DIYfreebies.com

Our beach is fructified with creamy coconuts, and a wave of information on Nuitech’s rule change; Canadian company indicted for malefaction, and their identity revealed; new links wash up on shore. Grab your boards then scamper into the ocean to ride the waves…

After replacing “RewardStream” with the “Canadian company”, my posts will reflect “Consumers Reward Solutions” as there is veritable proof that Consumers Reward Solutions are the suspects. This proof, and a malicious threat, will be laid out for your viewing. RewardStream are now out of the picture, so from this point on we’ll call the Canadian company Consumers Reward Solutions. Please commit that to memory. I’m sorry the write up below is so brief, there was barely an ounce of information on them.

Consumers Reward Solutions–

ConsumersRewardSolutions are a Canadian lead generation and customer acquisition network serving businesses of all proportions worldwide. They connect advertisers with highly qualified opt-in members from their company web site. Through automated optimization technology and demographic targeting, ConsumersRewardSolutions perennially upsurges value to its direct-response advertisers and improves return on investment.

Cogent evidence will prove without a shadow of a doubt that Consumers Reward Solutions are the Canadian company. Allow me to introduce three individuals involved with Consumers Reward Solutions: Elise Petri, Karrie-Lee Karreman, and Sean Miller. These people plays roles in the company that have, and are still scamming participants of their gift program. Their job functions are unknown, but the evidence below speaks for itself. I will also link to a member’s correspondence with customer support last year. The exchanged e-mails and other information are very significant as it validates the connections to Consumers Reward Solutions.

Let’s start with the most obvious. Across numerous whois domain searches you will find “Elise Petri”, “Consumers Reward Solutions”, and the Broadway address. This tells us that Consumers Reward Solutions offers a gift program. The Broadway address is the same one on Consumers Reward Solutions web site: www.consumersrewardsolutions.com

What I find puzzling is no phone number, or e-mail exists on the contact page. I had to contact them with the one in their policy. They still haven’t answered my message regarding their services. You would think a company that encourages businesses to work directly with them would reply. I’m feeling like their purpose of Consumers Reward Solutions is to scam, and a mere 15% of their effort, if that, is devoted to their lead generation network. If you Google them, no other companies speak of them, and don’t they claim, “ConsumersRewardSolutions is one of the world’s largest integrated online marketing companies” on their front page? No interviews, no articles, no blogs, no mention of them at all. Just how much business do they do? Why won’t they let me call them to talk shop? I e-mailed last week, inquiring about their services in hopes they would drop me a name. I asked, cordially, to speak to a superior so that a partnership could be formed. We’ll see if they come back.

This name appeared under the registrant for directsurveysolutions.com. I was able to link Karrie-Lee Karreman to Consumers Reward Solutions since someone who did directsurveysolutions.com received a call from “CRS”, Consumers Reward Solutions, about their gift.

This member’s message to me:

“Hi I am dealing with the same company that Jessica Owens was dealing with, they are called Consumers Reward Solutions (CRS) and they are based in Canada, they have not phone number or fax number and the only way to email them is through a text field on their website and the down side to this is that you can only insert text and its very hard to try to “forward” a email confirmation into a text field. I ended up submitting a complaint to the Better Business Bureau of Canada and within a few weeks a rep. FROM CRS called my cell phone and gave me his name and said that their records only show that I had completed 11 offers when I actually have completed 13 which is what is required. He requested that I send him the 2 additional confirmations again and I asked for a direct email rather than using the stupid text field and he an actual email address. I submitted the 2 confirmations and to my surprise he responded the next day saying “Congratulations you have won the free iPhone 4″ (which is the prize I was working towards) and he also attached a release form for me to sign and verify my address on and I scanned it and emailed it back to him now I am waiting for that response.”

If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll recall the famous sneering responses from none other than yours truly. At the time we thought it was RewardStream, but check out the support e-mail addresses: svcacct@consumersrewardsolutions.com – svcacct@sureresponsemedia.com. Busted. Anyway, svcacct@sureresponsemedia.com, the address that partook in the derisive e-mails, matches up with sureresponsemedia.com, a domain formerly managed by Sean Miller.

I’m posting these e-mails again in case any of you missed them. This member never was paid, btw. For the full scoop on these e-mails, click here: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=46

From: Svc Acct ::svcacct@sureresponsemedia.com::
To: xx@xx,com
Sent: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 12:19 pm
Subject: [xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxx] Suggestion / Comment

We have responded to every email that you have sent and they are attached to this email. We have been telling you that the email address given was not the one you used. Why did it take so long for you to tell us what email address you used? Our crystal ball is not working?

Anyways, You have completed 4 offers,

Energy drink on page 1
Buylow auction on page 2
Gevalia on page 3
Disney movies on preliminary offer sheet.

You are responsible for keeping all email confirmations
Please continue on and complete the final 4 offers.

Customer service

————

—–Original Message—–
From: Svc Acct ::svcacct@sureresponsemedia.com::
To: xx@xx.com
Cc: xx@xx.com
Sent: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 10:52 am
Subject: [xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxx] Suggestion / Comment

Me,

We did finally find yoiur information and show the 4 offers.

However, you have not met the requirements needed to fulfill the promotional offer.

Please click here to see a copy of the rules. Rule # 3 goes into detail.

Click here for your review of the rules.
Then scroll down and click on ‘Gift Rules’.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Thank you,

Customer Service”

—–Original Message—–
From: Svc Acct ::svcacct@consumersrewardsolutions.com::
To: xx@xx.com
Sent: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 4:10 pm
Subject: [xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxx] I completed the required offers and never received my free gift

Me,

We have received your email; but the only email address we found under your name was this one being used for this message.

