The Rip-Off Report - False Accusations By An Anonymous Person

[Daniel Molano]

Update: I know who posted that story, he is indeed using a false name, and I have his phone number. How do I proceed to get his name and address to serve him for libel and slander?

My fellow Warriors,

I'm in the middle of a dilemma here.

I just got notified that a story was posted about me within the "Rip-Off Report".

Someone code name "Nancy", with no other additional information and of whom I have never heard of is accusing me of ripping her/him off.

I'm not particularly worried about any legal aspects, nor will it place me in a position where my business operation will be jeopardized, neither will my reputation.

But this is however a small stain. And it directly coincides with me getting a person banned from the WF accidentally a few hours earlier before the story was posted.

Anyway, there are several incongruencies within the story itself.

It says my website was different 2 months ago, thousands of people can attest it has always been the same.

It says I had a US phone number and address? Since I began my internet marketing career, before even providing consulting, I have always operated in Mexico. This can be proven by going back to my mid 2008 newsletter, the address is Mexican.

Cashiers check? All my transactions are handled via PayPal, none of which are paid up front. There is a payment plan. And of course I also have PayPal records and bank account statements to prove this.

He/she didn't know about my age? It's displayed in my "About Me" page. Always has been. And by they way, he/she got it wrong.

All my e-mails have always been publicly displayed on my site.

My Mexico bank account has always been the same and it's still open.

Anyway, like I said, I'm not worried about the legal aspect.

But this is a minor reputation stain, as the Rip-Off Report is considered to be legitimate.

How can I take it down? I can prove from all angles that the accussations are entirely false. And I have thousands of satisfied customers that can back me up.

Here is the story: ripoffreport.com/Search-Engine-Optimization/DanielMolano-com-Dan/danielmolano-com-danielmolano-44384.htm

Any help is appreciated,

- Dan Molano

[sarafina]

Well I wouldn't give the article link juice like you have done. Thats only going to help it appear further up in the search results.

I googled "Daniel Molano" and found the article in 11th place.

I would seize every web 2.0 property in your name and try to push that result as far back as possible.

You won't get ripoffreport to remove it unless you're willing to pay an insane amount of money. Also, go make a public defense of yourself..hopefully you can point them to testimonials or references from happy customers.

Goodluck!

[Kazooli]

Originally Posted by Daniel Molano

My fellow Warriors,

I'm in the middle of a dilemma here.

I just go notified that a story was posted about me within the "Rip-Off Report".

Someone code name "Nancy", with no other additional information and of whom I have never heard of is accusing me of ripping her/him off.

I'm not particularly worried about any legal aspects, nor will it place me in a position where my business operation will be jeopardized, neither will my reputation.

But this is however a small stain. And it directly coincides with me getting a person banned a few hours earlier before the story was posted.

Anyway, there are several incongruencies within the story itself.

It says my website was different 2 months ago, thousands of people can attest it has always been the same.

It says I had a US phone number and address? Since I began my internet marketing career, before even providing consulting, I have always operated in Mexico.

Cashiers check? All my transactions are handled via PayPal, none of which are paid up front. There is a payment plan.

He/she didn't know about my age? It's displayed in my about me page. Always has been.

My Mexico bank account has always been the same and it's still open.

Anyway, like I said, I'm not worried about the legal aspect.

But this is a minor reputation stain, as The Rip-Off Report is considered to be somewhat legit?

How can I take it down? I can prove from all angles that the accussations are entirely false. And I have thousands of satisfied customers that can back me up.

Apparently that website is absurd. I could go in there right now and make up anything about anyone.

Here is the story: www .ripoffreport.com/Search-Engine-Optimization/DanielMolano-com-Dan/danielmolano-com-danielmolano-44384.htm

Any help is greatly appreciated,

Dan Molano

Dear Mr Molano,

write back to the rip - off report and
explain exactly what has happened.

Sincerely,
Kazooli

[graphicsgenie]

That really sucks Daniel.

I agree you may have just inflamed the article, I hope not.

