SEO Scam

[mikey_knowles]

SEO Scam - Another scam from iGetNet in California
This is one of the biggest Internet scams in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) today. Millions of dollars are being scammed by high pressure telesales groups from iGetNet. iGetNet calls this "Search Engine Positioning" (SEP). Here's how it works. A iGetNet representative or one of its affiliated groups calls a small business offering them the "opportunity" to be listed in the top rankings in Yahoo and other search engines. This representative then suggests that they help the customer "choose an effective search keword or keywords". Here's the catch. They suggest a worthless word that will never get clicked!! They then go to Overture and purchase this word on a "Pay-per-click" (PPC) basis. Overture purchases the top 3 spots in Yahoo and other engines and thus if you type in the keyword that iGetNet just sold you, such as "blue dog food", or something equally worthless, the customer's keyword shows up as a top listing. But who would ever type this keyword in a search engine, none-the-less click it?
iGetNet then charges the customer monthly for this word, but nothing ever happens. Eventually the customer's catch on. However, before this happens, iGetNet representatives are quick to follow up a few days after the call and show the customer that they're "First in Yahoo" and try an up sell. ..... More money lost. Kiss your money good bye!

<edit>by fathom, reason: info not required. WebProWorld is not an authority on, nor a venue to report potential fraudulent activities.</edit>

[cbp]

Can you explain exactly what the fraud is?

It just sounds like a bad business deal that you signed up for.

CBP

[danbroughton]

Its a scam but not fraud and not illegal - if the customer is silly enough to part with cash then thats their problem. However, if incorrect traffic estimates were given based on the SERPS of worthless keywords then that would be deceptive. Who parts with money without asking 'what do I get for my money?' anyway.

We all get tarred with the same brush by these rogue traders though.