International Society of Female Professionals Reports & Reviews

International Society of Female Professionals Reports & Reviews (100)

• May 25, 2023

Almost worked for them

I had a funny feeling that 600 dollars a week plus commission sounded too good to be true and the more I talked to Cindy Hayes I didn’t feel comfortable with her answers. I also repeatedly mentioned the bad reviews and the horrid complaints on Better Business bureau she would never even acknowledge them. She also told me that everyone’s paycheck was “running 3 weeks behind” so glad I never fell for her lies and scams. It makes me sad to read some of these posts knowing some people were relying on a paycheck they never got. So sad.

Useful

They still have a presence on LinkedIn

I filled out an application on 2/10/23. Someone named Elieen Galvin (718-440-9304) called me regarding a membership. I went through the interview and it all seems OK. My gut started screaming when she said that I may receive a "credit card decline" message and that I should just respond to it. That prompted me to go online and check out the society. I told Eileen that I had to go and promptly called my credit card company to cancel the card. I am usually pretty wise to scams, but this one almost got past me. Don't let it happen to you.

Useful

• Sep 12, 2023

Thanks for this message. Eileen Galvin called me today twice. She gave me the same number that you've mentioned. However, she called me from 2 different numbers (646-631-1174) and (631-251-3385). A very strong voice and yes, she started interviewing me. For about 5 to 7 mins and then finally asked me for my card details. I said NO and I said that whatever payment anyone has to make, I will only agree on a secure payment gateway and definitely not over the phone. She very quickly closed the discussion in 30 secs and hung up.

Useful

Former Employee - We got scammed too!

After 4.5 weeks of non-stop back to back calls pushing memberships I too was told that there was bank fraud and paper checks would be mailed. Shocker the check bounced when I received it this and my bank won't even take another check from these scam artists either. I am sure that Chelsea Shaw & Cindy Hayes ( which has been with them for over 12 years through various scam companies) both know this is scam, they run a training mill, promising to pay employees, have them work 4 weeks then fire them and give them the run around. SO, I did a bunch of research on the company. One main person in the mix is the supposed CEO & Accountant of ISFP, Fausta M Kandra out of Georgia She is apparently the CEO of company called Group Consultants, and she runs a telemarketing company which raises money for non-profits https://www.groupconsultants.org which probably too is a scam. I found out who is the mastermind who owns these scam companies and signs the checks that bounce and I discovered this scam has been going on since before 2008. The real owner of the company: Who's who of NY professionals, Inc. located at 30-01 Northern Blvd. Long Island, NY 11101 (718) 395- 2224 Scott C. Minuta & his business partner Mathew Schwartz. They have been registering companies like this for years. What's more disgusting is that they received over $748,000 in PPA Grants and loans that the government was handing out during the covid debacle. They have another scam running too, www.isobl.com (International Society of Business Leaders) that's still running just like the international society of female professionals www.theisfp.com. Here's some of the corporations that Scott himself has been on as the CEO, most are now inactive because they have been found out and they dissolve company and start all over again, He just registered two new companies since Jan. 2023.
According to He registers them as "The Corporation" or "The LLC" according the NY State Department of State
Division of Corporations:
Here's a list of companies
SCOTT MINUTA, chief executive officer, United States flag EXECUTIVE NETWORKING INCORPORATED (New York (US), 4 Feb 2010- )
SCOTT MINUTA, registered agent, United States flag WORLDWIDE PROFESSIONAL INC. (New York (US), 21 Jun 2016- )
SCOTT MINUTA, chief executive officer, United States flag inactive 77 BERGEN AVE INC. (New York (US), 12 Mar 2008-29 Jun 2016)
SCOTT MINUTA, chief executive officer, United States flag WHO'S WHO OF PROFESSIONALS INC. (New York (US), 5 Jun 2009- )
SCOTT MINUTA, chief executive officer, United States flag inactive 79 BERGEN AVE INC. (New York (US), 20 Mar 2008-29 Jun 2016)
SCOTT MINUTA, director, 5 Jan 2009- , United Kingdom flag inactive MADISON WHO`S WHO OF EXECUTIVES AND PROFESSIONALS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD LTD (United Kingdom, 5 Jan 2009- 3 May 2011)
SCOTT MINUTA, chief executive officer, United States flag MWW PUBLISHING INC. (New York (US), 2 Dec 2008- )
Scott Minuta, chief executive officer, United States flag WORLDWIDE WOMEN'S ORG, INC. (New York (US), 8 Sep 2022- )
Scott Minuta, chief executive officer, United States flag WOMEN'S NETWORK INTERNATIONAL, INC. (New York (US), 6 Jan 2023- )
Scott Minuta, chief executive officer, United States flag GREY STEEL CAPITAL LLC (New York (US), 15 Feb 2022- )
30-01 NORTHERN BLVD LLC (which is also the address on my check)

