49 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
49 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

An open WARNING to all Clickbank Vendors - You are being scammed

by imaddict
43 replies
I'm boiling right now!

I get a customer inquiry today regarding my refund policy. Apparently there's a site
that has given it a negative report, claiming that my company does not honor their
refund policy, and there is no way to get in touch with us. Obviously this is a fraudulent
statement since we have our telephone number listed on the page along with a refund
policy link that gives clear instructions on how to get one... and a support desk.

Well, I contacted the owner of the site (whois info is hidden and they have no telephone
number on their site) informing them that they either provide proof of these false allegations
or remove the offending review.

Then, curiosity got the best of me and what I discovered was quite a shock...

These scumbags have duplicated the CB marketplace listings and they tag their pages
with [product name refund], [product name scam], etc... THEN... they have affiliate
links to each and every product!!!!

It is the "ultimate" review site... playing on people's fear then "recommending" a different
product.

I'm giving them 72 hours to respond, then they're hearing from my lawyer. I'm also
contacting Clickbank regarding this since it is an affiliate of theirs.

If you sell a product via Clickbank I urge you to take a look through the offending website
The Money Back Test Home and take action.

To the mods, I'm sorry if posting the link is against the rules but this issue is serious
and honest, hard-working vendors need to know if their products are getting shady reviews
so that someone can make money.
#clickbank #open #scammed #vendors #warning
  • Profile picture of the author imaddict
    Just got off the phone with CB. They are get in touch with the affiliate.
    Signature
    It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466202].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jlandells
    The scary thing is that it LOOKS like a genuine, honest site that exists only to help the consumer!

    Thanks for highlighting this!

    -John.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466208].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ltdraper
    You're going to have several problems if you go the legal route:

    1) They're hiding behind a domain proxy. For all you know, they're not even a US entity. Suing them will be expensive. It will take years. You'll have to decide if you can afford the fight as well as they can.

    2) Proving that they didn't actually have the experience they claim is something that would have to be figured out by a jury, which will be expensive. You can't win this one on summary judgement.

    3) They're a "review site", which means they're just posting the opinions of their "users." These services are protected from liability if they're just publishing what others say. Google "rip off report" and you'll see a whole series of articles about this. Yes, they can lie and get away with it.

    I think you'd be better off to just fight back on your own turf. Why are they showing up for the keywords "[your product] refund"? Just push them off the front page, which should be fairly easy to do.

    And of course it wouldn't hurt if everyone that read this reported them to google as a spam site for being a thin affiliate site with no editorial content.

    If you're going to have a clickbank product, you probably need to do this kind of defensive SEO as a matter of business.
    Signature

    Nothing to see here, move along...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466226].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by ltdraper View Post

      You're going to have several problems if you go the legal route
      I am well aware of this. The CB representative informed me that this is not allowed, however, I'm not holding my breath on that one. Let's see what comes out of it... I don't think that they want this either... If publishers aren't giving refunds that means that Clickbank isn't giving refunds which is illegal and they are well aware of this.
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
    Penis Advantage - The Money Back Test

    Oh my
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466235].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melody
    I would also be willing to bet it's cookie stuffing as well - anyone doing something like this would probably be taking the next step to capture all of the possible sales as well.........

    Melody
    Signature
    Our first "Digital Yard Sale"! A massive PLR Blowout Sale to help a friend pay medical expenses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466254].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melody
    LOL - looks like you've been successful - the site looks as though it is being taken down - but I am sure they will pop up elsewhere soon! Apparently they were stupid enough to host at HostGator and HG has shut them down!
    Signature
    Our first "Digital Yard Sale"! A massive PLR Blowout Sale to help a friend pay medical expenses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author imaddict
    Hi xxxx,



    The website has been taken down.



    Thanks,



    Sheri

    Clickbank Security


    SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Signature
    It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466261].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author howudoin
    I don't know that this is happy news or what but..........Their Website is giving a (To the Penis advantage Page) 404 Error "Not Found":p and simply listing "index" on their Homepage...

    Guess you scared them Off pretty quickly

    Bhupinder
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466291].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author imaddict
    Needless to say... the (potential) customer that contacted me just got a free product and as much personal assistance via telephone as he needs. I can't imagine how many people didn't take the time to contact me and just didn't buy or bought something else. I feel lucky.
    Signature
    It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466319].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fermin Suero
    Yeah it looks like it was taken down. I checked Google's cache on the site and all the links lead to a 404 error.
    Signature

    Get a Google Voice Number for yourself or your Business (Buy 2 get 1 Free)
    Google Voice invites available, limited supplies...
    http://bit.ly/b6cfOW

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466343].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Dulisse
    Very interesting, I was too late. I would have liked to see the site.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466360].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author digimix
    Wow this is good news, the reponse time is amazing that within one hour you got them to shut down their site. Nice !!
    Signature
    150 high PR Backlinks to your website built manually at the lowest prices!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466373].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Suthan M
    oh well, at least everyone should be happy that it ended well.

