Here's what Eastman says about these sites: (Hope this helps!) - More on My Least Favorite Genealogy Sites Last week I wrote about a particular Web site that sells mass- produced coats of arms and short descriptions of "the history of your family name." While I singled out one particular company, I also mentioned another company, now-defunct, called Halberts. In the days following the appearance of that article, I received many e-mails from newsletter readers telling me about still other sites that peddle similar "products." The e-mails I received mentioned a bunch of sites that peddle this junk. I had previously heard of some of these sites but not others. I was surprised at the number of sites that were new to me. Several people who wrote e-mails this week suggested that I compile a list of these sites and write about them in a future newsletter. I am declining that suggestion simply because two different organizations are already doing an excellent job of documenting these charlatans. Both organizations are providing excellent consumer protection information to genealogists and to others. If you have questions, comments or information about a possible rip-off involving family name histories, bogus coats of arms or any related topics, I would suggest you contact one of the following: The (U.S.) National Genealogical Society's Consumer Protection Committee was originally constituted as the Ethics Committee in 1993. This committee provides a watchdog service for such "services" as family history books, surname products (plaques, articles of clothing, certificates, etc.), surname newsletters, and family archives. The Consumer Protection Committee does not maintain an online listing of the companies they are watching but will be glad to answer questions. Before you purchase a so-called "history of your family name" or other such products, you should first contact the National Genealogical Society's Consumer Protection Committee at 4527 17th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207-2399. For more information, look at their article "PSST! Wanna Buy Your Name?" at: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/about/content/committees/PSST.html Another excellent resource that focuses on misleading Web pages is the Genealogical Web Site Watchdog. This site lists numerous Web sites that have misleading information. Most of the sites listed are commercial entities trying to sell you something. Each site is listed along with detailed information on their "products." This Genealogical Web Site Watchdog is a product of "The Watchdog Committee" composed of the following members: Mary McCampbell Bell, CALS, CGL; Donn Devine, CG, CGI, JD; Bob Frelinger; Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CGRS; Marie Varrelman Melchiori, CGRS, CGL; and Joy Reisinger, CG. All committee members belong to the Association of Professional Genealogists. The Genealogical Web Site Watchdog is available online at: http://www.ancestordetective.com/watchdog.htm I strongly recommend that you check with one or both of the above organizations before spending money on any of these histories of your family name "services" or any company that sells so-called family coats of arms.