Did you use a different email address when you signed up? The reason we are asking is because this email address xx@xx.com, doesn’t show you as having completed any offers. It does come up in our system, but does not show as you taking any offers.

If you have confirmation emails regarding all offers you took, please compile them together and send them to us in an email.
Please include the ticket number in the subject line of the email.

Click [here] for your review of the rules.
Then scroll down and click on ‘Gift Rules’.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Thank you,

Customer Service

———-
—–Original Message—–
From: Svc Acct ::svcacct@sureresponsemedia.com::
To: xx@xx.com
Sent: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 9:44 am
Subject: [xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxx] Suggestion / Comment

Yes, we apologize Me.

You did in fact win.

Congratulations!

We will send you out all information as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Customer Service

———————–

—–Original Message—–
From: Svc Acct ::svcacct@consumersrewardsolutions.com::
To: xx@xx.com
Sent: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 2:56 pm
Subject: [xxx-xxxxxxxx-xxxxx] I completed the required offers and never received my free gift

Me,

This is our second response to you.

Customer Service

Unwanted text messages by Consumers Reward Solutions…

“310 654 9828 is texting you and you are paying for the message:
“You have been selected to receive a FREE $200 Wal-Mart Gift Voucher
Call 877-680-4175 ASAP!
Reply X to stop.”

That’s my lucky day… But why do I have to pay for this text message and even for another one to reply to stop it?

I called 877-680-4175 and was told that the name of the company is Consumers Reward Solutions. A manager who claimed his name is John H. told me at the very beginning that he is a busy man and has no time for me. I still wanted to know where they got my consent to send me text messages. No explanation but offer to remove my number. I have called already 3 times the same company with requests to remove my number and this is still to happen…

It is very unfortunate that Wal-Mart is involved in this harassment. If this is not the case, it should take legal action against Consumers Reward Solutions.”

source: http://www.consumeralertsnow.com/2010/07/310-654-9828-is-texting-you.html

John H. Very busy man that has no time, eh? Exactly like Dateline when a reporter puts someone under fire for a scandal, then the con man brushes them off and drives away. Got something to hide? They don’t know when to quit because the text message complaints are innumerable.

There’s more. Bear with me. There is an omitted ‘S’ in “consumers” when pulling up their company, but this screen shot will confirm that whether or not an ‘S’ is in “consumers”, it is the same company. They go by both so there are no mistakes. This knowledge also proves that the above complaint is really about them. Remember, a detective must question everything, no matter how silly or ridiculously minuscule their findings are.

Next someone inculpates them for hacking…

If true, Consumers Reward Solutions and their counterparts need a swift kick in the rear, and be liable for computer fraud. Hacking is a serious crime. There is a difference between internet and computer fraud, but hacking falls under ‘computer fraud.’ Excellent resource: http://www.lawyershop.com/practice-areas/criminal-law/white-collar-crimes/computer-internet-fraud/

Everyone should change their passwords if they did a Consumers Reward Solutions site. Better safe than sorry, even if the hacking accusation is false. Why would someone blatantly lie though? My only guess is if they fell victim to Consumers Reward Solutions’ scam.

Did you know Consumers Reward Solutions made two unflattering lists? Companies who did not respond to BBB complaints: http://sites.google.com/site/bizsmartnews/Home/companies-who-did-not-respond-to-bbb-complaints – Companies suspected of fraudulent practices: http://www.complaintsboard.com/suspicious-companies/page/657

C- is for cookie!! *reaches into cookie jar, and pulls out a crunchy chocolate chip cookie for CRS* Looks like we’ll be baking them a lot of cookies because their rap sheet of crimes is endless… RewardStream may be out, but the plan to congregate and gather as much information to fight Consumers Reward Solutions remains the same. I love this because even if you weren’t scammed you can still get involved! I personally know people who were and I want justice for them, and everybody else who got cheated. With the RewardStream matter behind us, we can realign our focus. Below are the resources to help you collect payment

Ministry of Attorney General in Vancouver, BC

800 SMITHE ST
Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 3B7, Canada
Tel# (604) 660-8789

1125 HOWE ST
Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2L7, Canada

1311 COMMERCIAL DR
Vancouver, British Columbia V5L 2T3, Canada
Tel# (604) 660-6828

Better Business Bureau of Canada: http://www.bbb.org/canada/

Internet Crime Complaint Center – An FBI/NW3C partnership: http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Nuitech are now back to the 30-day rule. They replied to me with,

“Dear me,

Thank you for your inquiry. The terms and conditions changed on
7/29/10. Any offers completed on or after 7/29/10 apply to the 30 day
terms.”

Wanted to pass that on. I was days from doing them until the rule changed. Oh well. While on the subject of Nuitech, webprizeland goes to myrewards-vault at sign up. The T&C for webprizeland are Nuitech, but they’re identified as another company. Nuitech may be handling this company’s fulfillment, or it was their own DBA that they diverted to Reliant. Nuitech stated that they only manage the fulfillment process of coolpremuims and rewardaisle, btw. This info came from Fifisoda, and kinneylamb. Gotta give them credit! Thanks for phoning NT, and testing out webprizeland.

I’m working on an Acquisis site, and my last ConsumerGain check is on it’s way. Sad the amenable networks like ConsumerGain have a limitation attached to them… But there is something positive– my $250.00 I-Deal bonus check!!

Click to enlarge.

