Another fake - Global Commission of Project Management Executives

We were asked whether the following email could be believed:

"Dear [name removed],

We are pleased to announce that based on a thorough review of your previous academic and professional record; the Board at Gulf Project Management Association (Gulf PMA) has directly approved you as a 'Project Management Expert (PME)."

It went on:

"Key Benefits of being a Project Management Expert (PME)

• Project Management Expert (PME) credential is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers
• Membership Card; showing your current Recognized Title of Project Management Expert PME in GCC.
• Endorsement Certificate for use of Title from Gulf PMA; allowing you to use your project management title on your CV or otherwise in GCC. (e.g PME. Sam).
• Certificate of Project Management; declaring you as a globally accepted bona fide Project Management Expert.
• The Title demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects.
• 100% acceptance with Top Employers in the region - This recognition is seen through increased marketability to employers and higher salary; according to the Gulf Project Management Salary Survey."

And finally they came to the point:

"How to Proceed?

Since you have officially been conferred the Gulf PMA 'Member Status' and the 'PME' Title, the Membership Kit under your Name has already been issued. You are required to claim your kit for just $399 – (Membership Fee $2,500 waived for Exclusive Member Seats Only) by simply clicking here and confirming your interest."

So can this be believed? Is it possible that professional memberships like this can be achieved just like this?

The answer is simple. No.

This is not what it seems. The email gives link to the web site of the “Global Commission of Project Management Executives” which bears  a striking similarity to the web sites of many of the fake universities we've seen in the past, even as far as the online chat facility that asks if you are "an existing student" when you log in. Curiously their web site was only created on 15th May this year, a matter of days ago.

Then there's the usual clue. What they say when you talk to them.

[Me]: And how much do they cost?
Ron Lee: $299.00 USD is the special offer i just told you
[Me]: Even though I have no actual experience in Project Management?
Ron Lee: What is your field?
[Me]: I work in HR.
Ron Lee: My friend Management is a part of HR
Ron Lee: In modern scheme of Education. It is included
Ron Lee: Such membership & certification will enable you to get a job globally
Ron Lee: You can apply in any country without any problem
Ron Lee: It is basically a membership offered to working professional so that they can enhance their employment status
Ron Lee: Obviously it would make an impact on your resume once you would be having this certification
[Me]: How quickly can I become a member?
Ron Lee: Well we can go ahead & complete your fee submission
Ron Lee: In 25 Days you will receive certifications membership letter

In other words so long as I give them $299 I can get a professional looking membership that will enhance my employment status even though they know I'm entirely unqualified.

Scam.