January 10th, 2009
Scam Alert Website Lists
I thought it might be a good idea to keep a simple updated list of the sites I believe are scams or misleading in some way, most of which I have either seen advertising on sites such as Facebook or Myspace.com, or are sites that I have found related to or linked to from these sites. Most are promising earnings of $5000 a month or more on Google working part time at home, or government grants. You really need to be skeptical of such promises. If you were making $5000 a month, would you really want to peddle your “secret” to everyone, thus ruining your good thing? The only money being made in all of this is the selling of this phony “secret” to unsuspecting consumers.
The $5000 a month ads typically say you do it with Google links. Don’t be fooled by the friendly pictures and testimonials, typically something like, “I’m a married father of 3 and lost my job…” You’ll also see that these weight loss products were featured on Oprah, ABC News, etc… True or not, it doesn’t mean the news stories were positive and they certainly in no way referenced these particular scam websites.
Many of these sites are created by the same people, often using the same pictures of checks, phony comments, etc. Don’t just think, “Oh it’s only $1, so I’ll try it.” That dollar gets them your contact info, which they will hound to no end. Notice how all of the URL’s are so similar as well?
I have also heard that most of these sites are pulling a bait and switch, where you are actually signing up for something you cannot cancel easily, and will soon see a charge of nearly $100 on your credit card. Good luck with that.
So if you are considering giving any amount of money to the sites listed below, I believe you are being scammed and will truly regret it. Read this first-hand account of how much of a headache dealing with these scammers will be if you take the chance.
1/16/09 update: I will be adding additional notes about similarities seen on these sites as I have time. I am also adding how recently some of these sites were created. Many of them have fake comments dated BEFORE the site even existed.
Just look at how many of them use the EXACT same pictures of checks on their sites. They are all related, running the same scam, and heavily advertised. Do a Google search on “kellyboy596″ and see how often that one comment is repeated on these phony sites. Or “FrankXX5425″ for more.
See my new photo album of the fake Google-Grant guys for a good visual of the over-use of some photos.
BEWARE.
List of the “$5000 a Month on Google” & “Government Grants” scams
2009stimuluschecks.org – Various subdirectories advertising on Facebook Feb 2009 (such as this one). I saw some based on the “Kevin Hoeffer” looks, while others were using the ryan-craig template. Either way, it’s all bogus still peddling the same products.
adamsmoney.com – Fake check pics, fake comments predating the 12/7/2008 site creation date. Uses the name “Adam Davis.”
adamsmoneyblog.com – $5000 check, $5300 check, Daniel W. Hynes check; site created 12/7/08.
akabeezy.com – They relied heavily on the rarely used cheddasblingblog.com template. Same Daniel W. Hynes check seen everywhere, new layout and photos, but same old products. Advertising on Facebook 2/3. This writer finds this site racist.
allenstrauss.com – Lots of reused elements, and same picture as “Jake Miller.” This one also sells Video Professor, along with the heavily peddled Google system. Fake check, story, and comments. Uses the name “Allen Strauss.”
amysincome.com – $5000 check, $5300 check, site created 12/8/08. Uses the name “Amy Blevins.”
andrewsblog.grantmoneyforyou.com – A typical green blog using the “Kevin Hoeffer” version 2 photo. Name used is “Andrew Hudson” in one place and “Andrew Jackson” in another!
andrewlowell.com – Saw this new look on Facebook 2/25/09. Problem is… same check, sends you to one of the same landing pages as many of the others here. Uses the name “Andrew Lowell.”
anthonyisgreen.com – “Anthony Hoeffer” same green layout, same check pictures, same text, same fake photos and comments. Says he’s married to Audrey.. wait I thought that was Kevin’s wife!
apply4grants.org – All the hallmarks of a suspicious grants page. It has three glowing reviews, all of products with a free CD that you only pay shipping. Advertised on Google 2/13/09.
beckysmoneyblog.com – A slightly updated look, but really still a generic fake blog with the same fake photos (such as the often-used Katie Couric pic), 2-part product scam, uses the name “Becky” mother of 2.
benbanksit.com – A “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, with a different picture and using the name “Ben Miller”
bethsmoney.com – Treasury check, $5300 check, fake comments, fake date on site predating actual site creation date of 12/13/08. Uses the name “Beth Fisher.” Popup on closing window makes it difficult to leave the page. By 3/5/09 site has been redesigned and advertised on Myspace. Now with a cross and says “Christian Mom Making Money At Home.” Despite the revamp, it’s still a phony blog.
bethsmoney.net – Mirrors bethsmoney.com
bethsmoney.org – Mirrors bethsmoney.com
billgetsmoney.com - $5000 check, check from Daniel W. Hynes, same layout, reused comments (such as user Kellyboy596, for ex.), uses the name “Bill Ledford.” Advertising on Myspace on 2/3/09.
bradmakesitrain.com – Almost exact copy of adamsmoneyblog.com but using the name “Brad.”
bradsbailout.com – Typical blog layout, same Google/Grant products. Clicking sends you to a cryptic page for Grant Access Club which will charge you $58.61 after a SEVEN day trial (read the terms people!).
bradsmoney.com – $5000 check, guy-with-dog picture, $5300 check, Daniel W. Hynes check; site created 12/7/08. Ads seen on Myspace 2/4/09.
bradsmoneyblog.com – Exact copy of bradsmoney.com; site created 12/17/08. 2/19/09 picture now changed to one of the Eiffel Tower Hoeffer pics.
briangetsmoney.com – $5000 check, Daniel W. Hynes check, reused comments (such as Kellyboy596); site created on 12/25/08. Uses the name “Brian Hoeffer.”
briansmoneyblog.com – Almost exact copy of anthonyisgreen.com but using the name “Brian Maslow.”
brians-money-blog.com – Slightly altered template, but same fake Google check, same Daniel W. Hynes check, same “just pay shipping” bait, uses the name “Brian.” Advertised on Google 2/4/09.
carlasmoney.com – $5000 check, $5300 check, Daniel W. Hynes check, fake comments predate site creation date of 12/18/08. Uses the name Carla Elthridge.
carlcreatescash.com – Typical “Eiffel Tower” Hoeffer clone blog with the name “Carl Erickson.”
cashfromgrants.info – Almost exact copy of ryan-craig.com and yet another site using that same Daniel W. Hynes check photo. Advertised on Facebook 2/3.
chadgetsgreen.com – $5000 check, phony comments; site created 12/13/08
cheddahustleblog.com – Copy of akabeezy.com, using the name Russel “Chedda.”
cheddasblingblog.com – Copy of akabeezy.com, using the name Russel “Chedda.”
conniesgrantstory.com – Closed by 2/19/09.
coreycash.com – Clone of billgetsmoney.com but using the name “Corey Hoeffer.”
coreyhasmoney.com – Typical fake blog template of the “Kevin Hoeffer” family. Reused text, photos, comments. Nothing original. Uses the name “Corey Sullivan.” Advertising on Facebook 2/4/09. By 2/19 name was changed to “Corey Matthews.”
coreysmoneyblog.com – Clone of all the “Kevin Hoeffer” blogs found here, using the name “Corey Donahue.” Advertised on FoxNews on 2/20/09. Includes a disclaimer that mentions the short trial period, but not the fact that the photo, testimonial, and comments are phony. Disclaimer indicates a connection to mygrantsite.net.
craigsblogsite.org – A mirror of Kevinblogsite.org. In fact, it says thanks for visiting my site “kevinblogsite.org” – so who is Craig??
craiggetscash.com – Yet another “Kevin Hoeffer” template, with the same photo and the name “Craig Davidson.” And yes, it’s all phony.
dangetsgreen.com – Copy of ericmakesmoney.com but uses the name “Dan Pellington.”
danielgetsgreen.com – Offline by Feb 17, 2009.
danielsmoneyblog.com – Same layout, same text, same offers. Uses the name “Daniel R.”
darrylgotpaid.com – Typical overused green blog template, reused and rehashed text and comments, uses the name “Darryl Collins.” Advertised on Myspace 2/4/09.
davegetsgreen.com – Exact “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site but using the name “Dave Williams.” They forgot to alter the phony check picture – which still says “Kevin Hoeffer” on it! haha.. I had to take a screenshot before they notice that one. Saw advertised on Facebook 2/12/09
davegetsmoney.com – $5700 check, reused comments (Kellyboy596, ex.), same layout; site created on 12/13/08. Uses the name “Dave Steinberg.”
davidscreditstory.com – Same fake check photos, typical Obama references, same layout, same offers.
davidsmoneyblog.com – Another “Hoeffer” clone site, using the name “David Scroeder.”
