You’re scrolling through LinkedIn, dodging the usual "synergy" posts and generic "hiring" banners, when a message pops up that actually makes you pause. It’s from someone claiming to be with Marquis Who's Who. They say you've been nominated for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Who’s Who in America.
Honestly, it feels pretty good for about ten seconds. You start thinking about your career, that big project you nailed last quarter, or maybe just the fact that someone finally noticed your hard work.
🔗 Read more: Remembering Alice Walton: The Quiet Life and Massive Legacy of the Walmart Heiress
Then the skepticism kicks in. Is this a legit honor, or are you just being targeted by a sophisticated sales bot?
What’s Actually Happening with that Message?
The truth is a bit of a "yes and no" situation. Marquis Who's Who is a real company. It’s been around since 1899, and back in the day, being in one of those thick, red books was a genuine mark of prestige. If you were a high-ranking government official or a world-renowned scientist, you were in there.
But things have changed.
Today, the Who's Who in America LinkedIn message is basically the top of a very wide marketing funnel. While the company itself is legitimate, the "nomination" process is nowhere near as exclusive as the message makes it sound. They use LinkedIn’s massive database to find professionals with decent titles and send out thousands of these invites.
The goal? To get you on the phone.
The "Merit-Based" Sales Pitch
Once you reply to that message, you’ll likely be scheduled for a "biographical interview." This is where it gets tricky. They’ll tell you that inclusion in the directory is "free" and based on your achievements. Technically, that's true—they might actually put your name in a digital database for $0.
However, the interview quickly pivots.
Suddenly, you’re being told about "expanded" profiles, commemorative plaques, or a "lifetime" membership that costs anywhere from $400 to $1,700. Some people report high-pressure tactics where the price drops if you say no, which is a classic hallmark of a vanity award.
Spotting the Fake "Who's Who" Scams
Here is where you need to be really careful. Because "Who's Who" is a term in the public domain, actual scammers (not the Marquis company) use it to trick people.
If the message comes from a generic Gmail account or a weird domain like info_xyz123@promotions-online.net, it’s a flat-out scam. These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your data or install malware via a link.
Red flags to watch for:
- The sender has a brand-new LinkedIn profile with very few connections.
- They ask for your credit card info "just to verify" your identity.
- The message is riddled with typos or weirdly formal language that doesn't quite fit a professional setting.
- They insist you click a link to "claim your award" immediately.
Does Being Listed Actually Help Your Career?
Let’s be real for a second. In 2026, when was the last time a hiring manager or a potential client looked at a printed directory to check someone's credentials?
Exactly.
Your LinkedIn profile is your modern-day Who's Who. A listing in a directory that most people only see in a library basement doesn't carry the weight it did in 1950. While it’s not "bad" to be in it, it’s certainly not worth paying thousands of dollars for a plaque that will just collect dust.
If you want the ego boost and they offer the free version, go for it. Just be prepared for the relentless upselling that follows.
How to Handle the Message
If you’ve received a Who's Who in America LinkedIn message, you’ve basically got three moves:
- The "Ignore and Move On" approach: Most professionals do this. It keeps your inbox clean and saves you from a 45-minute sales call.
- The "Verify First" approach: If you’re curious, check the sender’s email. If they aren't using a
@marquiswhoswho.comaddress, it's almost certainly a third-party scammer. - The "Free Only" approach: If you decide to talk to them, set a hard boundary. Tell them upfront you are interested in the merit-based listing but will not be purchasing any products, books, or plaques. See how fast the "prestige" evaporates then.
Actionable Steps for Your Professional Presence
Instead of worrying about a directory listing, focus on things that actually move the needle in 2026:
- Update your LinkedIn Headline: Use specific keywords related to your actual results, not just your job title.
- Request Recommendations: Three recent, specific recommendations from peers or bosses are worth more than any paid plaque.
- Share Expertise: Post one thoughtful insight a week about your industry. This builds real authority that people can actually find through search.
- Protect Your Privacy: If you do engage with any "Who's Who" offer, use a secondary email address. These lists are often sold to third-party marketers, and your inbox will never be the same.
Ultimately, the most important "Who's Who" is the one the people in your industry recognize when you walk into a room—or a Zoom call. No expensive book required.