I'm sure a lot of people would be happy to appear in that report, as I'm sure it suggests you must be doing well,

Keep us posted on this

[Andy1750]

Hi Daniel,

Have never even heard of the rip-off report so, on that basis I don't think that it will do you much harm in the scheme of things. However, where there is smoke there tends to be fire so I suspect that you may have done something to upset someone along the way even if their claims are in this instance clearly incorrect and slanderous. If you have any suspicions over who it could be then contact then and and try and resolve it. For what it's worth I am also a previous and very satisfied customer of yours and don't believe these accusations to be be true.

Am not sure that any efforts to take this post down will be accepted - assume that the publishers of this report are very used to claims of innocence unless of course you take formal legal action. If you want to minimise any potential damage then why not dilute it by publishing similarly titled reports elsewhere in the net with a more positive review of your services?

Life would be much more straightforward if it wasn't for people!

Cheers,

Andy

[sarafina]

Daniel,

I would take the link off. If somebody really wants to see it they can google Daniel Molano and find it.

Warrior threads are notorious for appearing in google so you don't want this one in there.

Secondly, I have never dealt with ripoffreport.com but here is a post from a reputable website that may interest you.

SEOmoz | Accusations that Rip-Off Report just an Extortion Business

I would write to them as well as make a reply but from their own policy they say they don't verify the validity of all complaints or remove anything so your best bet is to try to bury the results so your prospects don't see it when they google you.

[Daniel Molano]

Originally Posted by sarafina

Daniel,

I would take the link off. If somebody really wants to see it they can google Daniel Molano and find it.

Warrior threads are notorious for appearing in google so you don't want this one in there.

Secondly, I have never dealt with ripoffreport.com but here is a post from a reputable website that may interest you.

SEOmoz | Accusations that Rip-Off Report just an Extortion Business

I would write to them as well as make a reply but from their own policy they say they don't verify the validity of all complaints or remove anything so your best bet is to try to bury the results so your prospects don't see it when they google you.

The link has been removed, and yes, I can push that SERP ranking out to oblivion with some pretty basic SEO.

Help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

As for the WF thread, I want it to be visible, I have nothing to hide. Which is precisely why I posted this.

[Hesaidblissfully]

If it were me, I would actually just post the exact same facts on that page of Ripoff Report that you posted here, without publicly attacking the accuser. I believe they allow people to go in and make "rebuttals" to accusations, so I'd post the facts you outlined above. If someone does see the RoR page come up when they're searching for you, at least they can get your side of the story as well, and since you listed facts that can be verified, hopefully that will make your side of the story sound more legitimate than the accuser's. Just speak your case and state the logical facts. That's what I would do.

Edit: Okay after reading the article that sarafina posted, I'm not sure if they let you make a rebuttal unless you pay them money? If that article is even remotely true, I wonder why no one's taken legal action against that site. It sounds terrible.

Daniel,
First let me say I am sorry for any trouble, your a great guy and very trustworthy in my opinion. I have known you to help out many on the forum here including me.

Rip-Off-Report is a scam - The servers based in turkey last I checked because they was sued and forced to move so they would not have to be bound to US laws. I have spoken with the owner myself a few years back for one of my clients and I tell you this guy has got a bad attitude.

The best thing you can do is blow it out of google with backlinks.. As much power is on this forum I am sure some can get together create a dummy site and blow ROR 100% out of google. Seriously, a few could actually cripple his scam business if it was blown out of google..

As mentioned you will not get it removed unless you pay... If you post on it then it is only going to give food to the fire..

James

[Jeremy Kelsall]

Daniel,

You keep referring to the report as a "minor reputation stain" - I think that you might not be comprehending just how serious it could be.

You are selling consulting that costs $7,500 and up. Do you think someone is going to hand you $7,500, $25,000, $50,000 etc without doing a bit of research?

If it were me, I would kill this thread so that the info isn't on this page. I would immediately have 7 or 8 press releases written and published on different respectable sites and push them all up for your name which shouldn't be that difficult to do.