debt-free-dave.com – Typical fake blog layout, fake checks, fake bio, 2-part product scam, and phony comments. Uses the name “Dave Collins.” Funny note that it says “2 comments” but 10 comments follow. That is usually an automated process, so it shows more fakery. Same comments used in debt-free-debbie and the original debt-free-dante, which now forwards elsewhere.
debt-free-debbie.com – Almost exact copy of debt-free-dave, but with a female and the name “Debbie Collins.”
debtdownthedrain.com – Not working as of 2/17/09.
debtfreekelly.com – Same blog layout, same products. Fake family stock photo found elsewhere. Uses the name “Kelly” from a city near you. Advertised on Facebook 2/17/09.
downbutneverout.com – Typical fake blog using the name “Ryan Keagle.”
earncashfromgrants.com – This is a slightly different approach, somewhat more corporate rather than the “fake blogs” seen prevalent here. But complaints of the same bait-and-switch abound about this site. It’s also been advertising on Myspace with very similar ads to others on this list as well.
earnonlinesite.ch.tf – It’s an odd url, but saw advertising on Facebook 2/26/09. It is an exact copy of kevinsmoneytree.org.
easyincomeblog.com – Same Google and Daniel Hynes checks, same Google/Grant combo. Main page is blank, but a subdirectory was being advertised 02/18/09.
ericmakesmoney.com – Same Google offer, same fake Google check, advertising on Facebook on 2/6/09. Uses the name “Eric Pellington.” Phony wedding photo taken from iStockphoto.
ericsmoneyblog.com – Slightly updated template, but same Eiffel Tower picture, same offer, reused text, same check photos.
fastgooglecash.info – Yet another based on the original Kevin Hoeffer template but apparently “borrowed” a different family’s photo. Same text, offers, comments – all phony. Uses the name “Jon Gardner.”
freddysblog.com – Fake check pictures, fake comments; site created 12/25/2008. Uses the name “Freddy Hanes.”
get-money-online.com – Typical fake blog, using the name “Kevin Peters” from a town near you.
googlekits.com – $5000 check, fake comments; site created 12/15/2008
governments-grants-2009.com – This site is discussed in detail in this post. Site offline on 2/17/09.
governmentstimulusgrants.com – A new emerging blog look for late Feb 09, this one seen on Google ads… same bogus offers and fake stories, using the name “Jake Miller.”
govgrantcash.com – Almost exact copy of grantmecash.com. Saw advertised on Google 2/9/09.
govgrantscenter.com – Exact copy of the original “Kevin Hoeffer” site.
govtmoneygrants.com – At first glance, it has an updated look, not quite as blog-like, yet upon further inspection we find the same reused photos, and links to the same scams found everywhere here. Saw advertised on Google 3/6/09, using the name “Tom Anderson.”
grantnow.com – Linked to by dubious apply4grants.com, has the usual “As seen on” major networks (which is mostly likely wasn’t seen on), testimonials that look like models. You will be automatically signed up for a $60 service if you don’t cancel the trial.
grantsreviews.org
grantsforyounow.com – A different site, appearance-wise, but has been linked in with the “Kevin Hoeffer” scams, and apparently also charges nearly $100 to unsuspecting customers. This site has the figurehead of “Lisa Fitzgerald”
grantmecash.com – Site created 12/25/08, has only one page which was posted on 12/28 and wants us to believe it was “seen on” 6 major news channels by early Feb 09. Three positive reviews, all free with shipping cost. Yeah right. Ads on Google 2/8/09.
grantreviewsonline.com – A deceptive “review” site, with misleading references to various news organizations. As with most “review” sites, we only see a couple positive reviews of similar products that only require shipping. Clicking the offers (2/8/09) takes us to a site that was parked less than 2 months earlier and immediately attempts to get your contact info.
greggetsgrants.com – Site offline 2/17/09.
internetearnonline.int.tf – Another copy of kevinsmoneytree.org, advertised on Facebook 2/26/09, with that odd .tf domain.
jakecutler.com – Familiar blog layout, text found on dozens of other sites, same check photo found everywhere, same comments found on dozens of others here (SallyM and Tywall, et al). Same Google/Grant products which lead to the same products many of the others here peddle. Uses the name “Jake Cutler.” and site created January 2009.
janetsdebtblog.com – A new scam, but added to this list for now, and almost the same as one of the wrinkle scam blogs.
jasonberinski.com – Usual green layout, one of the “Kevin Hoeffer” photos, same Google scam, same text and comments, using the name “Jason Berinski.” Thanks to the commenter who found this one.
jasongetsgrants.com – Same layout with a new picture. Same text, comments, fake checks, “just pay shipping” scam. Advertising on Google’s AdWords on 2/4/09. Uses the name “Jason Dodd.” Love the fake Google-looking ads at the top of the page! Fake family picture actually a stock photo along with Jason’s photo.
jasongetscash.com – Typical blog, same fake Google check, same promotions. Uses the name “Jason Moore.”
jasongetspaid.com
jasongrants.com – Another over-used template based on the original “Kevin Hoeffer” version, this time using the name “Jason Donahue.” Advertising on Facebook 2/3
jaygetsgreen.com – Standard green blog template, same offers, reused text, reused photos, reused comments. Uses the name “Jay Collins.”
jaygotmoney.com – Exact copy of jeffgetsgrants.com, including the name (which is odd to have the name “Jeff” on a url with the name “Jay.” By Feb 17, they fixed the name to be “Jay Williams” from a city near you.
jeffgetsgrants.com – A subdirectory of this site is currently being advertised (1/24/09), using the “Kevin Hoeffer” layout/fake photos, etc., but using the name “Jeff Donahue.” Pops up a window making it hard to navigate away. Fake Google ads on the side. The main page used to forward to earncashfromgrants.com, which itself could be a scam if it’s associated with these sites.
jeffgetsgreen.com – Similar to the “Kevin Hoeffer” pages, minus the photo. Same fake checks, text, comments, etc. Uses the name “Jeff Taylor.”
jeffreysgrantblog.com – “Kevin Hoeffer” clone grant site but uses the name “Jeff Donahue.” Saw advertising on Google 2/8/09 and again on 2/27/09.
jeffsgrant.net – Almost exact copy of the original Kevin Hoeffer template, with that same photo. Uses the name “Jeff Donhue.” Popups make it hard to navigate away. Advertising on Facebook on 2/3.
jennysathomejob.com – Standard reused layout, fake checks, text. Uses a photo of a woman and the name “Jenny Elthridge” who like so many others here is married with 3 kids. Was offline on 2/17/09.
jeremymadecash.com – A “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, using the same pictures, text, comments, and scam. This one uses the name “Jeremy Parker”
jessicasmoney.com – Same fake checks, same 2-part product scam, reused text and comments. Uses the name “Jessica.”
jessicasmoneyblog.domlander.com – Exact same text and comments, same fake Google checks, uses the name “Jessica Dawson.” 2/17/09, site not working properly.
jillsbusinessblog.com – Typical Grant/Google fake blog, using the name “Jill Pearce.”
jimgetspaid.com – Same over-used template with different pictures. Same text, same comments, same fake checks, same scam. Advertised on Google’s AdWords on 2/4/09. Name says it’s “Jim (Jeff Donahue).” But a different Jeff Donahue than other sites using that name.
jimgotmoney.com – Typical “Kevin Hoeffer” clone – appears incomplete on 2/4/09. Reused text, comments, photos. Uses the name “Jim Donahue.”
jimmygetscash.com – Check from Daniel W. Hynes, $5300 check, comments borrowed from other sites listed here; site created on 1/15/09.
johngotrich.com – Typical green blog template, same Google/Grant promotions, using the name “”John Albert.”
johnsavescash.com – Reused template, same offers, exact same comments found elsewhere. Uses the name “John Tucker” and another one married to Audrey.
johnsgrantsuccess.com – Typical fake blog, fake check photo, reused text and comments, uses the name “John Harris.” On 2/17/09 site was being parked.
johnsmoneyblog.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, using the name “John Hoeffer.” Interesting disclaimer says site is based on a true story but with the names changed. That doesn’t explain the deceptive checks, phony/reused comments (kellyboy596 strikes again), or auto signup scam. On 2/17/09 site was giving a 403 and 404 error.
jonsunemployment.com – Almost an EXACT copy of bradsmoney.com – same pictures, text, and comments (only the name and a few words changed); site created 1/3/09.
jordangetsgreen.com – Uses the same green blog template, same photo as “Kevin Hoeffer” #1, same check photos, same comments, nothing new. Uses the name “Jordan Thompson” from a city near you. Saw advertised on Facebook 3/4/09.
justingetsgreen.com – Same fake $5000 check, same layout (including exact comments and text) as many others on here, site created on 12/8/08. Uses the name “Justin Collins.” Ads seen on Myspace 2/3/09.
