International Biographical Centre

The International Biographical Centre is a publisher owned by Melrose Press Ltd that specializes in producing biographical publications, such as the Dictionary of International Biography and other awards. It is based in Ely, Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom. Government consumer advocates have described it as a 'scam' or as 'pretty tacky'.

Activity

A typical IBC certificate

The International Biographical Centre creates "awards" and offers them widely. In 2004, an award was said to cost the recipient US$495 or £295,[1] but in 2010 the cost could be as high as $395 for a Commemorative Medal or US$440 for a laminated certificate.

The IBC states that "entry into our books is based on merit alone and we never charge for inclusion."[2] It is also possible to nominate a person, an organization, or oneself on their website for later inclusion.[3][4]

The Department of Commerce of the Government of Western Australia classified the Centre's offers as a scam and said:

"The material promoting the International Biographical Centre creates a false impression about the credentials of the organisation. It also wrongly implies that the receiver of the letter has been picked through a special research process considering their work and qualifications."[5]

It quoted blog users who describe the publications as a "Who’s Who of gullible people".[5]

Government leaders and politicians who state IBC affiliation

See also

Notes

  1. Hirsh, C. D. (2004-04-20). "Consumer affairs: International Biographical Centre" (PDF). Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Parliament of Victoria. p. 255. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  2. "About the IBC". Ely, Cambridgeshire: International Biographical Centre. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  3. "Research". Ely, Cambridgeshire: International Biographical Centre. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  4. "Submit your Biography". Ely, Cambridgeshire: International Biographical Centre. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  5. 1 2 "Scam of International Biographical Centre". Commerce Ministry, Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 2012-06-06.
  6. Fiji Times Article
  7. His official CV showing the awards
  8. Official European Parliament profile
  9. Roozonline
  10. Mehr news agency
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