[Marian Berghes]

that site is so full of crap...I wonder how google can give them so much "love".

[Julian Lockhart]

Since it appears to be entirely fabricated. Their seems to be little to do.

Possible actions to take:
Re-butt it. Ask for pictures of canceled check, what is her website? address used in TX.

Offer that if she comes forward you will make good on the deal. Whether or not she can produce a canceled check.

But like you said it really shouldn't have too much impact on your business.

Maybe this is that technique someone was talking about. The one that can get a Page 1 ranking in less than 24hours???

[BIG Mike]

One thing you might try to do is contact Google about them and try to get it de-indexed. Not sure if it will work or not, but it's better than paying them.

Hate to say this, but get used to it...no matter how hard you try, it's still easy on the net for any Jerk that comes along to try and get their diggs in. It's all a part of being in business and successful at that.

You're a good guy and just keep remembering that...

[timpears]

Daniel, go back and edit your original post in thie thread and make the link so that it does not give the ROR any link juice.

Rip off Report is a place where anyone can say anything about a company and it doesn't matter if it is true or not. You can however respond I believe. I would respond and state that you have never heard of this person and she has never complained to you, and probably has not done any business with you either. What ever the facts are to the best of your knowledge.

And as the previous poster stated, use your capabilities to push that report down the SERPS. I would not recommend paying them for removal, but you might think it is worth it. I just think that you can't encourage that type of behavior.

Good luck.

[BrianMcLeod]

This thread (and especially the link) was a bad idea, Daniel.

Do NOT post a rebuttal. In fact, do not try and deal with ROR...

DO NOT pay a penny toward their Corporate Advocacy (extortion).

Folks have no idea how deep the rabbit hole goes with this site...

...it's much more evil than just some troll-looking ex-stoner from Phoenix
who wrote bad checks in the 70's and hates the BBB... MUCH.

Get to work on your SEO, you'll need it.

Google LOVES ROR, as you'll soon find.

[Julian Lockhart]

Actually it's great to have this thread about the post on rip off because anybody who reads rip off and take it seriously will probably do some more searching and will find this thread. Which will help tell the story.

Heck you might even need to add reputation management to your list of services after this is done.

Lemonade!

[sarafina]

Looks like you know what to do now.

One last point in regards to google de-indexing it. This won't happen.

Matt Cutt's said on his own blog that unless their is a legal basis, google won't take ROR results out of the index. It makes sense when you think of it.

For somebody who is proficient with SEO, your best bet is just to push the rankings back which it seems you are doing. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Bill Jeffels]

Daniel,

When someone attacks you... attack them back!

This woman ( or whom ever ) is trying to destroy your name. How you put food on the table.

If this person is from Michigan... Sue Her A$$!

"Defamation of character can include slander (spoken derogatory statements), libel (written derogatory statements) or both. To constitute actionable defamation, the statements must be false and expose a person to hatred, ridicule or contempt. You also can sue if the defamation harms you in your occupation".

Take this very seriously. This person is out to ruin you... make their life a legal nightmare.

Best,

Bill

[Julian Lockhart]

interesting idea trying to beat ROR at its game.

let's see 217000 pages indexed and 27000 inbound links. Hmm. Let me know how that goes.

Maybe you mean just Daniels page.

IDK

I would rather take all that energy and try to get on the first page for some other "impossible" keyword.

[Mukul Verma]

Hey Daniel

Sorry to hear that this has happen to you. I cannot say anything since I do not know your personally, but looks like you got a lot of good support here, thats GREAT.

If you can post back. All the people that know you are good, should go and play there game and post that this claim absurd.

[Daniel Molano]

Originally Posted by Bill Jeffels

Daniel,

When someone attacks you... attack them back!

This woman ( or whom ever ) is trying to destroy your name. How you put food on the table.

If this person is from Michigan... Sue Her A$$!

"Defamation of character can include slander (spoken derogatory statements), libel (written derogatory statements) or both. To constitute actionable defamation, the statements must be false and expose a person to hatred, ridicule or contempt. You also can sue if the defamation harms you in your occupation".

