Someone finally copied my website!

[incrediblehelp]

Someone finally copied my website!

I know this is hardly new news, but some losers will copy your website in an attempt to harm your rankings! I have always seen sporadic scrapping which never worried me to bad. Here is the domain trying to hurt me:

www.topseo.net

My domain is www.kbkmarketing.com. I was wondering what others experiences were with getting this removed considering their is no real way to find out who is doing it or responsible for it. The whois info:

http://whois.sc/topseo.net all seems made up, but does lead to this website: http://www.hidev.com/. Here is the whois: http://whois.sc/hidev.com

Of course perfect match. Doesn't look like they are trying to hide to hard, but I don't think any of the info is real. I called the available numbers from the website with a "out of service" message.

Does everyone generally report the spam to each of the major engines and then move on with life?

What is interesting on the copied website everything is exactly the same except for instead of "KBK" they replaced it with "IllDev". Wonder why?

Any comments would be great!

[incrediblehelp]

The idiot is using AdSense on http://www.hidev.com/. I reported them as spamming to AdSense, since they must a publishing ID on the banner to get of the AdSense revenue. The publisher ID in AdSense is:

pub-8947240314748164

I wonder how I can chase them down with this info?

[cbp]

1. Burn a copy of your site and there site to a CD - send it to yourself registered mail - do not open it as the dates can serve as evidence in court later (never actually plan on going to court, but this helps your bluff)

2. Write a cease and desist letter to them. Tell them about (1) and you are prepared to use it.

3. Write to their host. Tell them about (1) and that they have 48 hours to take the site down or you will name them in legal action against the site (this usually works as it in the small print of most hosts ToS)

4. Lodge a DMCA complaint with Google:
http://www.google.com/dmca.html (this usually works well as well). Lodge a copyright complaint with Yahoo:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/copyright/copyright.html and MSN:
http://search.msn.com/docs/siteowner..._AboutDMCA.htm


CBP

[incrediblehelp]

As always, thanks CBP. I think the only course of actions that will work is #4. I have no way of contacting them directly, false info given. I will look more into who their host is and try there as well.

[Feydakin]

Skip 1 and 2.. They are already crooks so why would they listen to your threats??

Go straight to 3 and 4 and move on..

Also, #1 has never been a successful method of doing anything since it is so easy to fake..

http://www.copyrightauthority.com/poor-mans-copyright/

If you intend to sue hire a lawyer and let him gather the evidence in a manner that will be supported in court..

Steve

[ctabuk]

Ok,why are they doing it? What is in it for them? Have you spoken to anyone about Intellectual Property Rights? - If not, talk to me.
CPB's advice is great, I concure, but we are a big forum and you are a valued poster, so lets nail these guys. I'm up for it!

[incrediblehelp]

ctabuk,

I assume they are doing it to effect my rankings with www.kbkmarketing.com or just get my original domain banned. Something is very familiar about that domain name, topseo.net. I dont think the people at topseo.com have anything to do with it.

[aaron2005]

Holy S*hit!

I have always worried about people stealing individual articles I write on my websites and the scrapers have hit (but they at least backlink the page so I will kill them later). ;-(

BUT you have a serious ass*hole here! Oh my God, I would be feeling murderous for that, that is sooooooo wrong!

I am sure Google would love to beat down that site and make sure they never come back.

THAT is the absolute lamest thing I have seen!!!

Good luck,

-Aaron

[khurramali]

A picture speaks a thousand words


If only 1 guy is stealing your content then it is worth going after him,

what if 50 people are stealing your content, then it is not worth it,

In the second case just change your website content.

otherwise your website will be penalized for duplicate content

[adacprogramming]

A site called Way back machine archives sites. This might be useful in proving that the content was originally yours. This link points to your site in their records. Looks like they first picked you up around Nov of 2002.

This is probably better then mailing yourself your code.

http://web.archive.org/web/*/%20kbkmarketing.com/*

[incrediblehelp]

Originally Posted by adacprogramming

A site called Way back machine archives sites. This might be useful in proving that the content was originally yours. This link points to your site in their records. Looks like they first picked you up around Nov of 2002.

This is probably better then mailing yourself your code.

http://web.archive.org/web/*/%20kbkmarketing.com/*

Yes I am familiar with this website. Thanks.