Relax in the sand and sunshine with these deals…

*links ‘n such*

Nuitech–

http://www.consumergiftcards.com/rd_p?p=182511&c=33726-cgc_gas1500gc_emc_t01&a=613 – 15 offers, no refs/$1,500.00 Visa

http://myrewardsvault.com/LP/prom-195820/f1a94cef23.php?a=2543-IM&clickid=0007jl0000002wBQUK0RnzDr6b000000&ce_cid=0007jl0000002wBQUK0RnzDr6b000000 – 9 offers, no refs/iPad or check + $100.00 iTunes gc

http://onlinerewardcenter.com/rd_p?p=195791&t=13681&c=&a=64621 – 8 offers, no refs/iPad or check

http://myrewardsvault.com/LP/prom-186623/cbf4d310ea.php?a=1577-AM&clickid=00056D0000001e2Efv592Z1aQ7000000&ce_cid=00056D0000001e2Efv592Z1aQ7000000 – 15 offers, no refs/Macbook

http://myrewardsvault.com/LP/prom-190418/e2a2dcc36a.php?a=1711-NB&clickid=0001TL0000002wBQUK0RnzDr9I000000&ce_cid=0001TL0000002wBQUK0RnzDr9I000000 – 10 offers, no refs/iPhone 3G + $100.00 iTunes gc

http://myrewardsvault.com/LP/prom-193556/a96b65a721.php?a=1711-NB&clickid=0006jN0000002wBQUK0RnzDre5000000&ce_cid=0006jN0000002wBQUK0RnzDre5000000#back – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa

http://www.premiumgiftsgalore.com/?offer=wal&cid=782&sid1=CD1&email= – 7 offers, no refs/$500.00 Wal-Mart gc

http://premiumgiftsgalore.com/?offer=grocery&sid1=CD1&cid=782 – 7 offers, no refs/$500.00 gc of your choice w/Visa option

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–

http://assortedgifts.net/G/landing?campaignId=2560&subcid=1717#cid=2560#sid=70#vid=1034 – offers unknown, no refs/$500.00 check

http://assortedgifts.net/G/landing?campaignId=2367&subcid=aaaaaa&email=#cid=2367#sid=110#vid=1025 – offers unknown, no refs/$500.00 check

http://assortedgifts.net/G/landing?campaignId=2559&subcid=1717#cid=2559#sid=70#vid=1038 – offers unknown, no refs/$500.00 check

http://offerscout.net/G/landing?campaignId=2815&subcid=109739&uid=212395021#cid=2815#sid=122#vid=1342 – offers unknown, no refs/$500.00 check

Acquisis–

http://www.giftsurplus.info/?proid=12004445&gotoid=1455&parid=385&camid=1593&creid=5734&subid=1432P5129187&email= – 6 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa

I-Deal–

http://www.restaurantsurveycenter.com/?config=5282 – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 pizza gc of your choice

I can’t tell you how relieved I am to be closing this case shut. The Canadian company nightmare is finally over, it was pure frustration for a year and a half. A victory has been won! We should celebrate. I will still do anything in my power to help those swindled by Consumers Reward Solutions. For now, I’m going to enjoy the fruits of our labour, as you all should too. We each deserve a pat on the back for helping each other, not only through the Canadian company fiasco, but for every other situation that has sprung up. Think back to last year’s Brandarama episode. Just assisting someone with terms, new rules, links, and posts goes a long way in our DIY community. Little things do make a big difference.

Before I go, I want to give a shout out to the author of www.bargainfun.net Her blogs are packed with extraordinary deals, giveaways, and freebies!! Check her out. kinneylamb, what would I do without all your support? Thanks for listening to my distress over the RewardStream matter, you exceeded my expectations. Our late night chats are always a joy, too.

Until next time…

wozniack

This will be our official T&C and DBA list for all DIY networks. Much like the official company and address list, the official T&C and DBA list will include network names, and helpful write ups. The write ups, however, will consist of terms and requirements instead of a formal introduction to the company itself. All the information is right here, no more hunting it down in old posts! I also included the famous “I-Deal rule sheet.”

If anyone finds additional information, please let me know and I will add it!

Thanks,

wozniack

*DIY company T&C*

I-Deal

Timeframe and certificates: Okay, with ALL DIYs there is a timeframe. I-Deal grants you 60 days to complete the site, be approved on all offers, obtain your ref(s) (if required), and to mail off your certificates. Why must a referral(s) be a requirement if it’s a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) you ask? Some networks bump their sites within just a few weeks to a month or so of it operating, that’s just how they roll. So if it was once 6 offers for a $500.00 gift, but now requires 1 referral, that means they bumped it. Your referral MUST complete all the offers on their end, not just sign up under you to be considered a “referral.” It may take up to 24-48 hours for a referral to be approved. Also, three categories are designated for all the offers, and you must complete that offer count on each silver, gold, and platinum page. And the certificates must be received within 15 days to avoid expiration of your account. During this period your account may expire, but this does not denote any changes to your account; your account should be reset once processed.

Crediting cycles and browser settings: It’s a trio; 7, 20, and 30 day cycles. The 7 day crediting cycles are the best because dealing with 20-30 day cycles may push you closer to your expiration date if a certain offer(s) has not credited in a timely manner. Also, with I-Deal it’s best to do a simple replacement offer since manual credit (MCR/manual credit request) is hard to come by. Replacements usually credit overnight. I highly recommend Firefox for optimal performance when completing offers. For good measure I leave my confirmation window(s) up 5-10 minutes AFTER I finish my offer(s) for ample offer tracking time.

DBA conditions: You have unlimited promotional items per DBA until you reach $1000.00, or the value may exceed $1,000.00, but you may only qualify for one gift. Let me further elucidate… Say I were to sign up for a Macbook, and the DBA for that I-Deal site was Red Turtle Investments, LLC., I wouldn’t be allowed to seek out another site with Red Turtle Investments, LLC. for another 6 months. However, I would be authorized to do Bullseye-Media, or MarketLabs Inc. if I wanted, provided I haven’t completed any of their sites within the past 6 months and hit the 1K+ mark.