justinsmoneystory.com – A classic! This one has two completely different pictures of who “Justin” is. Otherwise, typical Google/Grant fake blog.
kellygetsgreen.com – Reused green blog format with the name “Kelly Greene.” The picture used is the wife of “Kevin Hoeffer” in some versions of his pages.
kevinblogsite.org – A typical “Kevin Hoeffer” site – but with yet a different picture. I’ve now seen three different pictures of who “Kevin” supposedly is. Same layout, same text, same comments, same scam. Advertised on Myspace 2/5/09.
kevingotcash.com – $5000 check, “Kevin Hoeffer”, same layout; site created on 1/3/09
kevingetsgrants.com – $5000 check, “Kevin Hoeffer”, same layout; site created 11/28/08. On 2/17/09 it was directing to a login page.
kevingetsgreen.com – On 2/17/09 it was directing to a login page.
kevingoesgreen.com – Typical “Kevin Hoeffer” template, but with one of the other pictures often used for these “Kevin” sites. A subdomain being advertised on 2/6/09 on Myspace is mylife.kevingoesgreen.com and has picture of a different person than the main url, but the text and offers are mostly the same.
kevingonegreen.com
kevingotgreen.com - Treasury check, “Kevin Hoeffer”; site created 11/27/08
kevingothisgreen.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” site with fake check, same story, Google promotion.
kevinhoeffer.com – Same fake $5000 check, fake comments; site created 12/13/08. He changed his photo by late Jan 2009.
kevinsbigmoneysecret.com – Clone of the original “Kevin Hoeffer” site. Looks incomplete as of 2/4/09. On 2/17 clicking on his grant offer takes the visitor to webfetti.com!
kevinsfatstacks.com – Yet another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone, this one using the “Eiffel Tower” version of Kevin.
kevinsgotgreen.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site. Advertised on Facebook 2/10/09. The guy in the ad on Facebook was different than the picture on the site!
kevinsgrantstory.com
kevinsbigmoneysecret.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” site. Fake pictures. Phony checks. Scam products.
kevinsgotgreen.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, with the original “Kevin” picture still in there. Advertised on Facebook 2/3.
kevinsgreen.com
kevinsmoneysecrets.com – Exact copy of kevinsmoneytree.org.
kevinsmoneytree.org – Generic green blog, same offer, same Google check, reused comments. Using the name “Kevin Collins” and advertised on Facebook 2/19/09.
kevinsnewlife.com – One of many “Kevin Hoeffer” sites, this one the “Eiffel” version of Kevin.
kevinsrich.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” site. Fake pictures. Phony checks. Scam products.
lisashomebiz.com – Offline on 2/17/09.
lorigetspaid.com – This is “Lori Hoeffer” – married to Jason. Apparently part of the larger “Hoeffer” clan. Luckily Kevin allowed her to use his template, text, comments, check photo, etc. Odd that she shows her with her husband – in the same photo that many Kevin Hoeffer sites claim is Kevin… yet she says it’s Jason. Hmm..
makecashmonies.com – Based on the ryan-craig.com template, same Daniel W. Hynes check, Google cash offer – nothing new. Advertised on Facebook 2/6/09. Feb 17, 09 now forwarding to EZ Grant Source. 2/22/09 back to a blog format, using the name “Tom Steinbach.”
makemoneyonline.ru.tf – Another exact copy of kevinsmoneytree.org, advertised on Facebook 2/26/09.
marksgotcash.com – Updated looking template, but still uses that same photo as the original “Kevin Hoeffer” – using the name “Mark Hoeffer.” Same fake story, fake photos, “free shipping” bait. Website didn’t exist until 1/19/09 yet the blog date shows 11/26/08. Fake! Noticed in Google AdWords on 2/4/09.
mattsgrants.com – Almost exact same site as the “Kevin Hoeffer” pages but using the name “Matt Perkins” with a different picture – same scam, same comments, same text.
mikegetsmoney.com – A “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, using the name “Mike Hoeffer” – yet both are married to Audrey. Awkward…
mikemakesmoney.com – Different layout. Uses the name “Mike Corrigan.” Same Google/Grants “only pay shipping” scam. Same fake check pictures.
mikemintsit.com – Standard reused blog template, photo, phony check, text, and Google cash scam. Advertised on Facebook 2/26/09.
mikesgmoney.com – Apparently a UK version. The main page has nothing on it but the subdirectory “/u” has a similar blog and text feel with the same “Google Kit” the others are all peddling. Uses the name “Mike Kingston.” Thanks to commenter Lee for pointing this one out.
mikesmoneymatters.com – Familiar blog feel, reused check photo and text, same “Just pay shipping” ploy. Uses the name “Mike Donahue.”
momonies.com – Standard green blog, much of the same text found on many of the other sites here. Uses the name “Dan Manachilli” with a fake family photo which is just a stock photo used all over (here and here for example).
mygovtbailout.com – Uses the stale green “Kevin Hoeffer” template, pushing grants, same Daniel W. Hynes check, reused text and comments, uses the name “Jim Stevens”
mygrantdollars.com – Appears to be related to the Lisa Fitzgerald crew, using the small “shipping” fee to get your credit card and tack on large hidden fees.
nickgetspaid.com – Over-used green “Hoeffer” template, but using the name “Nick Barrett.”
mygrantstory.com – Ads pointing to a subdirectory with the typical fake blog feel, using name “Sandy Marshall,” same Daniel W. Hynes check, etc. Long disclaimer at bottom, but doesn’t cover fake checks or persona.
mygrantstory.net – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, no disclaimer as of 1/31/09.
mylife.kevingoesgreen.com – See kevingoesgreen.com.
my-money-journey.com – Same overused fake green blog template. Same Google/Grant “only pay shipping” scam, reused text and comments. Uses the name “Robert Christian.” Advertised on Google’s AdWords on 2/4/09.
nicksbusiness.com – Main page looks like an incomplete “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, but advertisements are pointing to a subdirectory that is a ryan-craig.com clone site. On 2/17/09 main site only has “Hi mom” on it.
nicksgreen.com – Same fake Google check, same template, same 2 products. Advertised on Facebook 2/8/09. Uses the name “Nick Peters” though the 2/5/09 cached version on Google had the name “Nick Granger.”
nicksmoneyblog.com – Same template and photo as “Kevin Hoeffer” but with the name “Nick Finnerty.” By 2/22/09 the name was “Kevin” in one paragraph and “Nick” in another. Oops!
nirvanadance.com – $5000 check, “Nirvan Hoeffer”, same layout, some borrowed comments from other sites (Kellyboy596, ex.). Site displaying a directory 2/17/09. By 2/22/09 site is working again, but name is now “Nirvan Sandler.”
obamaseconomicstimulus.com – Advertised on Facebook 2/25/09, new look but same old tired phony offers. Uses the name “Jake Miller.”
.com
onlinegoldfinder.com – Standard green blog template, using the name “Justin Collins.”
onlineincomeonlineonline.at.tf – Further proof that they are caring less and less about using memorable url’s. This was advertised on Facebook 2/26/09 and is an exact copy of kevinsmoneytree.org.
partnerwithpaul.com – Sent to this page when attempting to click away from tomscash.com on 2/6/09, which to me is a red flag about this site. I’ve read it is a Herbalife/MLM operation, and saw quite a few complaints about it. Only included in this list because it is tied into sites here.
paulgetspaid.com – Familiar blog with same Google cash promotion, using the name “Paul Steinbach.” Advertised on Facebook 2/25/09.
peoplemakingmoney.net – Main page is different than the Facebook-advertised subdirectory, (saw advertised 2/26/09) both of which resemble the original ryan-craig.com template. Subdirectory uses the name “Robert McCabe” while the main site uses the name “Josh.”
richgetsrich.com – Uses the Kevin Hoeffer template – phony checks, phony “Rich Tucker” persona, phony comments, 2-part product scam. By 2/22/09 the name is simple “Richard.”
richstudent.net – Slightly modified template, and a different picture of the “Kevin Hoeffer” persona. Same text, same reused comments (included our beloved kellyboy596 seen everywhere). No obvious disclaimer as of 1/31/09. By 2/6/09 it was back to the usual “Kevin” photo and advertising on Facebook.
rickysfastcash.com – Copy of freddysblog.com, but uses the name “Ricky Hanes”
robertscashblog.com – Same blog layout, reused text, same fake Google check. Uses the name “Robert Nelson.” 2/12 layout seems updated and being advertised on Foxnews. Family photo is actually a purchased stock photo.
robsgrants.com – Updated layout, but same fake checks, same Daniel W. Hynes check, same fake blog, same deceptive news references, two-step “trial” offers. Uses the name “Rob Johnston.” Advertised on Google’s AdWords on 2/4/09.
