8664544118

I just talked to them and became very suspicious.  So I went to my school's web site (www.marshall.usc.edu) and looked on the navigation and saw a button for "2011 Alumni Directory".  They explained that this was legitimate and extremely important for all of us, so that we have a way to reach other.

I think this is legitimate.  My one concern is, if I buy 2 directories, I will also receive a travel voucher.  This seems fishy.  Not sure if I will buy one or two.

these guys Publishing Concepts, unfortunately, are for real.  years ago i repsonded and provided them with information so they could update my profile for my alma mater's alumni directory.  i bought into it, gave them my information and then i actually purchased a volume for myself.  they debited my account that day for some $129.99 and then i waited.  and waited.  and waited.  i did not see a directory for nearly 12-months.  and then when i got it, a portion of my personal information they had published was incorrect.  emails to them and my school helped not.  they had my money so they didn't care anymore.

i like the directory.  it's a good tool for chasing down old, sorry, former, classmates.  but they have now started contacting me again because i guess they need more money and/or they're producing another directory.  "fool me once, shame on you.  fool me twice....."

If you answer, they will stop calling.

FYI they are contacting you to update your information for upcoming College Directories.. if you wish to be removed or are not interested in becoming part of the directory please contact them and let them know and they will gladly remove you/not include your information in the directory when is is published. They obtained your information via the college you attended and WERE HIRED BY SAID COLLEGE TO UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION.

This too is also very legitimate and is PCI's way of saying thank you for your purchase.

Beedeebeedeebeedee, welcome to the 21st century, everyone!  We do not *print* information like this any longer like they did in the 20th century and before, now we publish it on websites.

Are we really to believe that PCI does not sell your personal information?  How do you think this company makes enough money to pay their squadron of telemarketers to phone and email all of these individuals who wrote on this webpage (and the thousands more who did not)?  Beedeebeedeebeedee, I'm guessing not by selling paper copies of alumni directories!

Yes, this is a clever company that appears to be trawling websites like 'whocallsme' to essentially advertize by deflecting criticism.  Caveat emptor.

Beedeebeedeebeedee, welcome to the 21st century, everyone!  We do not *print* information like this any longer like they did in the 20th century and before, now we publish it on websites.  That said, are we really to believe that PCI does not sell your personal information?  How could this company make enough money to pay their squadron of telemarketers to harass...err...phone and email all of these individuals who wrote on this webpage (and the thousands more who did not)?  Beedeebeedeebeedee, I'm guessing not by selling paper copies of alumni directories!  Who would purchase one?  Why even consider such a an admittedly inaccurate directory in this age of LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.?  Yes, this is a clever company that appears to be trawling websites like 'whocallsme' to essentially advertize by deflecting criticism.  And no, I am not interested in your directory, thanks -- not.  Caveat emptor.

Same thing, got the URGENT email from the University of Minnesota, here's what it says.

Dear *************,

Time is running out on an important University of Minnesota Alumni Association project. You recently received a request to verify your current information with Publishing Concepts (PCI). According to their records, you have not yet contacted them to confirm your information.

Please call the toll free number to speak with one of our dedicated representatives to take care of this important matter today.

Please call Publishing Concepts (PCI) at 1-866-294-5043 to update your information today. When you speak with a representative, you will have the opportunity to reserve a copy of the 2012 directory.

PCI is a trusted partner of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.  If you recently verified your alumni data, thank you for your prompt assistance.



Sincerely,

Phil Esten, Ph.D. '03
President and Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Alumni Association



PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, A CALL CENTER ASSOCIATE CAN ASSIST YOU AT 1-866-294-5043 THANK YOU
M-F 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-4:45pm, Sun 11am-7:45pm CST

Email sent on behalf of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association by PCI.
__________________________________________________________________

One more reason not be part of the Alumni association at my school. Criminals.

Publishing Concepts Inc.reportedly puts together information for college alumni directories.  I just received a postcard from my college asking me to call PCI to verify my info.  This happened about five years ago and I ignored the request.  The result was many calls from the number, with no messages left.  Ultimately, I answered one of them.  The info verification was brief.  The sales pitch for buying a directory was not.  Confirming info on a website presumably would work.  But personal pitches for purchases of the directory obviously result in more sales.  Shame on your university for allowing this approach.

Perhaps PCI changed its toll free number in response to posts like this.  The number listed in the postcard receive today is 877-562-6064.

I hardly think this business is legitimate. My father was just scammed by them yesterday for $180. My father gets these calls all the time, and never answers them. Somehow they got a hold of his NEW bank card number and charged it immediately. I cannot even talk to someone directly to see what school it was for, in case someone used his card for thier purpose. I just was able to leave a message, which supposedly they will respond to within 24 hours.

There is very little that I can do, but contacting the TX AG and Better Business Bureau, and having the bank reverse the charges are 3 steps I am going to start with. And a fraud claim.

Are you sure you don't still work for them? After all the complaints I have read, it appears this goes on pretty regularly.

The University of Virginia has evidently contracted Publishing Concepts to update their Alumni records in 2014.
Unfortunately, UVa leadership in financial matters of late bears scrutiny. What gains to the University are offered  by Publishing Concepts and by what price?  My personal information is NOT for sale.

I actually work for this company. We are a legitimate company contracted by the schools and organizations to put together a directory of their alumni or military base etc. If they call you, and you are not interested please say I am not interested, please put me on the do not call list. It is important that people understand that we ALREADY have your information, as we have full access to all of the school's records and alumni base and edit the information DIRECTLY on their website. All of our projects are listed on the initial websites as well as our own. The purpose of our calls is to determine interest, then correct any outdated or wrong information on the student or member profiles. We take care to make sure these goals are met for our schools and treat all callers with respect and dignity! If you get these calls, please answer and state non interest! it will make the calls stop, and make our jobs much easier. Thank you!