I-Deal rule sheet

1) Per the terms and conditions of these promotion(s), there is a limit of one
free gift per household.

2) You may only sign-up with each of our advertisers once every 6 months.

3) You must provide authentic demographic information

4) There cannot be multiple accounts in the same household. We only allow one
account per household. Any accounts that share the same name, email address,
shipping address, IP address, phone number and/or credit card will be
considered as the same household.

5) There cannot be more than one account at the shipping address. A user must have
a valid shipping address in the United States. The user should also note
that products cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. We only allow one account per
shipping address.

6) You cannot post information on a website, forum, or auction that has to do
with “canceling the offers” included, but not limited to, cancellation phone
numbers, cancellation time frames, and encouragement or direction to cancel
the offers after signing up with them.

7) You cannot bid on trademarked keywords associated with our advertising partners
or their affiliates in Internet search engines to gain referrals through
sponsored search results. (e.g. Bidding on the keyword “Blockbuster” in
Google and appending your referral link to this bid upon keyword.)

You cannot post your referral link(s) in places where it is not welcome, or
spammed your referral link(s) online in any capacity.

9) They have received negative feedback from one of their advertisers regarding
offers being completed and immediately canceled.

10) A user who has had his or her account placed on hold may not create
another account on any of our other websites.

Leadmark Advertising – Nuitech

Best known for their former 60-day stipulation. You are required to keep all but two offers for 30 days. Be prepared to have ALL your “documentation”, i.e. confirmation e-mails, billing statements and/or invoices, but one of those per offer will do, to mail off. Also, all offers must be completed within 60 days upon sign up. Only one gift per DBA per person and/or household for one year after your registration date. Their offer categories are much like I-Deal’s offering a silver, gold, and platinum page per site. Please note that all of these steps, including mailing in your voucher(s), must be accomplished within 180 days of signing up. Once approved, your account will be updated accordingly, enabling you to print your “gift redemption voucher.” Upon your voucher’s arrival, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for shipment.

Subscriberbase Holdings – producttestpanel

Expect to front a lot of money on this one, it isn’t your typical DIY. Your initial investment will land at $2,000.00-$3,000.00, and you should gain $5,000.00-$6,000.00 profit. With PTP you have to be willing to play center field (gambling term). If you don’t, you miss the boat. When selecting a PTP site choose wisely! You’re only alloted ONE PTP site per lifetime, you gotta make it count. A bonus is up for grabs, too, if you manage to do all the offers within a 24 hour time period. It takes about 3 months maximum, start-to-finish with PTP. After 8-9 weeks you may request an MCR on any offer(s) that have not credited. The premium offers are manual only, and are approved within 30 days. Shipping time for gifts is about 2 weeks.

Acquisis (big-brand giveaway, giftcard-bonanza, toprewardsnow)

Luring people with low-offer deals/high-valued gifts is their game! Their customer support is fast, helpful, and affable. From the time of registration you have 60 days to complete the site. All offers are manual credit, and require a copy of your bank statement and confirmations. You must wait a total of 30 days before requesting manual credit. There is a one person per household limit for each gift. Once approved, expect your gift within 45 days or less.

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)

Here’s the low-down on them. Years ago members received gift cards, now $500.00-$1,000.00 checks are a common source of payment. Offers credit within days, but allow up to a week for status change. No time limit on their sites, and offer rotation occurs every other week. You must communicate with them via support ticket to keep everything going. Once your offers are complete, alert them via support ticket. From there, submit their electronic redemption form with a w9 if your gift meets the $600.00 threshold. Manual credit requests are allowed, just have your confirmations and/or screen shots of your offer(s) on hand. Shipping can take up to 45 days.

Channel Clarity (rewardscenter)

All offers must be completed within 60 days, and the rest of the program requirements must be satisfied within 180 days of your sign up date. You must not cancel your participation in more than two trial offers within 30 days of your trial offer initial transaction date. To remain eligible, you must use the same personal contact information that you provided during registration when making purchases. You may be required to provide receipt copies, order confirmations and other relevant documents to verify your transactions with sponsors, and failure to produce these documents when requested may result in you not receiving credit for that trial offer. Additionally, they reserve the right to request proof of identity such as a copy of your driver’s license/state I.D., passport or other government issued identification. Once all requirements are fulfilled, your account will be updated accordingly and you will receive a gift redemption voucher to print, complete and mail for your reward. Upon receipt of your documentation and gift voucher, it will take 6 to 8 weeks for shipment.

*DIY company DBAs*

::in progress::

I-Deal

123 Click, Inc.

Bullseye Media, Inc.

Direct to Consumer Interactive, Inc. (D2C)

E-ResearchGroup (is D2C)

eSolutions Media.net, Inc.

I-Deal Direct, Inc.

Inner Concepts, Inc

Insightful, Intelligent Ideas, LLC

Lucrative Leads

MarketLabs.net, Inc.

Red Turtle Investments, LLC

TopWebRewards

Top Notch Media, Inc.

Luckie Enterprises, Inc.

Leadmark Advertising – Nuitech

Net radiance

Reliant

Cool-premiums

Reward aisle

Promopath

Subscriberbase Holdings, Inc.–

Acquisis, LLC.–

Member Source Media, LLC.–

High Altitude Marketing, LLC.–

Channel Clarity, Inc.–

A fervid July sparks confusion, and leaves us gobsmacked as Vice President of RewardStream Alex Best speaks out; Wal-Mart and Dilliard’s help consumers fight against deception with a cautionary tale, and protection tips; new network emerges; summer link list. You don’t want to miss this…

An oppressive matter is weighing on me, and I want to be honest with you all about it. As so many investigations do, they get botched up; upon weeks of inquire, the wrong suspect is nabbed, then objurgated for their crimes. Discrepant findings are often overlooked, or do not surface for some time. This happens all too often when detectives go manhunting for their criminal. The evidence laid before them leads to someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Like those plainclothes detectives, I may have made a mountainous mistake by apprehending the wrong suspects while the real one’s are at large. RewardStream came forward, denying ownership of directsurveysolutions.com, and I haven’t been successful in connecting them to anything else. It’s looking like RewardStream are innocent of all charges, and that is upsetting because their reputation is on the line. Not how I operate. The real culprits have gotten away, and now there are more complaints than ever. So whoever is behind this has ripped people off for well over a year.