robsmoneyblog.com – Uses the picture of a firefighter, perhaps to play into the “honest guy” angle. Name is “Rob Anderson” from a city near you, same photos, same grant offer. Saw ad on FoxNews 3/2/09.
ryan-craig.com – A different-looking template, but same promises, same 2-part product “only pay shipping” bait and switch, same check from Daniel W. Hynes, same fake blog feel. No disclaimer as of 1/31/09.
ryansincomestory.com
ryansmoney.com – Phony Google/Grant blog using the name “Ryan Keagle.”
sarahsdebtblog.com – Exact same template as sarahswhiteteeth.com, but switched to pushing a Mastercard. Deception = scam.
sarahsgrantmoney.com – Typical greenish fake blog, from the Hoeffer family of templates, but using the name “Sarah Jameison.” Fake ads at the top, overused fake check photo with a really bad attempt to superimpose her name on it, same comments. Saw advertised on Google 2/27/09.
scottsjobhunt.com – Same overused fake blog template, same deceptive photos, reused text and comments. No disclaimer as of 1/31/09.
scottsmoney.com
stevengetsgreen.com – Another “Kevin Hoeffer” clone site, but using the name “Steven Campbell.” Gotta love the fake Google ads on the right. Advertised on FoxNews on 2/13/09.
stevesmoneyblog.com
stimulus-grants.org – Typical green blog template, phony blog story, using a picture of a friendly lady and girl, using the name “Barb Lance.” Same check pictures used on dozens of fake blogs here. Ads seen on FoxNews 2/9/09. Typical 2-part grant offer with shipping only. Small disclaimer implies you only have a 7-day trial period.
success-diary.com – Yet another site with a green blog and “Kevin Hoeffer” peddling his Google scam.
tomscash.com – Exact copy of ryan-craig.com. By 2/6/09 it had that familiar “green blog” look and was being advertised on Facebook. Attempting to click away from the page forwarded to partnerwithpaul.com, which tells me that site is crooked too. Offline on 2/17/09. Back online, advertising on Google 2/27/09 with the “Kevin Hoeffer” template using the name “Tom Donahue” from a city near you.
tomsjournal.com – Exact copy of ryan-craig.com, but only a subdirectory is active. 2/20/09 page has changed to a more familiar fake blog, with the name “Tom Steinbach” and a subdirectory advertised on Facebook.
tonysgrants.com – Typical phony blog using the familiar “Kevin Hoeffer” photo, but with the name “Tony” from a city near you. Ads seen online 3/6/09.
tylersmoney.com
usgrantguide.org – The fact that it’s using that same fake check in its ads, it has the same “just pay shipping” bait, has 3 glowing reviews, and has the same promises as the others – it must be considered a big ol’ scam like the rest of ‘em.
wealthresource.org – Standard green fake blog, using the name “Jim Stevens.”
Continue reading about this with the second part of my research into these websites.
I’ve added “Fake Diet Girl” and “Fake Google-Grant Guys” photo albums, which give a good perspective of the re-use of photos and personalities. I have also added two new scam alerts related to these sites – one for teeth whitening and one for anti-aging products.
Further reading on this can be found here. If you have more to add to this list, please comment!
Post on a related Craiglist scam here.
January 10th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Good. The more sites posting about this scam, the better.
The two most notorious products that have been sold through these websites are:
1) Google Money Tree
2) Grants for You Now
We have steps for filing complaints with the federal and local authorities and for recovering your money in the following two places (several people have been successful in getting charges reversed):
Google Money Tree Complaints
GrantsForYouNow Complaints
January 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
[...] more from the original source: Scam Alert Website List | wafflesatnoon.com Categories: Fraud AlertTags: alert, alert-website, consumer-alert, graphic-arts, health, history, [...]
January 12th, 2009 at 8:23 am
[...] rest is here: Scam Alert Website List | Categories: Fraud AlertTags: alert, alert-website, consumer-alert, entertainment, graphic-arts, [...]
January 27th, 2009 at 7:22 am
300dollarsagain.com
Is this site ligite…? I’m leary
January 27th, 2009 at 10:44 am
From what I can tell, they run a bait and switch operation. They’ll get you set up with a website, then have high pressure salesmen ask you for hundreds of dollars to advertise it.
I found a 2-year old complaint here, with no rebuttal:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/238/RipOff0238629.htm
A couple of other sites which are hosted on the exact same IP include athomeincomecenter.com and 24hourmoneyfinder.com, both of which are single-page pitches to get your contact info.
I’d avoid it.
January 31st, 2009 at 6:12 am
I saw the $5000 ad in Facebook and figured it was sketchy, but I was curious what the scam looked like, so I clicked it. Then I did a pipl.com search for Kevin Hoeffer in San Jose. Of course, it came up with 0 results. I wonder why they didn’t use a real person’s name. In any case, I also found this (wafflesatnoon) website when I googled Kevin Hoeffer. I really commend you on spending some of your time to help make people aware about this and similar scams.
Another thing I happened upon on my quick google search:
http://whois.domaintools.com/kevingotcash.com
The name they registered the site with is “MONIKER ONLINE SERVICES, INC.” and they own close to 500,000 domains! Their contact info is:
Administrative Contact [1681612]:
Moniker, Privacy Services KEVINGOTCASH.COM@domainservice.com
Moniker Privacy Services
20 SW 27th Ave.
Suite 201
Pompano Beach
FL
33069
US
Phone: +1.9549848445
Fax: +1.9549699155
February 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Thanks for exposing these scammers! You saved me a lot of disappiontment. Your work is appreciated!
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I happened upon a website talking about the Acai Berry & Total Cleanse weight loss program. In the blog was a picture and story of a lady who called herself Nicholle Stevenson, saying she was from Cortland, IL which is a small town near where I live. How interesting, I thought! After reading the article, though, it sounded too good to be true. All the logos on the side and pictures of Dr. Oz talking to Oprah were not links, just pictures. Something about the site seemed “off” so I Googled Nicholle Stevenson in Cortland, found nothing. Then while looking over the other results of the Google Search I saw another site also called Nicholle’s Weight Loss Story. What do you know? When I went to that site it was exactly the same story, just with another picture of someone totally different…also calling herself Nicholle Stevenson. Then, I came upon your site, thank you, by the way, and thought I’d add my input. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, chances are it’s a duck…or a scam website.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
MONIKER ONLINE SERVICES, INC is a domain name privacy service. People pay them when they register a domain name, so that their personal information does not show up in a who-is search.
The company does not actually own any domains, but instead acts as a contact point & e-mail forwarding service for the people that own the domains.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Thanks for the clarification.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Fortunately a lot of people are figuring it out. We just have to keep at it and help those who haven’t connected all the dots yet. Thanks for your input.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I posted an example of using Obama’s face on deceptive ads on Facebook. I can’t believe facebook is allowing such ads:
http://sprawl3.com/blog/2009/02/04/facebook-misleading-users-with-display-ads-grant-access-club-scam/
February 4th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Facebook and Myspace are riddled with these ads. I saw another phony picture they used with a Foxnews anchor as well. Thanks for the link and keep up the good work yourself!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Thank you so much for this blog. I knew it was to good to be true. I started doing some research on these scams and came across your blog. These scammers should be shot. I hate how they play on your hopes.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
This “Nicholle Stevenson” woman has been popping up everywhere and, according to one site, she’s from South Bend, IN (my hometown). That’s definitely not Cortland, IL.
February 5th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Many of these fake blogs will vary the hometown, based on the location of the person reading it. And sometimes they don’t get it quite right.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I live in a small town where everyone almost knows everyone. Found this site with a Nicholle Stevenson claming to live in my town. Did not know her so I googel her and found this site. Thanks so much for the site!! I almost fell for it, even went to the link where she was promoting weight loss.
February 8th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I got a link from a friend in an email. It promised grant money. I googled it and got your site and sure enough there was Jeffs grants on your list. I sent my friend a link to your site so she can be more aware of scams. Thank you so much for making it easy for me.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Thanks for the comment, and glad you’re spreading the word.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
what’s amazing is that these scams run with google adsense or others…and you can find links to them everywhere. I found this site by trying to research a “grant scam” marketing ad on FOXNEWS.com
February 10th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Agreed. At some point the websites on which this advertising is placed should bear some responsibility. If they can’t police ads coming from third party ad networks, they should find new partners who can filter the ads better.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Ok, I had seen the ad for Kevin and how he made money with google over and over (they say it takes seeing an add at least 5 times before you finally click on it) and decided to check it out. I took a quick glance and it seemed ok, but of course that wasn’t good enough.
I totally forgot to write down the name of the site and seen the ad again while signed into Myspace. I decided to google the ad, and of course found the layout all the same, a picture of the same check for $5k, but this time a different picture of Kevin?
