What comes to mind as I read your post is this: One of the best things I believe we can do to protect ourselves from “scams” is to be active in our professional organizations, and participate in the forums where we can check out organizations with our colleagues. They keep a pulse on what’s legit and what’s worthwhile to invest in…and what’s not.

Perhaps also using Google’s blog search would yield beneficial information about organizations.

Weddle’s (www.weddles.com)also has an online list of professional associations…for free.

Sorry you got taken by ISN; I think many of us have been ther a time or two. Hence the value I see of membership in professional associations and affinity groups.

Hope this helps you and others.

Best,

~Kathy