[JuniorOnline]

I find it very unfair that someone steals someone elses work. You spent time and energy + money to keep things going and this silly person do this.

copying content is very different than copying your website Image + content. This person has gone the extra mile to use harm your website.

I really hope you find a solution to the problem.

[aaron2005]

Search Results for: topseo.net

Network Registry Results

Domain Name: TOPSEO.NET
Registrar: BULKREGISTER, LLC.
Whois Server: whois.bulkregister.com
Referral URL: http://www.bulkregister.com
Name Server: NS1.CARBIZ.COM
Name Server: IVRPDC.CARBIZ.COM
Status: ACTIVE
Updated Date: 19-may-2005
Creation Date: 26-may-2004
Expiration Date: 26-may-2006

[adacprogramming]

Interesting choice of a host server. CarBiz appears to be a rather small company. Phone call to them would probably shake them up enough to shut down the site.

If that doesn't work Carbiz looks to be reselling for
OrgName: CenturyTel Solutions, LLC
OrgID: CSL-63
Address: 100 Centurytel Drive
City: Monroe
StateProv: LA
PostalCode: 71203
Country: US

NetRange: 69.18.64.0 - 69.18.127.255
CIDR: 69.18.64.0/18
NetName: CENTURYTEL-SOLUTIONS-6
NetHandle: NET-69-18-64-0-1
Parent: NET-69-0-0-0-0
NetType: Direct Allocation
NameServer: NS1.KMCMAIL.NET
NameServer: NS2.KMCMAIL.NET
Comment:
RegDate: 2004-02-18
Updated: 2005-08-19

OrgTechHandle: JENNI4-ARIN
OrgTechName: Morrison, Jennifer
OrgTechPhone: +1-318-340-5974
OrgTechEmail: jennifer.morrison@centurytel.com


I haven't tracked them any yet but the phone number might be useful.

[adacprogramming]

You can skip complaining to CarBiz
Roger Highton - admin@hidev.com
Hi Development
PO Box 717
Tallevast, FL 34270
US
Phone - 941 812-5482
Fax -
owns www.topseo.net , Carbiz and http://www.hidev.com/ Although there are different phone numbers on each registration.
Looks like Jennifer at centurytel will be your best bet.

[aaron2005]

I am not saying incrediblehelp is up to no good but I just feel a ripple in the force.

Are those ads on the copied site your ads incrediblehelp? Who gets paid when you click on them?

(I dont have time to investigate but give us more info here, you seem too calm for someone who has been screwed)

;)

[timmathews.com]

Hmm. seems I am in this mix now.
Sorry for the drama Jaan. I will get this focker sorted out.
anyone want to buy the domain topseo.net?

:D
I am in control of the domain now, and I see the drama that has occured from the client. Any offers?

[incrediblehelp]

Thanks Tim. I see the domain is down now.

Next time it goes live I would hope it doesnt have my website copied on it like it has for the last 3 months, on and off. :)

[cspelts]

What a perfect ending! A fellow forum member now controls the offending domain name? Perfect!

This has happened to me twice, and both times it was resolved quickly, but your ending is more fun!

[incrediblehelp]

Yeah and for some reason the domain is now working again. This is getting ridiculous. Tim why does the domain work again? What the hell?

[incrediblehelp]

Tim if you have control over the website why is it still working with my copied website on it?

http://www.topseo.net/

Wouldnt this be easy to stop?

[freetraff]

Next time you have this problem. Send me a PM. I can send the bastard a nuclear bomb or hit with a powerful laser right from the orbit.

It will not give you back the stolen money, but at least you'll feel compensated.

[khurramali]

Make Love, Not War.

We are all peace loving people here.

If you can get your problems solved without violence then should give it a try.

Sometimes you only have to listen sincerely to what the other person has to say.

Convincing someone is a better option then threats.

[incrediblehelp]

I wish Tim would reply on the subject.

[adbart]

Yeah, this is pretty intriguing....

[incrediblehelp]

Originally Posted by timmathews.com

Hmm. seems I am in this mix now.
Sorry for the drama Jaan. I will get this focker sorted out.
anyone want to buy the domain topseo.net?

:D
I am in control of the domain now, and I see the drama that has occured from the client. Any offers?