If your like me (wishing or hoping it’s not a scam but it really is) you end up digging a little deeper.
Well, I’ve been scammed before I should mention. A pharmaceutical website I purchased, turned out bogus, they wanted more money from me to push out advertisements (in the thousands I should add), and then wouldn’t allow me to cancel the deal for the money they kept taking from my checking account. This was a few years ago, then just recently, I get a letter from the District Attorney in AZ, I called in to find out the scammers got caught! So there is some justice being served out there. That was good enough for me.
Sorry for the side story, but back to the different pic of kevin…this lead to the next link…earnfastcashwithgoogle.com, where it had google’s logo, but it was not active (one of many clues to this phony site).
One thing to always look at whether the site is faulty or real; is to look at the terms and conditions link (which is always in the area below where you would enter your personal information).
I found that even though it says “Now only pay shipping and handling” that is rarely ever only what you end up paying. Looking through the terms here, you will find that after a 14 day trial they automatically charge a monthly fee of 59.90!
Also, in order to cancel the agreement, you have to send them a written notice to this address 230 West 400 South, Salt Lake City UT. I found that there are two companies, TradeWorks and Pacific WebWorks, both operating from this location.
So beware of those companies. Go figure this website scam is based out of a state with some questionable scams of it’s own.
I know it may be tedious to look at the terms and conditions everytime, but in the long run, it will save you a lot of trouble!
February 11th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Thanks for your informative and well-written comment. Good advice in there.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
thakyou so much i was about to charge a dollar to my card to place ads on google with : KevinGetsGreen. I am now very convinced its a scam. Thanx for saving me some money
February 11th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Jeremy – Glad to help! Thanks for stopping by.
February 11th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Speaking of all these scams, a bunch of us off a Facebook Group bought a GreenChum package is this a scam too. Troy Hogg emailed an online friend of mine who bought and received nothing after 4 weeks now which site said 2 weeks. Kevin Hoeffer in who he said co-founded GreenChum to a person I know. Is this a scam, if so it should be listed if it is. Scam artisit try and wait the 45 days for refund policy through Paypal.
Any insights on this would be helpful. Anyone heard of Green Chum, any good or bad news about it. Look forward to hearing from anyone. Thanks
February 11th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Thanks, been looking for some honest site to make some extra money till I find a real job. Thought there was an honest survey site on the Today Show a few months back, you know where you do surveys for $5 to $35 and focus groups. If you hear of something, let us know. Thanks for all the time you took. It was an accident how I found you.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
SOrry for the double post, I put the link in the Website portion I didnt know to post it here.
http://www.stephanepage.com
Can someone help me verify if this is a scam? I seen this on craigslist and he’s on facebook aswell. But not as an advertisement as far as I know. I’m very bad on the phone and I listen to these scam things too much which isnt good of course. His phone# is on there and I sent a email to him asking what he does, and what a candidate to his buisness would have to do as I replied to his craigslist ad. He sent a email saying we need to talk and asked when he could call me.
I am fishy about this because he shows on his website his family on “Vacation” and his “Toys” that he is driving. Because I know people see those and go like WOW i want that, ooh i can have that? sweet lets do it, Toys and vacation here I come. I am fishy about it but could a pro here help me about it?? Please and thank you very much if you find the time to help me.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
This was unbelievable! Thanks to you, I saw the Kevin websites 3 times with 3 different pictures of Kevin! What were they thinking? What I want to know is how much they are paying Face book to advertise with them and why Facebook is allowing innocent people to be duped like this!
I think with the economy such as it is. We all are looking to make a few bucks and knowing how big Google is we want to believe the ads. This is really a shame. Thanks for your site because I myself was just getting ready to sign up on one of the Kevin ads! Glad I didn’t!
February 12th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Hey Kay, and thanks for the comment. It’s one of those things that seems normal the first time you see it… but once you’ve seen the dozens of clone sites you start to realize the true depth of the deception here.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:00 am
This absolutely incredulous! How can Facebook honestly take their money to let them advertize? Do just not care who their money comes from or what these sites have the potential to do? Everytime I see one of these ads I flag it as “misleading” but for everyone I flag, another one JUST like it pops up! IT is also amazing to me that FauxNews and President Obama have not sued these people for using their images in these misleading ads. I saw the grant ads and then decided to look into government grants on my own and found that most government grants are not awarded to individuals, and in order to get a grant you have to jump through a lot of hoops, not “just fill out a form and get money!” This is insane. I think I am going to try and find out from Facebook what their ad policy is…
February 12th, 2009 at 10:24 am
UPDATE!
If you scroll all the down to the bottom of your facebook page, then click on advertising, then click “Contact Our Sales Team” lie to them and tell them you have $100,000 to spend – they lie to us why not?
Now you have to opportunity to vent. Although you can only use 2000 characters, you can tell them what you think of thier advertising practices. Maybe if enough people that use FB do this they will rethink their policies on “Social Ads”
February 12th, 2009 at 10:52 am
excellent site…found it via a google search for the kevin google scam…i knew it couldn’t poossiby be real but wanted to know more about it…glad it showed up on the 1st page of google search…wish it could’ve been the first hit
February 12th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I’m disappointed that these ads are now getting through Facebook. The responsibility lies with the website pushing the ads. I mean, I find it hard to believe that Google can’t filter these from their own Ads and Facebook should know better. I found a new url, not yet listed.
- http://www.mikesgmoney.com/u
February 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Hey Larry – I wrote to Facebook a couple weeks ago… and heard nothing at all. I wrote to Myspace a month ago and received a response saying they were “looking into it,” yet the ads still run. I wrote to Fox – no response. You are right that these sites have to take some responsibility at some point.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Hey Larry – heh well unfortunately that seems to be the only method that has worked.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Hey Bob – glad you found the page. I can only hope I can remain high on the Google results so more people can find this when researching these bogus pages and personas.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hey Lee – thanks for the new one, which I have added. I imagine I’m not seeing the UK-based ones here in the USA.
February 13th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
We should all pay you a buck for this cheers for the site!
much appreciated!
February 13th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hey Andy – thanks for the nice thought.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Waffles,
Please include Angel Stevens in the scam. My husband lost his job in June 2008 and tried Angel Stevens – possessing claims at home. He paid $197 and was guaranteed to have the refund. It is about selling products in the internet that never can be sold. Sorry no refund, just gave away $197. Don’t do it.
February 13th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Hey Cam, thanks for the info… and I’m sorry that happened to you. I have done some research into the home rebate processing scam, and it will be showing up in a post here soon.
February 14th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I recently read a site about how $3.88 can get me a grant for the government for $7,455 I was weary but thought for 3.88 I had little to lose. Thankfully I checked the terms and conditions before submitting and found a paragragh that read…By clicking I agree to terms you are agreeing to a one time fee of (about a hundred) and requires to make purchases UNLESS you submit a form before hand stating you don’t need the services. They do this 6 hours or so (through research) before posting transaction. Blah. Im becoming to dislike interent, government, laws, rules, regulations. Im moving to the mountians with my family and starting our own little world
February 14th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hey at least you read those terms first. That puts you ahead of many people out there who unfortunately trust the companies they deal with.
February 15th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I just found this list when I was checking out one of these fraudulent websites. It is a “Kevin Hoeffer” clone but with new name, “Steven Campbell” and directs you to http://www.federalgovernmentgrantsolutions.com where the image of President Obama is used to suggest a legitimate program. Such bogus criminal scams must be stopped! I wrote to the editors of the website where I first found this fraud and complained. If we all make some noise then someone will hear!
February 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Hey Miker – thanks for the comment. Some sites seem to care more than others. I have complained to many of them. Some seem to care more than others. But you are right to complain. That’s the only way to make a difference. Good luck.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
The image of the internet is starting to drop drastically. Before long, no decent human being will trust it. By then, I hope we’ll all have woke up and realise that we had been putting machine before human interaction. Heart to heart communication has always been the best way to get started when trying a new business with new people. You can feel people out; computers-you can not! There are no easy ways or short cuts to success. If there were easy ways, everybody would be successful and no failures would exist.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
My friend was recently scammed by people like these vultures. The enlightened wealth network who supposedly teach you all about real estate investments and flipping houses.
My friend is from is from Greece originally and their family worked very hard to make it in this country and its amazing that he was dooped out of $10,000 and of course using his credit card, and who knows how long they will find some way to use it for future endeavors for themselves. What I don’t understand is that with this day and in 2009, we can’t (as a world in general) find a way to STOP all these spammers and everyone else who is involved? If it were not for sites like yours,(which I just found in the last few minutes while browsing) you can get to at least a few thousand people if not a bit more. So, at least WE who are visiting sites like yours don’t fall prey to the vultures. xoxo DaniFawn, Las Vegas, Nv
February 17th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Waffles, you rock for posting this! I am totally on board with Lindsay who said that she is moving to the mountains with her family to live in her own world. I’ve been longing for a while to escape this horrible whirlpool of scammers, politicians, and… oh, yeah, those two words means the same thing!