    Finally hearing a good story out fo clickbank after the numerues bad ones that popped up recently.
    Signature

    Whats the latest movie you watched? Anything good?

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466385].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author winebuddy
    it was a GOOD lookin' site but it WAS bashing certain products
    Signature
    "Knowledge is NOT power... ACTION on Knowledge is power"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466389].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Myles Sinclair
      Looking at the cached page on Google for the site map, the site was huge! I wonder if it will reappear under a new domain name at some point - maybe after some editing!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466405].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Louis Raven
    To the mods, I'm sorry if posting the link is against the rules but this issue is serious
    and honest, hard-working vendors need to know if their products are getting shady reviews
    so that someone can make money.
    I'm also sorry.

    Here's my affiliate link....

    We all understand how much you're helping the whole community but if everone felt their competitiors were unethical we'd have a whole forum filled with slanderous threads.

    Plus, I'm sure Clickbank could make a buck or two from your title as it could be construde as damaging.

    Anyhoo, thanks for the heads up. I'm sure you'll save a lot of people some bother.

    Louis
    Signature
    Business Website Hosting
    Car Detailing Network
    How to Start a Mobile Detailing Valeting Business
    Website Hosting Domain Marketing Templates Themes Logo
    Detailing Discounts Valeting Directory
    Detailing Forum Business Valeting Community
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466396].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      I missed it but looks like you shut them down! Good job. And that super fast! I'm a CB vendor so thanks!
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466412].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by Louis Raven View Post

      I'm also sorry.

      Here's my affiliate link....

      We all understand how much you're helping the whole community but if everone felt their competitiors were unethical we'd have a whole forum filled with slanderous threads.

      Plus, I'm sure Clickbank could make a buck or two from your title as it could be construde as damaging.

      Anyhoo, thanks for the heads up. I'm sure you'll save a lot of people some bother.

      Louis
      Hmmm? Didn't quite understand this...
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466425].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author robert11
        wow, I guess you always need to watch out for new scams.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466461].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Louis Raven
        Originally Posted by imaddict View Post

        Hmmm? Didn't quite understand this...
        I'll brake it down:
        Originally Posted by Allen Says (forum owner)

        If you have a problem with another Warrior, a Guru, or God, take it up with them directly. Not here. No exceptions.
        I'm not sure if this applies to other websites but if I'm wrong then please let me know so I can get rid of a few competitors

        Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

        Louis:

        You do realize this site actually was a scam? Even in the purchase confirmation emails, it's clearly spelled out how to get a refund from clickbank.

        If you can't figure out how to get a refund from a clickbank merchant, you're obviously too stupid to be using a computer IMHO.
        Of course I understand this case was about a genuine scam, but I believe the main reason for this forums rule no.1 is to stop this kind of thing being used for bad IE.. "blackmail" & "running competitors out a town" etc etc.

        If all scams and unethical sellers are allowed to be outed on this forum than I for one am not gonna be the one to sift through the genuine and competition-beaters to see which claims of a scam are real.

        Louis

        P.S. I'm not perfect and have been wrong on more than one occasion lol. maybe some former mods can put me straight with this one.
        Signature
        Business Website Hosting
        Car Detailing Network
        How to Start a Mobile Detailing Valeting Business
        Website Hosting Domain Marketing Templates Themes Logo
        Detailing Discounts Valeting Directory
        Detailing Forum Business Valeting Community
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466691].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author imaddict
          Originally Posted by Louis Raven View Post

          I'm not sure if this applies to other websites but if I'm wrong then please let me know so I can get rid of a few competitors
          You seem to have misunderstood what the site was... It wasn't a competitor. In fact, the owner was an affiliate of mine and of every other program listed on the website.

          Nevertheless, sorry for breaking the rules.

          I was looking out for my best interests, and in the process, the interests of other vendors of CB... many of which are probably WF members. Who knows how big this site could have become down the road and what an issue it could have caused to other honest marketers.

          Given the possible scale of the issue, I thought that posting it here would be one of the most effective places to get the message across and stop any future damage to myself AND others.
          Signature
          It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466715].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by Louis Raven View Post

      I'm also sorry.

      Here's my affiliate link....