Take this very seriously. This person is out to ruin you... make their life a legal nightmare.

Best,

Bill

I think I know who it is, but it's definitely not a "Nancy". I accidentally got someone banned from the WF a few hours before the story was posted.

It's the only person I could possibly think "hates" me.

And I very much doubt that Michigan is his real state.

[Bill Jeffels]

Originally Posted by Daniel Molano

I think I know who it is, but it's definitely not a "Nancy". I accidentally got someone banned from the WF a few hours before the story was posted.

It's the only person I could possible think "hates" me.

And I very much doubt that Michigan is his real state.

I feel for for you.

Seriously... don't give up.

All the best.

Bill

Originally Posted by Daniel Molano

James, I'm in. Let's do it. We need Allen's permission to push such an idea to the forum though.

Daniel,
My idea is this, which does not require anything from the great Allen.. Although if his marketing mastermind was to back something like this then there would be no stopping it..lol

Register a domain name that is similar, as long as it has those keywords "Rip Off Report" in the domain name.

Next build a site based on this, not a site putting down ROR but a helpful site that can help and warn people of the possible scams that can go on and happen to honest people.. In other words build a total opposite site of what ROR is now.

Create content, articles, free news, information , you know all that stuff that google loves. Make sure to SEO the thing with an expert SEO WF member.

Then take and submit it, build backlinks, use many web 2.0 properties, social media, bookmarks, document sharing sites and etc...

This will blow any listings that ROR has right out of google no matter how long the site has been there.

All you need is the following

* Domain names (.com & .net)
* Hosting
* SEO Expert
* Writer for articles and content
* Backlinsk builder

My point is that with the power on this forum, meaning there are some on here that are very good at what they do. Be it SEO, Backlink Building, and etc..

If some of these people would be willing to spare some time and put an effort into this project it would be a good thing for all involved and it would seriously hurt ROR and the false listing would slowly go down..

James

[Julian Lockhart]

Daniel - you probably know all of this information but thought that others might be interested in reading:

Get Rid of Rip Off Report in 6 Weeks

[Daniel Molano]

I'm not worried about the legal aspect at all.

But Jeremy does have a very valid point. I offer high ticket consulting, and anyone who is interested in it will obviously do research. And provided the SE authority of the report, it will be found.

Therefore I'm suing for slander. This person is obviously false, but his recorded IP address will provide me with the real location.

And I will therefore be able to sue for slander. Under a false name I might add.

[Jason Moffatt]

Here's what I would do...

I'd go in there and respond to the allegations.

And with some good copy, I'd blatantly expose them as not only false allegations, but that they are coming from a sad, depressed, and unstable place.

Then I'd proceed to presell my services to anyone reading it.

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to win some new prospects if you ask me. The truth shall set you free.

[BIG Mike]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

Here's what I would do...

I'd go in there and respond to the allegations.

And with some good copy, I'd blatantly expose them as not only false allegations, but that they are coming from a sad, depressed, and unstable place.

Then I'd proceed to presell my services to anyone reading it.

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to win some new prospects if you ask me. The truth shall set you free.

Well hot damn, I think we found some common ground to agree on

[Gail Sober]

Maybe it's a competitor?

Judging by the title and description of that complaint it looks like they have at least some basic seo knowledge.

If they spread negative publicity for all of their closest competitors in google, they may think this will help them pick up that business when the clients do a little research before buying in.

I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't for the exact search phrase they quoted in the complaint.

Of course this is entirely speculation and probably in the x-files realm of possibilities but one thing I've learned is that most anything is possible. Just another angle to consider.

This may be the next wave of seo blackhat

[shan beach]

i'm sorry to hear this dan!!

i think u are great! i was just telling an offline friend about you and the quality free content i get from u in my email. i told her to look u up online

in my experience, the way u communicate and overdeleiver has made me aware of how this internet marketing really works. u have given me some great little "nuggets" of advice over the past few months.

thanks for that! best wishes...

