very proud of both honors. I ordered plaques from both organizations and I received them both. It was my choice to purchase the merchandise that they sell, but I didn't have to purchase anything to be in the book. I think what it comes down to is..If people who have been nominated want to purchase merchandise or the book that they are published in then it's their choice, and it's something that they themselves can be proud of. Anyone who thinks that it's a scam and does not wish to buy anything shouldnt have too and that's their decision too. What's it hurt to fill out the information and be put in a book for free anyways. Either way it's no skin off your back.

By nick on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 01:49 pm: Edit

actually I just went to the website (I got one of these in the mail too) and they do have a guideline for academic performance: 3.0 GPA or better. I know some of you may think this is a scam, but it certaninly does not look that way to me. They promise publishing this in a 50-mile radius of local newspapers. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm doing it anyway. The extra scholarship would be nice.

oh yeah and I went to a few local high school websites and they did publish these students on there high school web page

By Savagemagnolia1 (Savagemagnolia1) on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 03:50 pm: Edit

I got a letter from the national honor myself. I actually received two letters , one arrived within the last 20 minutes. One said I mad the national honor roll, and the other said I MUST complete this form, no time to lose. I didnt fill out any of them. I had figured out that it was a scam right after the first arrived. I had an F in Bio, and when I went to the princeton review to look at the societies and clubs that will help you get into college, and you guessed it, the nat. honor roll wasnt thereso to anyone looking for recognition, do NOT send out those forms! who knows what theyll do with your information and your money!

By Savagemagnolia1 (Savagemagnolia1) on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 03:58 pm: Edit

To those who say they are ahooy with the national honor roll: take your foot out of your mouth!!! anyone could take a bunch of losers wh send in their information to somone they dont know, and receive a plaque, which anyone could buy at their local trophy store, and tell them that they got a scholarships and merit and everything. I may have a F in biology but Im NOT stupid. and I have one more question to ask. Are you guys blonde?

By concerned mom on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 08:37 pm: Edit

My son received a mailing from Who's Who Among American High School Students regarding a scholarship application...they charged $2.95......then I also read that they rent commercial lists from a company called NRCCUA - sounds like a scam to me.

My son also received a scholarship application from National Honor Roll and there was NO FEE to submit an application. This National Honor Roll company sounds legit.

By Arthurd (Arthurd) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 03:13 pm: Edit

In my honest opinion, most of these programs are scammish(?) I received Who's Who..., National Honor Roll, and a few others that require no fee to submit your application. If you actually take a look at any of those books, you'll notice they have thousands of names in them... Exactly how notable are all of those people? Furthermore, you'll notice that the applications often have spaces for down to C- or so for one's GPA. Uhhh, why bother putting that on there unless every person with a third grade reading level gets one? Anyway, there's usually a catch, and after submitting that application you'll be placed on a mailing list that will follow you around endlessly. You'll be constantly asked to buy this book or accept that honor "for a nominal fee." Don't get caught up in all the glory of it. I did accept a couple of these "honors" and I don't really think it had the slightest effect on my college acceptance. Then again, that's just me.

By Deb (Deb) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 05:35 pm: Edit

I cannot believe all that I read. You guys are unbelievable. The NHR is not a scam.
The book does go to libaries, colleges and universites and you do get a chance at getting a scolarship. But you must apply. Also they send out letters to college admissions offices. Didn't any of you kids check out the web sit for NHR. I think all of you were just on a roll believing everything people write in. It is a shame. The NHR also sends your picture and biography to all news papers within fifty miles of your home. You should of checked out their site instead of this one. I am very pleased with the results. Did any of you even call the NHR ? I did. I am glad I did.

By Deb (Deb) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 05:37 pm: Edit

I cannot believe all that I read. You guys are unbelievable. The NHR is not a scam.
The book does go to libaries, colleges and universites and you do get a chance at getting a scolarship. But you must apply. Also they send out letters to college admissions offices. Didn't any of you kids check out the web sit for NHR. I think all of you were just on a roll believing everything people write in. It is a shame. The NHR also sends your picture and biography to all news papers within fifty miles of your home. You should of checked out their site instead of this one. I am very pleased with the results. Did any of you even call the NHR ? I did. I am glad I did.

By Deb (Deb) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 05:39 pm: Edit

I cannot believe all that I read. You guys are unbelievable. The NHR is not a scam.
The book does go to libaries, colleges and universites and you do get a chance at getting a scolarship. But you must apply. Also they send out letters to college admissions offices. Didn't any of you kids check out the web sit for NHR. I think all of you were just on a roll believing everything people write in. It is a shame. The NHR also sends your picture and biography to all news papers within fifty miles of your home. You should of checked out their site instead of this one. I am very pleased with the results. Did any of you even call the NHR ? I did. I am glad I did.

By Duhhh (Duhhh) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 03:10 pm: Edit

first of all, it is UP TO YOU to buy the book or not. if you are tempted to see your name and your great achievement, then pay for the book. If not, why bother? JUST DONT EVER complain if you are too STUPID to fall for the trap by paying for it, and in the end call it a SCAM. If that $50+ bucks meanS that much to you, THEN DON'T ORDER IT. duhh...simple as that. DUHHHH!!!