Before RewardStream’s acquittal, I need confirmation that they are innocent on all accounts, because it is still unclear on their addresses and locations. The domain, webrewardstream.com, along with a complaint by someone who referred to them as “reward stream.com” is suspicious as well. Could their unresponsiveness be a result of traveling? If so, that is understandable because many companies send their employees out on business trips. I will include my posts to and from Vice President of RewardStream, Alex Best and my e-mail below.

Our posts:

Alex: “Wozniak, I’m interested in your reference to RewardStream, above. I work with a company called RewardStream – we are a Vancouver-based loyalty marketing technology company (www.rewardstream.com) that’s been in business since 1999 – we build loyalty marketing solutions for a wide range of global brands. We do not do anything like what you talking about, above. However, we have had the odd email or call find its way to us to see if we are the company that defrauded them. I’m curious where you found a reference to RewardStream in all this? I’m trying to track this down and deal with it properly.”

Me: “Hello Alex,

Thank you for responding. The problem we’re having is with the gift program RewardStream maintains, not the other aspects of the company. So far, all the addresses on the gift sites circulating around the web have pointed to the one’s connected with your company, which leads us to believe RewardStream are behind these operations. As you can see, many members were scammed and want justice. There have been no reports of payment from 2009 up until now. Perhaps you weren’t aware of the “gift program”, but is there a way to find out who at RewardStream might be behind it?

Could you verify these addresses? These all came from the gift pages, and were linked to RewardStream. Just tell me if you recognize them.

::long list of addresses::

This is one big mess, and I’m just trying to solve this awful puzzle. Too many people were deceived.

Regards,

wozniack”

Alex, “Wozniak,

As I don’t have any of the pages you refer to, I can’t verify that these addresses are linked to us in any way. I do know that you posted in 2009 about “the real CEO of RewardStream” and in that post listed a number of addresses for our company, two of which were actual addresses we’ve had in the 11 years we’ve been in business (the one on mainland and the one on smythe). If you have the URLS for any of these pages that have these addresses I’d like to see them.

When I do a WHOIS lookup on directsurveysolutions.com there is one address in the list above … 1917 West 4th Avenue Suite 279 Vancouver, BC V6J-1M7. We have never worked out of an office at this location. Why don’t you look into that one? There is even complete contact information for the person who owns the domain www.directsurveysolutions.com – and there is no connection to rewardstream.

We are a reputable software company with a global client base; we build sophisticated online loyalty programs for our clients, nothing like what you are talking about.

Let me know if I can answer any more questions. We are keen to sever any connection between our company and these “scams”, as I’m sure you can appreciate, and it isn’t helping to solve the mystery or put a stop to these activities. You can reach me at the contact information listed on our website: www.rewardstream.com … perhaps a conversation would be in order.

Sincerely,
Alex Best, RewardStream”

Me, “Alex,

Okay, so directsurveysolutions.com is not managed by RewardStream. But when you say, “and in that post listed a number of addresses for our company.” So what other addresses that I have belong to RewardStream? Obviously 1917 West 4th Avenue STE #279, Vancouver BC V6J-1M7 got mixed into my address list somehow. Since re-examining all this, three unique names have appeared to me; so more than one company have may have ownership of these sites. Too much confusion surrounds this.

I also have a question regarding this: http://www.channeladvisornews.com/story.cfm?item=88

If your company is honestly not the puppetmaster behind these operations, I would like to help you “sever” those ties, and bust the real bad guys. I appreciate your response, and will be contacting you via e-mail. We can accomplish much more by discussing this privately.

Regards,

wozniack”

source: http://yedda.com/questions/crime_news_events_862208952183897/think_complaint_havent_http_www_ic3_350772371601647

Then my e-mail to her, dated June 22, 2010.

“Alex,

So there is no tie between RewardStream, and directsurveysolutions.com. What about the other addresses? You said, “and in that post listed a number of addresses for our company”; to be clear, which addresses other than 1020 Mainland St., and Smithe St. are there? I would like to compile a list of your addresses, so they can be removed from my pile. I must have 10+ addresses altogether. And Iast year I stumbled upon this address: http://web1.webrewardstream.com/SplashPage.aspx?g=0321c502065643b7b82dbdf19e26e11f&c=658&s=__DefaultSubcampaign__&se=05 That has nothing to do with your company, right?