Bottom line: They are fraudulent you should see where he lives at 10-44 Totten Blvd. Whitestone, NY this is where is registering the new companies from.
I want my money, I don't care who you have in your bloodline that are tied to organized crime. I will do everything in my power to pierce the corporate veil and bring you [censored] down. ALL OF YOU! Anyone that wants to help reach out. [email protected] It's going to take a lot of work! But they have scammed people out of millions of dollars including the government and it's time they all go to jail, you messed with wrong one!

Useful

Please fight back. They owe me 5 weeks of work and NOTHING. Cindy is blatantly ignoring me. I filed a wage complaint at NY department of labor. Www.labor.ny.gov and print out form and fill out LS 223 immediately. The government needs to know. I’m sending mine tomorrow. I may also get an attorney. Good luck.

Useful

I am a prior employee and sent messages daily regarding my withheld pay - I finally received a hand written check from Cindy Hayes with an email advising if I did not stop connecting with members and sharing documentation - their attorney would be reach out to me #whenscammersgetscared -- I have yet to receive missing commission. I have yet to receive my pay stub.

Useful

Scammer's phone 7183952224
Scammer's website Theisfp.com
Scammer's email [email protected]
Country United States
Type of a scam Bank/Credit Card Company Imposter
Initial means of contact Internet messaging (e.g., WhatsApp)

Former employee

I am a former employee of this "company" & I must say, they are scammers. I worked for literally 3 weeks before getting fired for no reason at all. Then was told they had “bank fraud” done on the account that pays employees so they can’t do direct deposit anymore it would have to be a paper check. I just got the paper check in the mail yesterday (01/17/23) & literally no one will cash it. Not even TD Bank which is where the check came from. All communications have stopped with the owner Cindy Hayes since she told me I was fired on Jan.5th 2023 & only Chelsea Shaw is responding to any of my messages I send to her but she is acting like she dosent know what’s going on either. So I’m still owed 2 more checks and a W2 that I’m sure I won’t get. Plus I have this check that was sent that can’t even be cashed. I just recently found out when I did my research on it a few days ago. I accepted the position because of how they presented it to me. Basically said I'll be getting calls from people who have submitted an application to join the group or are interested in joining so it's no cold calling ever. Yea right! Most of the people I talk to don't even remember putting in an application and when they do remember they say it was months ago. Then for the people that says, "they're not interested put them on a do not call list" we're supposed to BUT the boss wants us to still call them day after day until they curse us out and scream at us. Also, they tell you it's a one time fee but really isn't. They charge you multiple times a month after initial payment. They honestly don't have 200 thousand members that's just a rue to get others to join. Please be careful of this company. I am saddened to learn I once worked for this scam of a place. I don't agree with taking anyone's hard earned money! If you have paid GET A REFUND ASAP. Not sure if you'll get it but still try to. I advise all former employees & customers that has paid for this fraudulent service to sue immediately!

Useful

• Jul 12, 2023

Initial means of contact Not applicable

Can you share Cindy's real phone number?

Useful

Thank you for this. They owe me 5 weeks of work. Cindy is an absolute scammer. I’ve had the same convo and nothing. I made a wage complain to the New York Labor Department. You should, too. Go on www.labor.my.gov and print out the form LS 223 and send it after filling it out. Sending mine tomorrow. I also will be getting an attorney. I’m sorry you are going through that. Please fight back.

Useful

Prior employee - I sent messages and emails daily and finally received a handwritten check from Cindy Hayes that was missing commission and an actual paystub.

Useful

Scammer's phone 7184409304
Scammer's website Theisfp.com
Scammer's address New york
Scammer's email [email protected]
Country United States
Type of a scam Other
Initial means of contact Phone

Prior Employee being asked to Stop sharing what I have & know

PSA -
I was employed with the International Society of Female Professionals & cant attest that your concerns are legitimate. I personally spoke with MANY women whom I LOVED getting to know - learning about your family, love life, real fears, & real highlights & did my best to pair connections while making real connections myself. However, management would dial into my calls & send me messages telling me to hurry up & make the sale, have them pull over, ask them to give you another card and it all felt 100% scary, concerning & unethical. Employees are pushed and told to give false last names to applicants.