      We all understand how much you're helping the whole community but if everone felt their competitiors were unethical we'd have a whole forum filled with slanderous threads.

      Plus, I'm sure Clickbank could make a buck or two from your title as it could be construde as damaging.

      Anyhoo, thanks for the heads up. I'm sure you'll save a lot of people some bother.

      Louis
      Louis:

      You do realize this site actually was a scam? Even in the purchase confirmation emails, it's clearly spelled out how to get a refund from clickbank.

      If you can't figure out how to get a refund from a clickbank merchant, you're obviously too stupid to be using a computer IMHO.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466524].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Louis Raven View Post


      We all understand how much you're helping the whole community but if everone felt their competitiors were unethical we'd have a whole forum filled with slanderous threads.
      Luckily, most people here actually have a brain and don't feel all their competitors are unethical, and, as a result, we DON'T have a whole forum filled with bogus, "slanderous" threads.


      Plus, I'm sure Clickbank could make a buck or two from your title as it could be construde as damaging.

      Louis
      Yeah, because Clickbank has nothing better to do than monitor the Warrior Forum to find someone to sue for a buck or two.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466719].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ADAMw3
    I do not understand people sometimes. How can they fall asleep at night knowing they are doing something ethically wrong.

    It is no wonder people are so hesitant to come online and share their financial information. Just think how big the internet would actually be if people who did not pull this crap didn't exist.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466399].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Platinum Matt
    Thanks for sorting that! I hate those sites and there's PLENTY more of them with fake reviews etc... It'd be good to be able to get rid.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466521].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by Platinum Matt View Post

      Thanks for sorting that! I hate those sites and there's PLENTY more of them with fake reviews etc... It'd be good to be able to get rid.
      Fake review sites are one thing... this was an entirely different 'beast.' Bashing someone's site to promote another product, while shady, is not illegal... it's a matter of opinion.

      The site in question was stating that certain companies did not give refunds. Not giving a refund is illegal and is the type of thing that government agencies hunt down. Clickbank is well aware of this and I'm assuming that's why the site went down so fast.

      Funny thing is... this guy has made me plenty of sales which means he was cookie stuffing.
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466540].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sylviad
        Originally Posted by imaddict View Post

        Fake review sites are one thing... this was an entirely different 'beast.' Bashing someone's site to promote another product, while shady, is not illegal... it's a matter of opinion.

        The site in question was stating that certain companies did not give refunds. Not giving a refund is illegal and is the type of thing that government agencies hunt down. Clickbank is well aware of this and I'm assuming that's why the site went down so fast.

        Funny thing is... this guy has made me plenty of sales which means he was cookie stuffing.
        Well, the site was wrong... unless I'm REALLY confused. Don't CB vendors automatically have to comply with CB's refund policy? Vendors are UNABLE to offer no refunds if they list in CB. It IS illegal for that site owner to state 'no refunds' when clearly they are offered on all CB products.

        Sylvia
        Signature
        :: Got a dog? Visit my blog. Dog Talk Weekly
        :: Writing, Audio Transcription Services? - Award-winning Journalist is taking new projects. Warrior Discounts!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466579].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Crash878
    how often does this happen ?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466557].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christopher R Everson
    You all need to realize that reviews can be like that. You know, negative and stuff

    Other than the refund issue, which was wrong, make sure you don't end up going on a review-page crusade.
    Signature

    Money isn't real, George. It doesn't matter. It only seems like it does.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466571].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by Christopher R Everson View Post

      You all need to realize that reviews can be like that. You know, negative and stuff

      Other than the refund issue, which was wrong, make sure you don't end up going on a review-page crusade.
      Just to set the record straight because there seems to be some confusion regarding what the site was (since it's now offline)... it wasn't a typical review site (i.e. 3 products, 5 stars, 4 stars, 2 stars)...

      It was a website that looked like the BBB in some regards... a consumer protection agency that kept a company/product 'profile' based on whether or not they honored their refund policy.

      They didn't have actual reviews (i.e. product X is good, product Y is bad)... the content was based strictly on response to refund (i.e. product X honors their refund policy - it's safe to buy from them. Product Y doesn't honor their refund policy... they're a fraudulent organization, don't buy from them).

      Again, unbiased (and even biased) reviews, while shady (the biased ones that is), are 'OK' in my book. I don't use them and I think that people who make the fake ones are scum, but nevertheless I'd never make such a fuss about something like that (or any at all).

      This was an entirely different case..
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466648].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author artwebster
    It seems to me that this is just a little bit further along the road than some Review Site tutorials want you to go.