Someone also made this complaint,

“RHULENE WILLIAMS asks:
August 29th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

I`M WRITING THIS E-MAIL TO YOU BECAUSE OF THE WAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT REWARD STREAM.COM I WAS REPLYING TO A SURVEY. IN THE FALSE HOPE OF RECEIVING A FREE DELL LAPTOP COMPUTER OFFERED THROUGH YOU. I FILLED OUT THE SURVEY AND BOUGHT SEVERAL ITEMS FROM A LIST OF THINGS OFFERED I USED MY CREDIT CARD FOR THE PURCHASES AND THEY WERE CONFIRMED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET TO THE CONFIRMATION LINK FOR MY COMPUTER. I FILL AS THOUGH THAT THIS IS FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, I DID THIS IN THE HOPE OF RECEIVING THIS LAPTOP FOR FREE AS QUOTED. I DONT HAVE ANY MONEY TO JUST THROW AWAY, I CAN NOT AFFORD MY OWN COMPUTER,I USE THE COMPUTER OF A FRIEND AS ANOTHER USER. I WOULD LIKE FOR MY CREDIT CARD PURCHESES TO BE REFUNDED. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS WEB SITE. YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT RHULENE.WILLIAMS GMAIL.COM THANK-YOU.

source: http://www.reviewstream.com/reviews/?p=19527

Granted that was 2 years ago, but it is still on the internet. People often visit complaint sites, and by reading one with “reward stream.com” in it, it doesn’t look good. Any idea why this person says “reward stream.com”, or are they mistaken? I saw this complaint last year, and it made me think the webrewardstream.com was related to rewardstream.com. At the time, I had been investigating the webrewardstream domain, and the above complaint told me the people at rewardstream.com were up to no good. I typed “rewardstream.com” into my search bar, and found your site. Many marketing and technology companies manage online “gift programs”, so I thought that was the case after viewing rewardstream.com.

This blog is simply about loyalty programs, not an online “gift program”, right? http://www.channeladvisornews.com/story.cfm?item=88 Your company builds programs for, say, a major hotel or airline that customers can reap rewards from? Just an example there. Can you confirm 100% that webrewardstream.com, or any other gift site hasn’t been managed by your company? If not, the webrewardstream.com domain, and the complaint may help you “sever” those ties. The complaint is from 2008, but perhaps replying to it would be in order.

I’m composing a new blog entry to clear up this confusion. Until the real culprit is found, everyone will call them “the Canadian company” again, because in all truth and honesty the addresses point to Canada, and there is evidence of fraud there. I’m sorry for the induced headache, and for any inconvenience this may have caused. It’s good that we deal with it now instead of it festering with each passing day. I hope this helps, and thank you.

Regards,

wozniack”

Someone I conversed with gave me their take on this matter…

“another idea – perhaps rewardstream llc is the official name for the affiliates and publishers and advertisers and graphic designers, so they all think they are dealing with a legit company. and all the other names like reward group are the shell names for the customers so when they complain they are not attacking the reputation of the real culprit involved, reward stream. this is a real business tactic btw. its been done before with other kinds of industries”

“see thats the thing. each of those sites has a different address! lol. and rewardstream has their own. i really do believe rewardstream is connected to the sites. i believe they keep their address separate from the websites’ addresses because their intention is to scam. need to look good for the publishers, advertisers, and let all the other addresses receive the complaints via BBB etc. that is my opinion. they are unlike acquisis, who started out paying, then gave up on paying. i never saw a company like this who intended to scam from day one, at least in DIY.”

Definitely possible, but how do we prove that with mixed addresses? Unless we tie an address, phone number, or name to them I cannot swing the sword. About the “shell names” that are mentioned, Reward Group is the DBA in connection to directsurveysolutions.com. Further investigation lead to an address match, and gave us the registrant’s name. See below.

My next step is e-mailing the lady in my letter to Alex, Rhulene Williams. Since she was scammed by “reward stream.com” perhaps she has helpful information. I was really hoping to close this as I have dealt with this same case since August of 09. My glorious plan was to gather the hapless victims in one spot, and lend them my resources to take necessary action. Back to square one I suppose. You might have noticed blog alterations. “Canadian company” was substituted for “RewardStream” until this mess is resolved. If RewardStream are guilty I will edit my changes, but if I am to blame I’ll take on the responsibility. It’s unfortunate there wasn’t more information a year and a half ago, or else this wouldn’t have happened. *long sigh*

A new investigation is launched on webprizeland.com. I just started looking into them tonight… Click to enlarge.

layout:

url: www.webprizeland.com

whois:

It shows a private registration, but supplies the address anyhow. Fortunately that’ll do since no address exists in their T&C or policy… Should be fun digging into something new.

Wal-Mart, and Dillard’s department store target spam…

“The goal of this scam is to encourage consumers to spend money on “sponsor offers” in the belief that they will eventually receive a high value gift card. However, after fulfilling the “sponsor offers” the consumer may never even receive the gift card or will have spent more money on the offers than the worth the gift card.
How these scams work:

1. Consumers either receive a spam e-mail or come across a web advertisement or web site offering a Walmart or other well known gift card worth a large amount of money.
2. The consumer is taken to a website that is has branding that makes it appear to be a legitimate merchant (ex: Walmart), there the consumer will be asked to enter an email address, and other personal contact information; including address and phone number. The privacy policy on the site will typically indicate that this information will be sold to other businesses for their own purposes, such as telemarketing and junk mail.
3. Once this information is entered the consumers may be asked to take part in a series of surveys.
4. Once the surveys are complete (if they were offered at all), the consumer is given a number of webpages where they have to “participate” in a certain amount of “sponsor offers.” The number of offers may vary, but they will end up costing the consumer a great deal of money in fees, subscriptions, and products. In addition, at the end of the process there is no guarantee that the consumer will even receive the branded gift card.

Walmart’s practices:

* Walmart does not solicit online for individuals to complete online surveys for gift cards, nor do we send unsolicited emails asking individuals to participate in our surveys.
* Walmart does not endorse and is not affiliated with any “sponsor offer” related program or survey;
* Walmart will never send you e-mails or surveys that are contingent on your making purchases, subscriptions, or fulfilling other financial requirements;
* Drawings for the receipt survey occur four times a year. Winners of the register receipt gift card are notified by certified mail, never via email.