Tim I hate to be a pain here, but the domain has been live since you posted this. What is the deal?

[google junky]

incrediblehelp,

HOSTSVR.COM is the next person in line and owned by ALABANZA. It the same great company I use.

internal@ALABANZA.COM
Baltimore, MD 21202 US
Phone:: 410-779-1400

site info
Email: sales@alabanza.com
Phone: 800-361-2682 or 410-779-1400

This is who you need to contact.

unless you really think you have it all sorted out now.


a added note:
http://alabanza.com/policies.html

All services provided by Alabanza may be used for lawful purposes only. Transmission, storage, or presentation of any information, data, or material in violation of any United States Federal, state, or city law is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, material we judge to be threatening or obscene, or material protected by trade secret or other statute. The subscriber agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Alabanza from any claims resulting from the use of the service that damages the subscriber or any other party.


All Sub-Networks, distributive hosting sites, and dedicated servers of Alabanza must adhere to the above policies.

Failure to follow any term or condition will be grounds for immediate account deactivation.

[google junky]

well ofcourse I needed to add another post.

Originally Posted by timmathews.com

Hmm. seems I am in this mix now.
Sorry for the drama Jaan. I will get this focker sorted out.
anyone want to buy the domain topseo.net?

:D
I am in control of the domain now, and I see the drama that has occured from the client. Any offers?

Tim Mathews is full of it. <-- hows that for drama lol

Take a look at this cache dated Oct 8, 2005
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache...pseo.net&hl=en

1. Do you see anything odd in the title?
"IllDev Marketing Clients: SEO & Search Engine Optimization Optimisation Placement & Marketing at it's best!"

illdev is owned by Tim Mathews according to whois info.

2. And where it says in the page
"Click Here to Visit the IllDev Client Testimonial Page"

3. and where it says at the very bottom of the page
"Chicago, Illinois Chicago Web Design Websites Business Development © 2005"


Tim is illdev another domain you will take care of? <-- yes that was sarcasm

Don't you just love the Google cache feature. :)

[incrediblehelp]

Thanks for the alabanza.com information. I will contact them.

Some history:

I have talked with Tim through email and PM a couple of times and he seemed to be fully willing to help me. He has also stated that a ex-partner of his named "Roger" was behind this. He said he owns the domain on his behalf and Roger is at fault for the copying of the website.

He then offered to sell the domain to me (not good). I told him I don't need the domain rather just need the content to come down. The domain doesn't need to be turned off either, just remove my content. He said he would and I have seen him turn the domain off before only to have the domain come back on a couple of hours later.

I have tried contacting him MANY times in the last 5 days with no response. I am now wondering about his true integrity with this domain and business practices now.

Considering that he is somewhat an active poster here I am shocked that he has taken this course of action. I have tried many times to give him the benefit of doubt, but it looks like a DMCA complaint is now needed for all search engines.

[khurramali]

I don't think it is that difficult to change the content on the website.

just spending a few hours and writing new content should solve this matter.

I like to admit, I have copied website content myself, but after realizing my mistake, I have changed the content / still changing it / will keep on changing it until everything is fixed.

The person stealing content is not only harming his own website but also his clients.

[incrediblehelp]

Well as everyone can see it is not just content, but images, design, etc that is being stolen. Of course the stealing is not the worst part. This is being done to try to fool the search engines into harming the original website of KBK Marketing. I don't think it has harmed it to bad, but the topseo website is ranking for many keywords that the KBK marketing website is. This is happening mostly on MSN and Google.

I can also see that they update this copied website very often, because it has new content on it that I have added to KBK Marketing recently.

[incrediblehelp]

FYI, I have contacted Roger by email and he is saying that he has nothing to do with this website, as Tim has led me to believe.

As stated before Tim M has stated that Roger was the one that was placing the copied website on the domain. Tim M stated that he owned the domain topseo on Roger behalf. Roger is now saying this is not true.

More to come.

[hidev]

FYI

Hidevelopment (HiDev.com)a Sarasota IT company, purchased this website a few years ago.

The domain is not being used by HiDev.com and is no longer under the control of Hidev.com... even though our name may be still connected.

Please refrain from making any defamatory comments about this company or website unless you actually know the information to be correct and factual.