[Daniel Molano]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

Here's what I would do...

I'd go in there and respond to the allegations.

And with some good copy, I'd blatantly expose them as not only false allegations, but that they are coming from a sad, depressed, and unstable place.

Then I'd proceed to presell my services to anyone reading it.

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to win some new prospects if you ask me. The truth shall set you free.

Brilliant, I'm on it.

It will be removed from the search results soon enough anyway.

[Steadyon]

Sadly, it's another reason to remain anonymous on this forum.

Originally Posted by Steadyon

Sadly, it's another reason to remain anonymous on this forum.

???????? I disagree... If you have nothing to hide then you should not want to remain "anonymous" frankly I would question buying from those that can not mention their name and say who they are ....

James

[Mukul Verma]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

???????? I disagree... If you have nothing to hide then you should not want to remain "anonymous" frankly I would question buying from those that can not mention their name and say who they are ....

James

I agree with James that I would question someone who seems like they are hiding. With that being said, I build websites where you would not know that I own them. Thats part of the model so I can have others run it, not me.

I think it depends on what you are promoting in IM, correct me if I am wrong, but it is a MUST to know who is behind the product.

[MizzCindy]

Daniel, I am so sorry you're having to deal with this!

I know there is a downside to posting the situation in a thread here at the WF (drawing attention and potentially passing link love), but it has served a good purpose as well.

I belong to many mommy forums. On those forums, ROR is considered the creme de la creme for reporting miscreants and scammers. Until I read another thread here not so long ago, I had no idea the nasties that really go on behind the scenes. I'll bet there are many others that have/had no clue as well!

I, for one, will do my part in letting folks know the other side of the equation. In the meantime, good luck pushing the report down in Google. Let us know how you progress.

Cindy

[Steadyon]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

???????? I disagree... If you have nothing to hide then you should not want to remain "anonymous" frankly I would question buying from those that can not mention their name and say who they are ....

James

Originally Posted by Mukul Verma

I agree with James that I would question someone who seems like they are hiding. With that being said, I build websites where you would not know that I own them. Thats part of the model so I can have others run it, not me.

I think it depends on what you are promoting in IM, correct me if I am wrong, but it is a MUST to know who is behind the product.

Hey Guys,

Most people who use this forum do not sell to forum members.

So there is absolutely no advantage or benefit from disclosing personal information.

I, like many others use the forum to learn and share information. Whilst I am happy to share lots of information, I am not happy to share website domain names that I own or other personal information. It is none of anybody's business.

I know that if I shared certain things I would be ripped off and I have mouths to feed.

So don't assume people who wish to remain anonymous have anything to hide other than their own "trade secrets" and to assume otherwise is another reason for remaining anonymous as tarring everyone with the same brush shows ignorance.

[Eric Lorence]

The "Rip off Report" is nothing more then a clearing house for "Beefs", "Gripes", and "Rants" and really has no credibility.

There is no "investigation" of claims, that site is nothing more than a public forum.

There is no opportunity for opposing sides to speak other than in the replies section.

A simple C&D request will get the article removed, as many companies have in the past.

[utproducts]

The good news is that the rip off report page has no backlinks and you can easily knock that down the serps. I'd just post a rebuttal and push it down the serps, then forget about it.

Also, this page now ranks on page 14 for the keywords "rip off report". Not sure how useful those keywords are, but it would be neat to rank #1 for that and related terms like James mentioned.

[Daniel Molano]

Originally Posted by Eric Lorence

The "Rip off Report" is nothing more then a clearing house for "Beefs", "Gripes", and "Rants" and really has no credibility.

There is no "investigation" of claims, that site is nothing more than a public forum.

There is no opportunity for opposing sides to speak other than in the replies section.

A simple C&D request will get the article removed, as many companies have in the past.

Are you sure about the C&D?

If that's possible then everything would be solved.

Under what premise? It's not copyright. Libel and slander?