How to protect yourself:

* Don’t open or respond to unsolicited e-mails offering free gift cards;
* Don’t click on or respond to online ads or websites offering free gift cards;
* Pay attention to the website URL. If the URL does not match the branding to a legitimate website navigate away from the website.

To report suspected Gift Card Sponsor Offer scams:

If you suspect you have been directed to a phony website claiming to be connected with Walmart, please send an e-mail with the link to abuse@walmart.com. The e-mail abuse team will then work with authorities to put an end to the particular scam.

If you suspect you have received a fraudulent e-mail claiming to be from Walmart, please forward the e-mail directly to Walmart at abuse@walmart.com. For investigatory purposes, please do not cut and paste the e-mail, change the subject line or send it as an attachment.”

source: http://walmartstores.com/AboutUs/9309.aspx?p=9073

Dilliard’s story…

“MARYVILLE (WATE) – A local woman’s cautionary tale may help other online shoppers avoid giving out information for offers that appear to come from a well known department store chain.

When Emily Riggs searched for Dillard’s website, she thought she found it. To her delight, it also said she could win a free $500 gift card.

Emily entered her email address and then clicked the continue button on the site. “Then it prompted me to enter my name, address and phone number. I did that.”

However, “Once I clicked further, it stated asking me a variety of survey questions. It asked me if I was interested in identity theft protection, what kind of hobbies I like to do, my income, my age range, male or female,” Emily explained.

“At that point I realized, I don’t think this is Dillard’s. These are questions they would not ask me,” Emily said.

The website is actually for a company called yourrewardinside.com.

When Emily first searched on Google, what appeared at the top of the screen said it was “Dillard’s official site.”

But once you’re on the site, the fine print reads “yourrewardinside.com is not affiliated with Dillard’s.”

Emily admits she didn’t read that far. “Basically it says by entering you certify that you know this is not Dillard’s and you’re giving your information willingly.”

“Most web pages have fine print at the bottom. I unfortunately didn’t pay attention to it. Now I wish I had,” she added.

That’s because she receives troublesome offers daily from the company. “It’s sending me a lot of emails that make no sense.” For instance one says, “My delivery for a Dell laptop is coming. That’s not true. I don’t have one.”

Emily has tried unsuccessfully to unsubscribe, but she still receives calls and emails. “I worry about who has my information now. My information is floating somewhere out there.”

On Dillard’s real website, you see its latest slogan, “The style of your life.” Current sales are also featured, but there’s no free $500 gift card offer.

When 6 On Your Side contacted Dillard’s about what happened, a company representative said, “Successful retailers are sometimes the target of disreputable individuals using our good name for a dishonest agenda. We have contacted the Internet search provider and asked that this search result be immediately removed. We serve our customers at a high level and monitor our site daily for such activity.”

Emily has this advice for other shoppers. “Make sure you read everything before you put in your information. I realized in the middle of it, but it was already too late.”

Emily is working through Tennessee’s Do Not Call list trying to end the troublesome calls apparently generated by yourrewardinside dot com.

6 On Your Side hasn’t received a response from yourrewardinside.com.”

source: http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=12659237

Wal-Mart and Dilliard’s want no part of the freebie scene. Can’t say I blame them. They’ve undoubtedly received inquiries about the spam sent to people’s e-mail addresses. I recognize both of the “sample sites” on their page, and the first one pictured looks like the Canadian scammer bunch. Same look and feel to their layout, hm. My only gripe is not all freebies are scams, and this may make legitimate networks lose members. On the Dilliard’s story, I respect that they put “yourrewardinside.com is not affiliated with Dillard’s.” You must read the fine print, or these things can happen. I contacted a site affiliated with yourrewardinside.com several weeks ago, and they never responded to me. Might be a red flag if they truly are unresponsive to all e-mails though. I think I will send them another.

Cool off with these deals…

*summer link list*

I-Deal–

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=7019&src=WC-87054aaa:242782: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://www.myrewardscenter.us.com/?config=5872&src=WC-259136aaa:206352: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 IKEA gc

Acquisis–

(giftcard-bonanza)–

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=13011465&gotoid=1610&parid=82&camid=1869&creid=6571&subid=&email= – offers unknown/check the value of 4 round trip airline vouchers

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–-

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=2142&subcid=6484#cid=2142#sid=70#vid=763 – offers unknown/4 Six Flags theme park passes

http://bookedoffers.com/G/landing?campaignId=2622&subcid=1717#cid=2622#sid=70#vid=1186 – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 check

producttestpanel–

http://flatpanelrewards.com/samsung3d/?lid=samsung3d_5616_EP1&add_offerid=31382956&addomain=rscounter10.com&addomain_id=66 – offers unknown/46″ 1080px, Samsung 3D LED HDTV deal + misc gifts.

http://producttestpanel.com/vizio52/?lid=vizio52_13156_79207002xXx1057xXx7&add_offerid=2934133&nopop=1&addomain=ileadsoffers.com&addomain_id=6 – offers unknown/52″ 1080px, Vizio LCD HDTV deal + misc. gifts

http://laptoprewardszone.com/hpenvy/?lid=hpenvy_5616_EP1&add_offerid=588892&addomain=rscounter10.com&addomain_id=66 – offers unknown/HP Envy 15 laptop + misc. gifts

http://myfreetrip.com/vegas/?lid=::add-6392_vegas_&add_offerid=9531413&addomain=grz67.com&addomain_id=2 – offers unknown,/$2,000.00 Las Vegas trip deal + misc. gifts

http://www.giftcertificatedelivery.com/form/iframe/10885/5604/?&ref=10885 – offers unknown/Dyson ball vacuum cleaner, and Hoover steam cleaner deal + misc. gifts

I’m sorry this was so serious, but it’s only right you all are abreast of the latest developments. I am mad at myself, and am disappointed at the situation but it is what it is. Can’t undo what’s been done, must move forward. Hopefully some sort of response from RewardStream comes our way. I should be able to determine their legitimacy at that point. On a positive note, I started a ConsumerGain site last week, and all but one offer has credited! So yeah, that’s exciting. I’ll concentrate on that while I wait, lol. Anyway, I hope this finds you all well, and if I haven’t answered your e-mails, don’t despair. Woz is pretty backed up, but will respond as soon as possible.