Regards,

HiDevelopment

[incrediblehelp]

Thanks for your feedback Roger. Hopefully Tim M will remove refrence to HiDev in the domain records to avoid further confusion.

[incrediblehelp]

Well it looks like topseo.net is now down.

Tim any comments on what happened here?

Can I assume this domain will stay turned off or at least the content will be changed if it goes live again?

[khurramali]

I am not an expert in domain name issues,

but i think, this issue needs to be reported to ICANN.

They might take appropriate action.

[incrediblehelp]

Tim,

I see you added a new home page to topseo, but you still have much of my old content linking from this new home page to the old copied website:

http://www.topseo.net/seoprocess.htm
http://www.topseo.net/contactus.htm
http://www.topseo.net/customwebdesign.htm
etc..


What hell is the deal here?

JUST STOP COPYING MY CONTENT, IMAGES AND WEBSITE.

[incrediblehelp]

OK on to the next step.

Since you are hoster of the website yourself, I will be contacting the Comcast Cable Communications abuse department and let them know you have continued to violate their guidelines. If they choose to do nothing I will be filling out the DMCA forms for all three search engines.

It is kind of funny that you feel it is OK to basically ruin your reputation as a web designer or SEO by taking these actions. I am happy to have a venue like WPW to log the full history of this in a public forum.

[incrediblehelp]

OK update:

It looks like Tim has removed the copied content from the internal pages and they are now blank. The home page still contain a lot of copied content and of course the whole architecture of the website is still copied. Each of the internal pages also still contain the copied title tags and meta tags from my KBK website.

It will be interesting to see how the search engines re-act to the changes made by Tim.

Just removing all my content all together would be nice :(

[MtraX]

Jaan, only read this thread now. WOW is all I can say. That's obviously even worse than what I'm going through. The domain is down now, so I guess you sorted him out... ;-)

Cheers
MtraX

[incrediblehelp]

nah the domain is still working for some reason, topseo.net. It is not working for you?

[williamc]

works here, and holy keyword stuffing batman!

FYI: DMCA is not just for search engines. CC a copy to his host, their upstream, their upstream, them, as well as the engines.

[incrediblehelp]

He is hosting himself. I contacted the abuse department of his bandwidth/ISP provider. It is Comcast and obviously they dont care about this because it is still live.

It is nice to see that the domain has stopped showing up in search results, all though it is still indexed by most.

[cnx-s]

I see that Tim has kept a very low profile, just the one post I think. What has he gained from this cafuffle that it is worth losing his status in this forum? I cannot imagine anybody will want to employ his services after reading this astonishing thread.

[Faglork]

Originally Posted by williamc

works here, and holy keyword stuffing batman!

Indeed. I wonder what's behind all this. It seems so ... unreal. Publicly violating copyright - who the hell would do that and what for? And keeping it up for so long? Just to harm Jan's site?? Or what? I don't get it.

faglork

[J-Spider]

now the site is just a keyword stuffed scam page... with a very unhelpful link right at the top to kbk marketing.

It looks like an obvious attempt at screwing kbk marketing.

I have no idea why someone would do this. Just seems childish.

[incrediblehelp]

I dont get it either, but like I said before it was a just a copy of my website verbatim and it was ranking well for "kbk" and "jaan" keywords.

Now they have this "Jukt Micronics" page up for some reason.

[timmathews.com]

What do you guys think of the new topseo.net?
Kind of familiar, isn't it?
LOL

[timmathews.com]

Sorry for the delay in fixing it up.
Jaan,
The intention was not harm you or yoru site.
It did no harm to you, and in fact, probably helped you out. Rest assured, the matter is fixed, and your site is safe.
As for you saying it was repeatedly copied and updated, this is not true and not the case at all.

I told you this would be taken care of, it was taken care of, and to rectify, I figured the page that was left there would help you. Your name in big bold like that, and all the links leading to empty pages.
I was trying to get the site de-listed asap, and that was the best way I could figure to do it.

Cheers mate, and have a successful site.

OH, PS...
Whats the deal with your last post...

"I dont get it either, but like I said before it was a just a copy of my website verbatim and it was ranking well for "kbk" and "jaan" keywords.

Now they have this "Jukt Micronics" page up for some reason."
WTF is Jukt Micronics"? I knew nothing of this...

[scanmonkey]

o.k. what the point?