There is a script designed to make you feel comfortable and good with headlines reading - connect, paint a beautiful picture, lean in & get paid. There is a scripted rebuttal for everything including lowering the price from 299 to 199 to 99 to 'get the sale'.
All employees work remotely and CC information is given to us over the phone & typed into a notepad document, pasted into Skype where 7 employees see the information and 'run' the card, at times multiple times.

When questioning the security of this practice, I was told by "international standards it's secure". When questioning the legitimacy - I was 'laid off' for 'budget reasons'. When questioning fraudulent suspicions & I was told to "stop my nonsense".

Attached is the script received from manager Chelsea Shaw & Cindy Hayes. I do suspect these are not real names.

If anyone wants to reach this organization directly- I do know these email addresses reach humans.

[email protected]
[email protected]

Useful

This fraudulent company keeps taking unauthorized payments from my credit card

I have contacted this company many times for fraudulent payments taken from my credit card. After finally getting my refund Dec 20/22 they cancelled my membership and continued to with draw more money from my credit card on Dec 29/22. This company is deplorable and is praying in woman by talking unauthorized payments from their credit cards. I’m embarrassed to say they tricked me into thinking they were a legitimate company but I have uncovered years of complaints from women around the world about this company stealing from them and not actually providing any of the services they claim they would. Someone needs to put a stop to this company!

Useful

As If Women Don't Have Enough to Go Through 😥

Well I got this phone call from a New York phone number about this Professional Women's membership that I had so called applied for. Even though I didn't recall applying for this, I listened and answered the questions. As I'm listening, I started Googling the company since I didn't remember applying and to see their legitimacy. I was immediately sent to the Better Business Bureau site and began reading loads of complaints regarding unauthorized credit card payments. I already suspected at the beginning of the conversation that money would be involved. I'm so glad that I thought to Google them. If you have been scammed just know that you can report this and get your money back.
It's a damn shame that we as women have to go through a lot in the workplace at times and being scammed and taken advantage of by women regarding the very thing that we seek! Hopefully this organization will be dismantled!

Useful

I suspected it when they are asking for money! Pretty savvy people prying on already (vulnerable — not as individuals but % of working women) female professionals.

Useful

Looks like a scam for sure

They called me out of the blue saying I had "applied" which I don't recall doing. I continued with the conversation but became concerned when the caller asked me to pull over to provide the payment information - that seemed overly pushy and was a red flag. I've been called twice more and received several texts. The second time I was called, she started the whole speech again and while I was explaining to her that I'd already been contacted, I did a quick search and saw these alarming reports about them. I told the caller than it appeared that this so-called company may be a scam and that I would not be following through - she hung up quite abruptly. I'm so thankful that so many of you have posted your experiences - it saved me from making a bad mistake!

Useful

Just off the phone

Thanks for sharing your experiences... I just had a call and they said they approved me. They pushed into getting a membership now but I said I needed time to reflect and do my research... thank you all for helping me make the right decision!

Useful

So Grateful for you all!!!

Hey Everyone, I am a professional also that was contacted by them. It all sounded very good but I decided to conduct some research on my end. The lady I spoke with was "Jamila Scott" which I am sure is not her real name and she offered me a 5-year membership at $199 or a life-time membership for $299. I am so grateful for all of you because I was really going to go ahead and proceed. The red flag for me was the fact that she didn't have an invitation code as mentioned on their website and she said they process everything over the phone and in my head I am saying to myself ... if you all are that big then your business should have these things. Then I asked for her to send me an email with more information but she said she couldn't because again, they handle everything over the phone. Very sad that they are taking advantage of people who are out here trying to make an impact in a positive way and all they want is to scam you out of your money. This company should be shut down! I don't even understand how there can be an add on LinkedIn for that! WOWWWWWW...

I am SO SORRY for the ones that did spend their money in good faith... I am wondering if there is a way that we can all still connect with each other because the only positive aspect I see in this situation is that we are still finding a way to each other although its not happening under great circumstances. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn ladies... (Silvia Daley, CLTD) and leave me a message. Wishing you all nothing but the best for your future! Much Love.

Useful

I just got the same phone call this morning out of the blue. I was offered the same thing and told her that I needed to check out a few things first. I started looking online while I was talking to her and the first page that came up was the Better Business Bureau and loads of complaints regarding unauthorized large chunks of credit card payments.

Useful

WOW! They are good!

I just got off the phone with them. I keep a record of any applications, so I told them I don't remember applying for this society. She said, "You may not have but maybe someone recommended you. However, based on your LinkedIn profile it seems you would qualify however there is an interview process to ensure you are a professional female."

The interview questions seem legit. I told her I would like to further research the society to ensure there would be some intrinsic value to the membership and I could call her back. Legit she said, "Professionals know how to make a quick decision!" --- RED FLAG! I corrected her "Professionals only make a decision on the information they have and based on the information I have right now -- no thank you."