Our government provides ZERO protection to the innocent (though often naive) victims of these scams. They should not be allowed!!! I’m so tired of the poor/middle class people having to work so hard just to get their money ripped away by some scam… and all the government does for us is turn around and tax our houses, property, food and bail out the people who scam in the first place.
Blah. Sorry for the rant- but the point is THANK YOU for shining some LIGHT on this big problem and making people aware of what the government WON’T STOP!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Danielle – I’m sorry to hear about your friend being scammed. I still find it hard to believe that people continue to fall for the Nigerian scams, but as you said – the scammers will always find someone.
Melanie – Thanks for the kind words. Many times I’ve had the “I’m moving to a remote cabin in Montana fantasy.” I also agree – and find it discouraging – that the government takes more of a reactive position to scams, rather than a proactive one.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am
These people who prey upon the financialy strapped people young and old you indure a little vigalanty justice mexican bow tie, tar and feather, neck stretch .But then we would be sinking to there level so just boycot any sight that allows them to get thier despicable messages out fellow AMERICANS . It’s ashame in these times of social upheival that some of our”fellow Americans” would such an heinous crime upon us .If you are on fire and someone hands you a glass of water you will use it to quench the flames , these scoundrels are replacing the glass of water for a glass of gasoline .Thanks a lot assholes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now for this website its good to see that there are Real Americans who will stand up for the less fortunate citizens of the greatest country in the world . KEEP UP THE OUSTANDING CRUSADE !!!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Hey Jerry – I couldn’t have said it better myself. I firmly believe that it’s not just the scammers who should be held accountable, but everyone along the line. I don’t think the excuse of “that comes from a third party ad network” is sufficient. The website and the third party network should both closely monitor what they publish – but they don’t. Seeing these ads on such sites as Facebook or FoxNews only diminishes the credibility of those sites.
February 19th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I posted a blog entry about all of this in which I included a link to your site… hope you don’t mind!
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=5791054
February 19th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Hey Melanie – thanks for the link, and that’s a great blog entry!
February 19th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Here’s another one for your list (I believe it used to be danielgetsgreen, struck by what we can only describe as genius, they changed it to dangetsgreen)
http://www.dangetsgreen.com/?t202id=61927&t202kw=abc1can7
February 20th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Love the blog and a lot of people are giving you props for this post.
I recently posted an article on how to avoid such scams.
http://sprawl3.com/blog/2009/02/17/quick-update-internet-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/
February 21st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
There are literally hundreds of these identical spam blogs all promoting emillionaire institute.
They have flooded Google with hundreds of spam blogs linking to emillionaireinstitute.com – Funny how the faces and pictures change but the story remains the same!
All these people worked for a “pipe manufacturing company”, lots of them are married to someone called “Audrey” and they all got cheques with the same date for exactly $5000.00 – ??? Really!?
eg: do this search: google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=AlexxelA75&btnG=Search&meta=
And you will find loads of this rubbish:
markgetsgreen.com
anthonyisgreen.com/
nickgetsgreen.com/
kevinsrecessionblog.com/jobs/kevin-hoeffer/
edwhitleymoneyjob.com/1/
jeffgetsgreen.com/
marysmoneyblog.com/index.php?
and literally hundreds more!
This search shows over 300 identical blogs linking to emillionaire institute (only the names and pictures of people change):
google.co.uk/search?q=%22A+year+ago+I+was+an+account+manager+for+a+(drum+roll)+a+pipe+manufacturing+company.+%22&hl=en&filter=0
Google just one of those many hundreds of blogs and you will find tens of thousands of links to it spammed all over the internet:
eg: google.co.uk/search?q=jasonberinski.com&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a
Shows 24,400 results
So there are probably hundreds of thousands of links to hundreds of virtually identical blogs and all the blogs link through to emillionaireinstitute
There are other versions too, like this one (not yet listed in Google but being promoted via Google Adwords):
bobsmoneyblog.com/index.php?G…etwork:General
grantmoolah.com/index.php?360…etwork:General
Since posting this those links now automatically redirect to emillionaireinstitute so they obviously don’t want you to see their new blogs.
See the links referenced below for more information.
References:
[1]
Scam.com – Google Money Tree (Web)
scam.com/showthread.php?t=56093
[2]
Google Money Tree complaints.(Web)
workathometruth.com/blog/2008/11/19/google-money-tree-complaints/
[3]
Complaints Board: emillionaire institute(Web)
complaintsboard.com/complaints/emillionaire-institutekevin-got-his-green-c163463.html#comments
If enough people complain to Facebook and Google Adwords about these scam adverts then maybe they will remove them – I guess another version will just pop up a few weeks later though…
Also being promoted here with the totally false claim that “Yahoo, MSN, Goole, Myspace and Facebook are paying millions of dollars to people like you for simple work anyone can do”
Lots of complaints here from people who got stung: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/emillionaire-institutekevin-got-his-green-c163463.html
http://www.onlinepromotioncodes.com/Promo-Codes/secure.emillionaireinstitute.com/
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thanks for this alert. I was skeptical about how “Jeffrey” got his money as I clicked on an ad while printing my emails. The ad sent me to “Jeff’s” blog. As I mentioned earlier, I was really skeptical and noticed how these testimonials got there but no sign of “Leave a Reply” box. I went to Google to search to see whether “Jeff’s” grant blog is real or fake, I found this blog. Thanks so much, I was almost fell for it as I truly am in the difficult times, financially.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Dude,
There is no fucking way you can get a Grant in 7 days..There is so much shit you have to look up. Hundreds on grant giving agencis that is bogles your mind! Plus, some have a time sensitive time frame which may be 9 mos away, 6 mos away, etc…You get the idea.
I bought the CD some 6 mos ago.. I am still looking for a Grant program that is ACCEPTING my request! Any suggestions on how to get it really fast? Can there be something I am not looking out.
Thanks guys,
Later
Dirk
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Even the scammers’ own ebooks will tell you that you probably can’t get a grant. Grants are not easy to get! They are taking advantage of the lack of knowledge people have about grants. I suggest going to grants.gov to see if you can find anything.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hey! Was browsing the list & noticed that on this one: “http://2009stimuluschecks.org/j/index.php?t202id=21307&t202kw=m40p_obama_bailout”, the guy initially says he got the advice from a high school friend. A few paragraphs later, he’s saying “thanks to the advice from my cousin”. I found it funny.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:42 am
McKenzie – It’s pretty fun, and very sloppy. I’ve seen “blogs” with two different photos, two different names, etc. They appear to use a template, but forget to change the details.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
saw “jeff’s grant’as I was checking basketball scores on yahoo. Started to fill it out & thoguth to google it as a scam. Bingo. say your site & read it.thanks
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
What have I got to loose, I thought? $2.79 shipping and handling?? Now, the $2.79 has appeared on my credit card as 123-Funds. I have received no CD. That is okay, but the more I read about these scams, I see that if you do not cancel this “free trial” within 7-10 days, a fee will appear on your credit card. I have no number to contact these jokers!
Any suggestions??
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:18 am
“richgetsrich.com” going to get a nice letter from a powerful Gouvernement lawyer. He’s using a check from the Gouvernement of Canada as a bait for his scam.
SCAMMERS YOU ARE GOING DOWN.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Marc – Good luck. Would love to see something go after them!
Linda – the best thing I can suggest is to call your bank and see if you can get a new card issued.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am
News article on these scams published today:
“At a press conference this week, a representative from the Federal Trade Commission admonished online media companies to “monitor their sites for scam ads and get rid of them.”
http://www.marketingvox.com/ftc-knuckles-down-on-faux-stimulus-relief-ads-043432/
http://www.clickz.com/3633002
Make sure you report these scams to the FTC here:
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm
March 8th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Nice effort mate!
On the other end, you migth want to get rid of the google ads showing the exact scams you are ranting about :p
Check this capture screen: http://facebook.naurois.com/richjerk.jpg
Good luck and keep on the good spirit!
March 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Toff – Thanks for the comment and keeping me updated on the ads I need to filter out!
March 10th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Troy Hogg joined an established International trade exchange network and published items for sale by himself and his company Green Chum Inc. My personal greed at receiving a great deal clouded my usual judgment of reasonable trading practices. After a number of months, many excuses and a promise of returning my funds he has disappeared again. On a very good note he has returned someone else’s funds after a great pursuit. I have hired a credit and collection company to pursue him on my behalf. My great concern is that Troy and Green Chum Inc. a MLM company are raising funds from the next individual to repay me.. Please be careful.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Found one today, http://www.taylorsmoneyblog.com/
March 11th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I paid the 1.95$ to receive the “kit” in the mail. It wasn’t entirely on purpose I had entered my info and thought better of it but it got sent anyway. BLAH.
