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Using my identity

by Audrey Harvey
10 replies
I had a writing client who hired me to write some tutorials for him. He cancelled the project before it started so I didn't deliver any work and obviously I wasn't paid, but his site is live and he's signing up people to his training program.

My beef is that he has my name, image and bio there as an author. I guess it does him good to have a veterinarian write his dog content. It's dishonest.

I can't get his whois details because they're private, I've contacted the site twice now, both by email and through their onsite contact form, asking them to remove my details.

I'm thinking the next step is to send a notice to their host, but are there any other alternatives? I don't want his site taken down, he's put together a decent looking package, but I just don't want me on there.

Any particular format that my notice should take?

Thanks for any advice.

Audrey
#identity
  • Profile picture of the author valmillercorl
    That's just fraud...I wouldn't care if his site got taken down, what makes him think it's okay to pretend he's you??? That's just wrong. Definitely report it to his hosting company. They might be able to do something about it.

    Hopefully other members here will know what to do.

    Good luck...Val
    Signature

    Valarie Miller-Corl
    SEO & Internet Marketer, PLR Author
    Get Your WSO Sales Copy Written by Someone Who Has a JVZOO POTD & a WSOTD On Her Accomplished List

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  • Profile picture of the author REHughes
    Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post


    I'm thinking the next step is to send a notice to their host, but are there any other alternatives? I don't want his site taken down, he's put together a decent looking package, but I just don't want me on there.

    Audrey
    Audrey,
    I understand your position, but what happens IF something went wrong with the site, or his TRAININGS caused harm to someone's beloved pet?

    He surely wouldn't mind letting your GOOD NAME go down the drain as the culprit, now would he? Then YOUR reputation would be tarnished, not his!

    Contact his host and report him for fraud! Simple solution.

    Best of luck,
    Robert
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  • Profile picture of the author megawarrior
    Definitely report it to his hosting company. After all, he didn't care about wasting your precious time for which you weren't paid, and has the audacity to now use your name.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Audrey - Robert's right. Your reputation is on the line and this IS fraud. This guy's site might be located in the US, in which case, you can report him to the FTC as well if you start to suspect he might do real harm to you or any of his clients.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Thanks guys, maybe I'm just too soft.

    Megawarrior I didn't do the work because he cancelled early on, so I don't mind not being paid.

    I'll be a bit more proactive and get this sorted today.
    Signature

    Expert content written by an experienced veterinarian and published magazine and newspaper writer.
    Feel free to contact me for details.
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  • Profile picture of the author DreamWarrior
    If you have no luck with their hosting company, speak to a lawyer who specialises in online disputes. Sometime a letter from a lawyer will do the trick.
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  • Profile picture of the author DallasMason
    Imagine the audacity of someone posting blatantly, while using an invented identity, hiding behind the... Ooops!

    Seriously, that is no good. As a former, Nashville singer/songwriter, I know a thing or two about intellectual property. You have officially entered "lawyer country", Audrey!

    Go get em!
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  • Profile picture of the author paul_1
    This is clearly a fraud. I would really advise you to take action ASAP before something will go wrong with his site and you are the only one to blame.
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    • Profile picture of the author colinaudie
      You must report it to his hosting company so that he either removes the false information or they take the site down as it could cause you, especially your name some damage and thats not fair to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daystar11
    Agree with all the comments here, you must take him down, to protect yourself and all those unsuspecting people who visit his site. He probably planned the whole thing from the beginning. ("hiring" you, then cancelling, etc.)
    A very aggressive letter from an attorney will work wonders. I've had to use that tactic myself (for non-internet related issues.)
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