    I have not yet seen a tutorial that does NOT say "it is helpful if you use the word 'scam' in your site". Obviously the idea is that you suggest, in your head line that it is a scam - something like Writing Words Programme - a scam? so that anybody thinking of buying the product and searching for review sites will be worried and read your review and, hopefully, buy when they realise that you are promoting it.

    Google search any popular programme name and see how many 'scam' type headlines you see.
    Signature

    You might not like what I say - but I believe it.
    Build it, make money, then build some more
    Some old school smarts would help - and here's to Rob Toth for his help. Bloody good stuff, even the freebies!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466592].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author e-genius
    Hurray the site is Down! Nice move Immadict, you saved us. Hope they dont start a new website doing this again. Its ruining our repution on the net as clickbank vendors. God knows how many sales we have lost because of them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466617].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMChick
    It's amazing to me that you took action and the problem was resolved with the offending website closed for business in record time. That was great to see. CB has quite a business that they need to protect, so it's good that it turned out this way.

    But I have a question--what is cookie stuffing and how did you find out that bad website was doing it with your product?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466696].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Frank Bruno
      Wow, they were shut down fast.

      I wonder if Clickbank is going to hold their checks now....

      Frank Bruno
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466727].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by IMChick View Post

      But I have a question--what is cookie stuffing and how did you find out that bad website was doing it with your product?
      It's a way of dropping a cookie on a surfer's browser, so, even though they may not click on the affiliate link to go to the merchant, but happen to visit the site directly, the affiliate who 'cookie-stuffed' will still get the commission (provided that the surfer doesn't click on another affiliate link to get the original cookie overwritten).

      I found out about the website because a prospect contacted my support desk and asked to get the product for free and then be allowed to pay later. The reason being, he didn't have money to waste and since my company didn't honor their refund policy (according to moneytestwhateverscam.com), they'd like to review the material first before paying since they would not get their money back.

      I can't imagine how many people DIDN'T take the time to contact me regarding this and how many sales I've lost as a result.
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466730].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author doylesoft
        Looks like Google has 5300 pages in its index for the site.
        Crazy!
        Signature

        Brandon Doyle
        http://doylesoft.com Simple, effective, and affordable software. Knowledge Base software.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466765].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    I missed this whole drama ... just got in and missed the penis review as well.

    Anyway thank you for the initiator of this thread ... let us all come down hard on such people

    John
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466723].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    Question: Did the site actually *say* your product sucked with fake reviews?

    I took a look at the cached copy, and although the techniques are definitely questionable, -- it looked like it was saying "Is product _x_ a scam? Is it this...?" (I obviously don't agree with the tactic, but it didn't look like it was actually 'bashing' products, just taking advantage of where ppl in search engines go "this product is a scam", etc)...

    Most people here take advantage of search engine traffic that way, so -- again, although I think the technique was questionable -- did it actually do anything wrong? Now -- of course, on the other hand, if they *did* post *fake* reviews, then that would be totally wrong...
    Signature
    Make money from writing, find out how now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466724].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imaddict
      Originally Posted by Johnathan View Post

      Question: Did the site actually *say* your product sucked with fake reviews?
      No, they didn't say my product sucked. If that was the case this thread wouldn't exist.

      The only thing they said about my product (and others) was that consumers bought my product in the past, asked for refunds, and were not given one.

      Then, at the end of the 'review' there were 2 links:

      The first was a straight link to my website.

      The other was an affiliate link. It was labeled as a 'consumer protection link' (or something of that sort). They explained that by purchasing through the second link they'd be able to get a refund on the buyer's behalf in case they requested it and the merchant didn't comply.

      If this was a common case of a negative review site Clickbank would NOT have shut it down within the hour. They too understand the legal liability of such a website.
      Signature
      It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466735].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
        Ah, ok... If they were actually saying that "there" link would ensure that you would get a proper refund, etc should they purchase through you, ok, then that I agree is unethical...it is "deceptive" marketing/not that truthful...

        Originally Posted by imaddict View Post

        No, they didn't say my product sucked. If that was the case this thread wouldn't exist.

        The only thing they said about my product (and others) was that consumers bought my product in the past, asked for refunds, and were not given one.

        Then, at the end of the 'review' there were 2 links:

        The first was a straight link to my website.

        The other was an affiliate link. It was labeled as a 'consumer protection link' (or something of that sort). They explained that by purchasing through the second link they'd be able to get a refund on the buyer's behalf in case they requested it and the merchant didn't comply.

        If this was a common case of a negative review site Clickbank would NOT have shut it down within the hour. They too understand the legal liability of such a website.
        Signature
        Make money from writing, find out how now.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[466818].message }}

Trending Topics