[mattmoo]

Daniel,

I wouldn't obsess about this. The accusations being made are actually quite ridiculous. In fact someone who is blindly sending you $7500 without having done any due diligence first is insane. The fact that you have opened this thread is a good thing. This is a community and you are sharing your problem with this community. A quick websearch for you leads to this forum. You have enough positive credit in the bank here to more than make up for JUST ONE negative story as on ROR.

I wouldn't waste time trying to remove the ROR story from the SERPS.
I wouldn't respond on the ROR website and dignify the claims of this person.
I WOULD put up a blog posting on your website that STRONGLY REBUTS the accusations as well as clarifies your business operations and your customer service ethics.

Good luck.

[Marian Berghes]

offtopic question: what is C&D? I looked on google but all I could find is Construciton & Demolition Reports lol

Gotta learn this legal stuff...pfff

[utproducts]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

offtopic question: what is C&D? I looked on google but all I could find is Construciton & Demolition Reports lol

Gotta learn this legal stuff...pfff

Cease and desist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by Daniel Molano

Are you sure about the C&D?

If that's possible then everything would be solved.

Under what premise? It's not copyright. Libel and slander?

I disagree a C&D means nothing, the server is in turkey.. He is not under any obligations to remove nothing.. Thus why the site is still in business eventhough 99% of what is on the site is bogus.

If you are able to sue you also must have the ability to serve those papers to a real person and address.

This is why I suggested the above if some are willing to help because it would do more than just help one person but it would help many that have been done this way ...

James

[Daniel Molano]

I see there are other Internet Marketers involved in this scheme.

There is a false report on John Reese there as well.

And he's practically the most trusted of the internet marketing gurus.

[Julian Lockhart]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

I disagree a C&D means nothing, the server is in turkey.. He is not under any obligations to remove nothing..

If you are able to sue you also must have the ability to serve those papers to a real person and address.

James

Yes this is true - It's going to take a bit of legwork to get "nancys'" info.
Maybe you will get lucky and nancy will out herself.
They won't just give it to you. You will either need to sue for it or join the CAP.

Daniel - You might try this avenue because I've read it's not always 20k to "join".

[Eric Lorence]

Now that I remember, it may be difficult to remove it from the Rip off Report, though I've seen it work on other sites.

They seem to take pride in non-removal of claims.

You can try contacting them, or try a rebuttal ... it's been a while since I've been on that site.

[PatriciaJ]

This is awful and it could happen to any one of us. I'm all for exposing scams but without verifiable proof they are inviting trouble and as they say 'what goes round comes round' the sooner the better.

TheRichJerk had a good idea and another idea is some article marketing with 'Rip Off Report' in the title. As I had just finished an appropriate article when I read this it fit in nicely.

Hope you get it sorted one way or another

[Daniel Molano]

James, your idea has already been thought off: ReportsRipOff.com - A Resource for Negative Report Scams

We should all boost their rankings.

Originally Posted by Daniel Molano

James, your idea has already been thought off: ReportsRipOff.com - A Resource for Negative Report Scams

We should all boost their rankings.

Oh cool ... lol I am going to go "speak up" an article (I use MacSpeech) no more typing for me ...lol Target the words, post it to AP and then bookmark about 500 bookmarks on it ..

Now just to get me a few minutes....

James

Originally Posted by PatriciaJ

This is awful and it could happen to any one of us. I'm all for exposing scams but without verifiable proof they are inviting trouble and as they say 'what goes round comes round' the sooner the better.

TheRichJerk had a good idea and another idea is some article marketing with 'Rip Off Report' in the title. As I had just finished an appropriate article when I read this it fit in nicely.

Hope you get it sorted one way or another

Want me to post it on AP under a pen name ??? Shoot me a PM .. I will even bookmark it ...

James

[Daniel Molano]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

Oh cool ... lol I am going to go "speak up" an article (I use MacSpeech) no more typing for me ...lol Target the words, post it to AP and then bookmark about 500 bookmarks on it ..

Now just to get me a few minutes....

James

They won't remove it. Let's make a scandal.

And let's promote http://www.reportsripoff.com/ with all we have.