To those that were scammed -- I am so sorry!

Useful

I fell for it too.... lesson learned

I feel so dumb. But alas I'm grateful I'm not the only one. We can only learn from this. After joining and going on the website and finding many other ppl had been scammed I got a follow up call for a press release. I called them out on it during the follow up call.
The 'Lifetime press release service"
I asked why they would ask me to post my certificate on LinkedIn, but not have a profile themselves. And that they virtually had no on-line or social media presence, she didn't seem to like that and got flustered. After getting off the phone and immediately called my bank to cancel my credit card to ensure no further charges could be made.

Both times the call came from NYC.
I'm really saddened by this because I really wanted to be with a group of professionals with various skills that I could network with to swap ideas and mentor young professionals in my profession. What a shame.

Useful

I was scammed

I stupidly accepted a one month membership to this group. They tried offering me a 6 month membership but I told them I couldn't afford that. 6 months later they charged my credit card without my permission.

Useful

You must have been offered a different campaign. There are several.

Useful

I am so sorry to those effected

I used to work for them as well, as I to couldn't do the HARD SELLING to the people I talked to. Many didn't feel comfortable giving their credit card info & rightfully so. The paperwork they had us print out even says to tell the people, if they do not have a credit card our response back is to be " well all professional women carry a credit card, I have 10 min worth of work to do, I will wait while you go get one !" I said to myself dam that is harsh to say & they said during training, no its not. They also made it known that if anyone was to back out after signing on, it was to be (commission) DEDUCTED out of our paychecks. They also listen to the conversations and talk to us (via Skype) to coach us while we are having the conversation with a potential signer. My biggest red flag was how OLD these supposed applications were made (5 yrs +) and they expect us to sell on "impulse buying" to you all. Never again, and I will be sure to voice my experience every chance and place I can.
Sorry ladies, I guess WE can all learn from this experience, hope the rest catch on sooner.

Useful

Prior employee- they did not like my questions of legitimacy or why employees were being tasked with giving alias last names. Currently I am being requested to stop connecting with members to share what I have and know. I am one voice but together we make two.

Useful

Realistic but listen to your gut feeling

They've been calling me all day. I have no memory of joining this group on Linkedin but could easily have done so. Eventually I answered their calls from NY numbers. Sounded fairly legit until they referenced which email they had for me (an old one only scammers seem to have), and that they wanted me to pay over phone immediately. At that point I decided to listen to my hindbrain and thinking "if its real, I dont really need this" and said no thank you. She immediately hung up without saying goodbye.

Useful

Here is a copy of one of the scripts.
Everyone gets "accepted" as long as you are willing to give CC payment over the phone and not care that zero of the promises are put in writing.

Useful

I actually worked here

This is an absolute scam, though I'm not sure the poor souls they hire are aware. I went through "training" with Cindy Hayes or at least that is what she called herself. We were forced to read a high pressure sales pitch after what was supposed to sound like an interview for qualification, but EVERYONE was approved. We were made to send credit card info via skype chat. This was not a private chat as it had many members. They took and used peoples credit card info. If it was declined, they kept trying long after the people hung up. The I googled them and found all of this so i quit. We had to print out all of these answers and put them on a board. We had to show proof of a board. We even had a totally bogus answer about how giving credit card info over the phone was for their safety. Not true. We never signed any kind of confidentiality agreement or anything

Useful

+16

Prior employee.
Trained by Chelsea Shaw. Currently receiving emails from Cindy Hayes warning me to stop connecting with members and sharing what I have and know. When questioning the legitimacy of taking payments and being made to give alias names, I was let go for "budget reasons" - they did not like my questions or my request to have things in writing. I can confirm, payments are not taken securely - there are EverL employees attached to a Skype chat without photos or last names and run your CC multiple times which was placed in writing and then removed. Here is a copy of one of the scripts.
Everyone gets "accepted" as long as you are willing to give CC payment over the phone and not care that zero of the promises are put in writing.

Useful

Thank you for posting this. I was suspicious when I didn't see a membership price listed, yet they wanted you to "qualify." I searched for their membership cost on Google and found these reviews. What a shame that this is a sham.

Useful

I hope you got paid? Scammers will scam their employees as well..

Useful

SAME! I feel horrible! I had no clue, the second I found out it was fake I left. Cindy Hayes, Chelsea Shaw, and whatever other alias names they are using! Ladies DO NOT FALL FOR IT! I don’t care how “professional” and “welcoming” they sound. I can almost bet majority if not all the “sales agents” are not even aware it’s a scam. I will admit there were HELLAAAA RED FLAGS and I ignored them bc like anyone who is looking for a job I needed the money. But I have integrity and refuse to WILLINGLY scam people out of their HARD EARNED MONEY.