Anyway, does anyone know if that means I am automatically signed up for the 7 day trial?
March 16th, 2009 at 4:52 am
This list is actually hilarious since you (the owner) of this blog are acting as a third party to these sites by hosting them through your adsense banners.
Let’s call a spade a spade, the only reason you posted this list is so that when people start searching for these domain names, your site comes up. Thereby giving you more traffic to which you hope people will click on one of your ads so you can make money and send them off to a grant offer….now we have come full circle.
March 19th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I update my ad blocking filter regularly. In fact, I’ll post the list of filtered domains on here. At least I try. And no, I have no affiliation to any of those sites. Do you???
Do I want people to find my site when they search on those domains? Absolutely. I want them to realize what total crap the acai, cleans, grant, and google money scams are.
And if anyone here reads what I have to say and still clicks on an ad for acai, grants, or google money that got through, I don’t know what will help them. You call that full circle, Kevin? Sounds like you are trying to protect something, eh Kevin?
March 19th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Hi, I found a website: 2009freegrants.com/topgrantprograms/index.php?arid=gsn724
i am thinking to try “Government Grant Solutions”
(Our #1 Recommendation)
Do you know anything about them?
Thank you
March 20th, 2009 at 9:56 am
apprently i hit one of the Kevin Hoeffer make cash sites, so since you have listed alot of the fake or scam sites, does anyone have the polar opposite?? a list of make money sites or online business sites that are legit ??
if you do let me know
Chris- Miami,Florida
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I got taken to the cleaners by the website robertscashblog.com. Personally, these scammers
think their clever and can’t be tracked or harmed, but their dreaming if they think their
invulnerable. These scammers think this is a funny game, but they are messing with people’s
lives. Maybe when a few of these scammer jerks
get their throats slashed from ear to ear, they
will realize this is no GAME. From HELL
March 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Here’s another one for the list: http://www.craigsmoneyblog.com/blogpost/gomoney1/
March 30th, 2009 at 3:05 am
I just wanted to say thank you for all your efforts and for sharing all this VERY VALUABLE INFORMATION with the rest of us. You are truly a Godsent to those of that struggle fro day to day, looking for a ray of hope financially. THANK YOU!
As I reviewed the terms of Kevin Hoeffers site, At the very bottom in very small print, states “Google is in no way affiliated with this site!”. I thought that strabge since he was promoting the, EARN GOOGLE CASH KIT!” hummmm?
March 30th, 2009 at 3:10 am
WHERE CAN A PERSON GO TO ACTUALLY FIND A SITE THAT IS NOT A SCAM? I HAVE READ ENDLESS INFORMATION FROM THIS AGENCY AND THAT BUREAU ABOUT THE ONLY LEGITAMATE WORK FROM HOME OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE NOT SCAMS, THEN ON THE VERY NEXT PAGE THAT OPPORTUNITY WILL BE LISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP SCAMS THAT EXIST. WHO CAN A PERSON BELIEVE? PLEASE HELP!@**
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 am
Thanks for the warning I could have been a victim. This week I have been looking for some work at home(just looking to make a little $ to combat student loan interest, there must be a legitimate work at home out there, maybe not), I searched for google work at home; a couple from Albany NY(living in albany myself it is almost targeted, one of the link was on monstertrak) and many testimony came on how these people make money posting link for google ($3000, $5000). They all redirect for a google cash kit for $1.95. It seem suspecious since all the redirect site has a secure follow by the name of the original site owner’s testimony. It looks like they are all marketing for the same potential scammer. It is only $2 but it is not worth putting my info out there, does any of you know anything about this particular offer? Any advice?
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
Read the Terms & Conditions(Located at the bottom of the page)
(REALLY READ EVERY WORD)
You’ll find out about the MONTHLY charges you
may be getting yourself into.
I ALMOST fell for RobertsCashBlog.com
until I googled it.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I came across this web site purely by accident.
I was trying to see Kevin Hoeffer’s business that sounded ‘interestingly easy” Thanks a bunch for the great insight.
I will stick to building my own Home business where I know the founder, and have the head office in my own backyard (Houston, TX) and where I am already making money.
Thanks a lot for your words of wisdom!
By the way, please let me know how I can join your group.
Kamala Paul
1-888-642-0021
e/m hisanta2003@yahoo.com
April 7th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Dan Pellington, of Danielgetsgreen.com (scam), is also posing as Josh Parker at Joshmadecash.com (scam)…these people are disgusting & I hope they get what they deserve & soon!
April 10th, 2009 at 5:53 am
You missed “jacobgetsgreen.com” which is partnered with “googleprofitsinsider.com” they first charge 1.95 then after 14 days charge an additional 49.50 then after 30 days (two more weeks)they charge another 99 dollars.
April 10th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I almost fell for the “Davidsmoneyblog” site.Then I found your info on him. THANKS!
Have been looking for a home business but don’t know where to find a real one. So much “grap” out here.
April 10th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
http://www.marysmoneyblog.com/
Here is another one.
April 10th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Look, I’m trying to be understanding and sympathetic… but really? HONESTLY? How old are you people, that you’re still getting scammed by stuff like this.
Rule #1 in life (your parents should have taught you, and if not, you should teach your kids):
Nothing is ever, ever, ever free. Never ever ever. Nothing. Period. (There, I just saved you a lifetime of bad decisions.)
Rule #2: There is NO SUCH THING as “easy money.”
Rule #3: The internet is a gigantic wasteland of “good opportunities” (and internet hoaxes) just waiting for willing and eager suckers. Don’t be one of them.
And Rule #4: If something sounds too good to be true… DUH, it is! (see Rules 1,2,3 above)
April 11th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Thanks for the information….
April 11th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I ck out and is true all this people have the same story.
why nobody stop them from stealing?
April 12th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I love this part … (from the source of carlcreatescash.com –
I’m Carl Erickson, from document.write(geoip_city());.
It’s a javascript function that attempts to locate the IP address of the person who clicks on the stupid page so that wherever you are from, the author of the article is your neighbor! Sad part is that some people are so desperate as to actually sign up for these obvious scams …
April 13th, 2009 at 11:42 am
MSNBC is now publishing scam ads from the notorious Grants 36o website. Grants 360 now operates in the UK to avoid US prosecution. More on this at Sprawl3:http://tinyurl.com/dhdbye
April 16th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
A few of these guys claim to be from my hometown, of only about 17k people, they look my age and I have never seen/gone to school with them. Googled the one and it brought me here. Love it.
Not sure how this scam is still on its feet.
April 17th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
For $2.95, we will send you forms and info on how to apply for Government Grants. That was over a month ago.
Then I found where someone had used my information for a company called “CashRewardsPro. that is based in the UK. My account was charged $79.95 plus 80 cents because it was a non-US transfer.
I had to get ahold of the company, to get a refund.Financial Crisis Grants sent the money back to my account.
April 18th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Here’s another one to add to your list. http://www.officialsstimuluschecks.net/ (Jessica’s Money Blog)
Thank you for the work you do. This info. was exactly what I needed to know before going any further.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
http://youwillmakeit.blogspot.com/
“Steve Gets Green
How I got $12,000 in 30 Days and a steady $5,000 a month income”
April 28th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I agree with Garth above about Troy Hogg and Green Chum Inc. This Troy has been scamming people for 10 years, from stock scams, to strip clubs, now on Green products. As a guy with a family you would think he would not be crossing that line anymore with scamming people out of money. He will surface some where again. Avoid anything to do with him and any off his companies. Most of his websites get pulled within a month or two. Many people are looking for him to get back their money.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Check out the fake testimonial at http://alicesdiet.com The name of the town changes to be local to wherever you are.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Another way you can tell (I beleive) if a site is fake or not, is that there isn’t a public place to leave a comment. For example on the bethsmoney site, it shows a fake comment blog that you can’t acctually leave a comment on. There is an excuse there that there were to many comments to reply to. This isn’t email, it is a comment blog so there is no reason to reply. Also, if the product was so great, they wouldn’t have to worry about negative comments, right? Thanks Waffle for this site!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
You have put a lot of work into this site, and I thank you on behalf of the many people who would otherwise get sucked into these scams. Hell is going to be such a busy place…
May 1st, 2009 at 7:08 am
Dan Pellington from iStockPhoto is also Jeremy Parker of Edmonton AB on Jeremy Made Cash
http://www.jeremymadecash.com
but the photo is at Josh Made Cash
http://files2.joshmadecash.com/2/wedding2.jpg
And it turns out that Josh Parker of SF is Jeremy’s identical twin!