By Lkirkla (Lkirkla) on Saturday, February 07, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

Greetings all: National Honor Roll is a vanity press. You send them money; they print junk in their "commemorative yearbook." Doesn't mean a thing. Please see my posting at http://www.collegeconfidential.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?6/35760 Hope this helps.

By Scam_Buster (Scam_Buster) on Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 02:04 pm: Edit

Lkirkla, you are on the money!

You can call National Honor Roll whatever you want, but the company, yourself and others need to be aware of is Student Marketing Group, Inc. run by Jan Stumacher. I know this person personally and he is a moral less human (to put it mildly) that just wants to do two things:

A. Put his former employer American Student List, LLC ASL
out of business and.

B. Make as much money as possible from sucking the High School Direct mail Market dry year after year by collecting as many names, addresses and all other marketable data as possible to sell!!!!

Also note, Jan Stumacher holds several other companies that distribute surveys for the sole purpose of adding new names to his current student name list databases. All this for direct mail marketing and replenishing his so called, "proprietary sources". If more and more people complain and re-claim their name by not allowing it to be used. His and ASL's so called "proprietary sources" will soon dry up!

You already named National Honor Roll,but did you know College Bound Selection Service or Educational Research Center of America, Inc. are all part of Jan Stumacher's Rhina International Direct, Inc. and Student Marketing Group, Inc.. Well they all are!!!!

But be sure to keep your eyes on American Student list, LLC (ASL) because that is where Stumacher came from after a long dispute and being sued by them (more than once I might add). ASL operate very similar to Stumacher's companies, where as they use various dummy company names, agreements and so called "Strategic Partnerships" with companies that sell their info to them!

Bottom line, these companies deal in your kids personal info (and most of the times the parents as well) and literally fill data bases with millions of their names!!!! Bottom line, just junk mail list compilers for kids names!!!!!! They largely used to get your kids data from state DMV data bases, but since legislation closed that door on these companies they have to seek other creative sources for obtaining names. And many of them border on or are out right WRONG!

Please, tell your kids to question all surveys that they are ask to fill out while at school (or just not fill them out). Contact your state's attorney generals office and the Federal Trade Commission with complaints. Most states now have website forms to fill complaints as does the FTC. And as for the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), you can asked to have your name, address and telephone number to be removed. But this takes time and it only works if the mailer has rented names from a compiler or broker that have used the DMA's "do not mail" list to clean their lists. This "do not mail" list cost the compilers money and not all buy it or update it. And lastly, keep in touch with your states representatives to pressure them to push tough legislation in congress that helps push these bottom feeder companies out of business!!!!

To have your name, address, telephone number and sometimes e-mail address removed from these type of lists, you can contact the DMA, but that is the long very broad "hope all companies comply" way of getting your info removed. Better, contact the two companies directly.

They can be reached by the following:

DMA

American Student List

330 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501-4143
Free: 888-462-5600 - Be aware all incoming calls are tracked on this number!
Toll charge: (516) 248-6100

Contact person: Karen Butt-Schnebel -

e-mail: Karen Butt-Schnebel
Website: ASL


Student Marketing Group, Inc.
300 Merrick Road, Suite 206
Lynbrook, NY 11563-
Toll charge: (516) 593-8877

Contact person: Jan Stumacher - Owner and President of SMG
e-mail: Jan Stumacher
Website: SMG

If necessary, I'll post these companies CEO, Presidents and employee's personal contact info!!!!


Watch out!

Scam Buster

By Lkirkla (Lkirkla) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 02:36 pm: Edit

ScamBuster: Do you have the address for ERCA (Educational Research Center of America)? I know they are in Pennsylvania, but I cannot find their street address. Please advise. Thanks.

By Scam_Buster (Scam_Buster) on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Lkirkla,

Yes, I do and I would be more than happy to give to you!

Lkirkla - Check your e-mail

If you do not receive it, let me know by either replying to the e-mail or posting again at this site. I will leave the posting of their address (due to the nature of the info) up to you, unless it becomes absolutely necessary!!!

But, remember the one who runs and controls everything is Jan Stumacher at Student Marketing Group, Inc. Surely he will deny most claims or refer you to the source or his attorney. But not to worry, ask and you you shall receive!

Let me know if there is anything else you need.

Here to help!

Scam Buster

By Mardigiansm (Mardigiansm) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 07:52 pm: Edit

I also received a letter today saying that I was accepted into the National Honor Roll. I was really excited at first, even though I didn't knwo what it really was. I looked on the internet, and it turns out the whole thing is a scam. I wouldn't even fill out the paper work if you receive any.

By Aplusgrad20004 (Aplusgrad20004) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 05:15 pm: Edit

I can't beleive this is this really a scam, my mother was just going to buy a copy of this, thank god I found this site. What can I do to get back at these people my mom is going to be so upset