Useful

I just got off the phone with them, and just like everyone here, they called me regarding an application I submitted through LinkedIn. I told them I couldn't talk at the time and had asked them to call me back. I received 4 calls from different numbers from the states. Finally, I picked up, and the representative asked me a few questions and was overly enthusiastic about my basic responses. She then proceeded to tell me about the advantages of being a member and then talked about pricing. I let her know I am not interested in their services, and then she said I could call back if I changed my mind. About 5 minutes after, I got a call from another representative. I told her I spoke with someone already and do not require their services. The whole thing sounded fishy to me.

Useful

Contact LinkedIn to stop this?

Like just about everyone here, I see this group on LinkedIn and assumed a certain legitimacy because LinkedIn is a professional networking site, not a Facebook free for all. I think we could get this scam exposed or at least off LinkedIn if enough people report/complain.

Useful

+21

They no longer have a LinkedIn presence. They turned off comments on Facebook. They have multiple websites and phone numbers.

Here is a copy of one of the scripts.
Everyone gets "accepted" as long as you are willing to give CC payment over the phone and not care that zero of the promises are put in writing. Somewhere, it has to stop.

Management:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Useful

Dumb Dumb - I fell for it

The same experience as the others here. I feel like a fool because I always research everything before I buy -- except this time. My phone rang 11 times today - all NY numbers. I inadvertently picked up the phone and had a conversation with Natalie Horvath...the same story as others posting here. After I hung up, I called my bank to cancel my card. I am wondering if anyone has reported this "company" to LinkedIn where I first saw the posting.

Useful

They sound very convincing so don't feel bad. I started Googling them and immediately was directed to the Better Business page. That page is full of complaints from others who bought into this and got their money refunded after filing a complaint.

Useful

You're not a fool! I almost fell for it too! I always do my research before I buy into things. I applied from what seemed to be a legitimate site as well as saw it on LinkedIn. The next thing I knew, I was getting calls to my phone, no word of a lie, every five minutes. They never left a message. I would block the numbers, but then a similar number would call again, over and over. I finally picked up and heard a weird voice saying "blerp blerp." I hung up and the number called again. I answered one more time and got a lady running a script of Q&A, over the top happy and praising how "amazing" I am. Like calm down lady, take it down a few notches, lol. Anyways, she started dropping the prices I would need to pay for membership. I said I was driving and can't give my credit card, she asked me to pull over (red flag!) Clearly desperate to get my card! I then asked if testimonials and references can be emailed to me so that I can confirm the legitimacy of this association. She hung up on me. Haha. RUN FAR AWAY. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. TERRIBLE, AWFUL SCAMMERS!

Useful

You're not a fool (or maybe we both are?). I also research everything, but as a professional transitioning between careers, I also fell for this. Although, I told them when they first called "I thought this was a scam." I told her I was not comfortable giving a credit card number over the phone and could I call her back. She said they have no call back number, which felt suspicious. Despite my gut, and because I wasted time on an "interview," I till gave them my cc number. Hung up while they were "talking to billing," because I I googled while on the phone, and found your review. Thanks for posting this. Now cancelling my cc. Hard to believe LinkedIN allows this group to exist on their platform.

Useful

International Society of Female Professionals Contacts

International Society of Female Professionals associated photos:

View Photos

Phone:

+1 (929) 810-0758

+1 (929) 810-0749

+1 (631) 498-7585

+1 (718) 440-9304

+1 (929) 565-5317

+1 (929) 394-5083

+1 (332) 334-1931

+1 (347) 705-5214

+1 (322) 232-7929

+1 (347) 936-5518

+1 (516) 862-2156

+1 (332) 334-1538

+1 (929) 494-1115

+1 (929) 407-3521

+1 (332) 334-1931

+1 (347) 836-5518

+1 (516) 862-2156

+1 (332) 334-1539

+1 (929) 494-1115

+1 (212) 730-5433

+1 (919) 407-3521

+1 (631) 601-1464

+1 (929) 469-5067

+1 (631) 933-1008

+1 (516) 758-9181

+1 (845) 250-8605

+1 (631) 432-1639

+1 (934) 345-2213

+1 (929) 547-6267

+1 (718) 440-9304

+1 (718) 395-2224

Website:

www.joinisfp.com
www.theisfp.com

E-mails:

If you know any contact information for International Society of Female Professionals, help other victims by adding it!

International Society of Female Professionals