Thanks for a fun read.
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Funny story about the comments page.
http://cashtestimonials.com/lindas-story/
Coincidence? I think not.
But hey, I can be happy being broke and working like a real person. Because being scamed would be worse. =)
May 8th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
take your stupid ad off of my computer. i am not at all interested in your come-on
May 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
ericgetsgreen.com is the new updated “Eric” site, This time he is Eric Peters, here is his family picture.
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-1568922-family-fun.php
May 21st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
What I want to know is whether after I called to cancel my “7 day trial” I will still be billed the extra money and how I can protect against that.
Thanks
May 30th, 2009 at 5:52 am
yeah i have seen all the sites and there is a new one i think http://www.kevinhoeffertree.com or something it has a new picture and also have you noticed the way the picture doesn’t really match the audio?
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I agree with your comment that if someone actually had a REAL money-making at-home internet job, why would they deplete their potential by sharing it with others…but I don’t understand how scammers can use the Google name on their scams. Google is so big and RICH,
why whould they have any scams? I just read a new ad (not listed above) called (www) I’ll Show You How To Get Rich, and it claims you just post links to Google and make $$$$. He doesn’t ask for money, you just have to sign up. Naturally, I didn’t sign up. I’m always afraid that it will open up a terminal virus (which happened to one of my assistants) and we ended up having to get a new computer for her (virus wouldn’t go away).
June 6th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Budy, you have too much information about those scamers why don’t you send it to ftc.com or send this blog address to any federal agency or tv channel,all this information you have saved could help thousands of people not lose their money.I seen thousand of people sitting on the stadium or in the beach living la vida loca,where the money comes from? well most of them I suppose are scammers enjoing the good life with other people money and the government is doing nothing because they are receiving taxes!
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:15 am
heres another one ( http://www.marktallman.com) that links to a lander page (https://netsuccess.yoursecureorder.com/04132/)
BE AWARE OF SMALL PRINT!!
June 24th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Thanks for listing these. Is there a way to stop them?
The reason I ask is because at least 6-10 of these sites are using pictures of my family without permission and it’s really frustrating. It’s making our life very difficult.
THANKS!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Just got here from a comment you made on Cranky Fitness back in January 2009 and I wanted to say that I got caught by the $5000 a month scam. I cannot believe I actually gave out my credit card number to these people but in a moment of insanity, I did.
They immediately put through a charge of $1.00 U.S. OK fine, so I should be able to access their magical how-to info, right? Wrong! So I tried to contact them by email by replying to theirs. No response.
So imagine my lack of surprise when I noticed that they had subsequently put through a charge for $100.00 U.S.!
I was very lucky! I contacted my bank and they reversed the charge, explaining that there was nothing they could do if the vendor produced proof within 45 days that I ‘owed’ the money. Of course, they didn’t/couldn’t, so I’ve only lost the original $1.00. But I still check my credit card statement regularly, just in case.
Oh and yes, I have learned my lesson.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
That Kevin H…. Green guy used the same last name as mine when I was initially contacted.
This is pretty darn near a fraud deal 2 me. I don’t think these low-lifes can even spell the word “ETHICS”
August 4th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I’m really wondering, with the economic situation the country is in right now, why an attorney has not filed a suit against those that bilk monies from hard working Americans, leading them to believe they have the answer to their financial crisis……..OUGHT TO BE A LAW against it
August 5th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Reported TO FBI
August 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
can u check this site?is this also one of the scam site?
August 12th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
can somebody tell me is this one of those scam sites?
August 12th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
sorry,one more time..www.20dollars2surf.com.
is this one of them?help.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I paid the $1.98 for a program to make money on Google. Alternative Fundig got hold of my credit card number and said they will start charging me $29.95 per month for a training program. After 14 days they would start taking out the money. I never gave them permission to do this. This is consumer fraud.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Just did a Google search for “Nicholle Stevenson” and found another ACAI berry scam website that has identical wording to a previous website that was removed — with one exception: she now claims to be from Vancouver Canada – (perhaps this changes with the viewers IP address – I happen to be in Vancouver):
http://www.goodtenant.com/myweightlossstory.asp
August 27th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Google Adsense uses commas on their site. So if you see a screen shot for $1256.09 it is a lie. Should be $1,256.09.
Keep that in mind.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
How do these crooks get away with it? I saw an “article” on Yahoo Finance today, 09/04/09 about freebies and one of the “freebies” discussed is the “Google Free Money”. This article leads you to believe that everything is free but when I followed the link, it turns out you pay a nominal fee of about a dollar AND in the fine print, you find out that there is a substantial monthly payment after the free trial. I may not be real smart, but I wasn’t born yesterday. Freebie????? Okay, face it. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. It is a shame these people can take advantage of others so easily, especially in these hard economic times. Thanks for your article, I wish everyone would read it before falling for this scam.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Another website to add to your list…
pokermaniacs.us is a scam site…
The operator sends out SPAM..I received 3 emails within 5 minutes…that’s not a newsletter…
Basically it’s an affiliate link where the customer gets nothing, and the site operator gets paid…
Waste of space me thinks…
September 15th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Another one:
http://www.mygreatbigsuccesssite.com/
September 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am
http://www.zenithinvestment.yolasite.com is a scam. they promise high investment returns and they deceive people and collect their money. I paid them $1000 and on the 14th day, they requested another $735 I paid them and now there’s nothing to show up they dont even reply my mails as used to.
Please beware of this site, they are not real. they operate from Africa but claim to be in the US and UK.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:48 am
http://www.hrinvestment.webs.com is not real its fraud.
I am a single mum, i came across an advert on craigslist.INVEST 500USD AND MAKE 5000USD IN 14DAYS.
I open an investment with them 500usd and after the 14days they requested i pay 423usd i went to borrow money for them to pay the charges as they claimed.. after i have not heard anything from them, they dont answer my calls. I suspect they are not operating from the usa or canada but from south africa
September 21st, 2009 at 6:06 am
http://WWW.ZENITHINVESTMENT.YOLASITE.COM is a scam. they are not real they claim to be investment comapany and they promise very high returns which they use to deceive people. they are not in the us as the claim, but they use virtual phone numbers (international call forwarding) to take their calls.
They promise 10time returns on initial investment of 1000USD in just 14days, they have all ads posted on Craigslist and other free posting sites, but they operate from south africa.
I paid them 1000usd for investment and on the 14day, they asked me to pay $743USD for charges. I paid and they stopped replying my mails. they have agents in the US and UK who help them collect money sent to them via western union and moneygram.
This scammers don’t accept any online secured payment or bank transfer. they also operate on 3 different websites listed below with same web content. you can verify.
http://www.zenithinvestment.yolasite.com
http://www.dapinvestment.yolasite.com
http://www.hrinvestment.webs.com
PLEASE DONT CONTACT THEM, THEY ARE SCAMMERS, THEY WILL TAKE YOU MONEY AND YOU WONT HAVE IT BACK AGAIN.
BEWARE OF THEM. DONT ATTEND TO THEIR POSTINGS ON CRAIGSLIST AND BACKPAGE.
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I found another :
http://Ez.com/helptoday
I received an email from someone who found my craigslist posting and they told me I should stop playing with craigslist and start doing this google job like they did…just follow the link they say.
… my god, how horrible these scams are! How can people be so unethical? It’s disgusting! This one goes on and on and ON about how this Kevin Hoeffner guy in CA wanted more time with his family, needed money and was dying to get out of his low paying horrible job. There’s no details about the job description, how it works, what you really do… they say you find that all out when you purchase the kit. That was my first give away! Thank God for websites like this one who call these scammers out!
September 29th, 2009 at 12:58 am
The worst thing of all this, is that they are allowed to just continue this.
It is so obviously a scam, but they are not stopped!
It’s funny how these scam sites always have the exact same layout. No subpages, just one long page, with pictures of money and checks, pictures of people and their testimonals.
I don’t get why people are still stupid enough to fall for it, but what’s worse is that they are not stopped. It should be piece of cake to stop them.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Star Riley is an Internet extortionist. He lies – cheats and when exposed uses his limited ability to web site tools that are available to any moron to blackmail and cast lies about people who refuse to accept his threats and blackmail. He spends his worthless time casting lies and inuendo about people he knows nothing about on the Internet. He misrepresents himself as a web site professional when in actuality he has very little design ability. Be careful of this scoundrel because he will try to cheat you and steal from you and even blackmail you with threats to cast lies about you over the Internet. He has done this to many individuals and it’s time someone stops him. He is all that is bad about the Internet and it is a shame that there these types of individuals are able to use the Internet to commit crimes against innocent people.