Take care of yourselves,

wozniack

Welcome to the DIYfreebies anniversary party! Follow the red carpet to the gala where tonight’s exciting announcements, and discussions will take place. Sneak peek: A new network on the horizon is proven legit; Andrew Day sheds light on absoluterewards domains; I-Deal and ConsumerGain proof pictures, summer link list and more! Try the hors d’oeuvres, then hurry to your tables for the main course. There’s a lot to be served…

Hello. *taps microphone* Testing one, two… Ah, there we go. Tonight’s assemblage is to celebrate this blog, and to retrospect to our stand-out moments. The most unforgettable moment for me is launching my first official investigation: Popular Media LLC’s chronicle exposed, Part 1. Nuitech on the rise, ARG’s last overture, new links… No connection was ever made between PopularMedia, LLC. and RewardStream, Inc., but it made me an adept investigator. Constant research, examinations, and comparisons uncomplicated the variances in my findings. As for my annual favourite: Labor Day of love with RewardStream, Inc. and Rich Simons, Harpo Studios shock FWM Labs with stiff suit, Acquisis gifts, Nuitech + I-Deal links… It was my best work between June 2009-June 2010, IMO. The task of selecting an especial entry is increasingly difficult every time. More favs include the “New year of freebies…” post from January, and “Springtime sizzles…” from April. The annual highlights: Ferreting out the facts on new networks, and tying the Big-Brand Giveaway domains to Acquisis. Then, blazoning InPhonic’s rebate scam that was left under the rug for too long.

I’m privileged to still be writing. It truly is rewarding helping those who cannot tackle this hailstorm alone. So much corruption, and whitewashing from depraved companies sickens me. When will it end? Probably never. We live in a sinful world, and where there’s money, there’s evil. This is our refuge, far far away from the injustices that ravage the industry, and leave us hopeless. Under this roof, we are united. Home is where the blog is. *w*

The company that manages the ever-so-popular rewardscenter.net domains paid two members; a man who shared his roommate’s experience with rewardcenter.net, and someone I questioned on Twitter. With my proof, I can aver that Channel Clarity are legitimate. I’m providing screen shots to validate these claims, and I’ll type up their requirements.

Click to enlarge screen shots.

My response,

“Hi,

I have searched endlessly for someone to say if they’ve gotten anything from a rewardscenter site. I actually know a lot about the company behind these sites, but wasn’t sure if they ran a legitimate gift program. Congrats to your friend, and yes, please do report your progress as well.

Thanks for sharing!

wozniack”

source: http://prop-w-a-mtc02.evip.aol.com/story/2010/04/21/free-ipad-i-thought-this-was-a-scam-but-i-guess-not/

My question to sprink28141:

Their answer:

I’m eagerly awaiting socjojo808′s response. I hope their experience was as smooth as their chum Scotty’s was. With the plight the Canadian company members have shown us–and the ignominious scam pulled by yours truly, David Steinberg–an uplifting story is what we needed. This is refreshing. Bring us more of these… sprink28141 was a member who received payment from Channel Clarity. I wasn’t bargaining on an answer from a spammer until I read their tweet. It said, “Yes, but you have to sign up for other offers. Great deal if you want other offers.” “Yes” sold me. Offers are part of it, but knowing they pay counts. Next, we’ll get conversant with their terms. I’m e-mailing them with a few questions about their gift program. The most pressing question is, “How many sites can I do?” Some are 1-2 per lifetime, whereas others are limitless depending on the DBA and/or gift site. I’ll find out…

Channel Clarity– All offers must be completed within 60 days, and the rest of the program requirements must be satisfied within 180 days of your sign up date. You must not cancel your participation in more than two trial offers within 30 days of your trial offer initial transaction date. To remain eligible, you must use the same personal contact information that you provided during registration when making purchases. You may be required to provide receipt copies, order confirmations and other relevant documents to verify your transactions with sponsors and failure to produce these documents when requested may result in you not receiving credit for that trial offer. Additionally, they reserve the right to request proof of identity such as a copy of your driver’s license/state I.D., passport or other government issued identification. Once all requirements are fulfilled, your account will be updated accordingly and you will receive a gift redemption voucher to print, complete and mail for your reward. Upon receipt of your documentation and gift voucher, it will take 6 to 8 weeks for shipment.

Does this look familiar? It certainly does to me! I don’t think Channel Clarity are Nuitech, they just copied their terms. It’s interesting to note the similarities anyhow. They even give definitions at the bottom, lol. See below.

Channel Clarity’s T&C:

policy url: http://www.rewardscenter.net/privacy.php

Nuitech’s T&C:

policy url: http://onlinerewardcenter.com/info.htm?tp=privacy&promo_name=2507name&catalog_id=13681&gift=71

Regardless, I am thrilled about Channel Clarity. No negative reports, only proofs of payment. Brock Flagstad and co are stand-up ladies and gents. Not that that means anything, but you feel better hearing someone’s good rapport with their clients. Like Mr. Flagstad, I felt the same about David Steinberg, and that his annals were flawless. However, my suspicions took hold as I dug deeper into the ground, pulling up deception by the roots. Then I put two and two together and it all made sense! Although I like Brock Flagstad, I don’t trust anyone in this business. The publishers responsible for the interviews and articles, which extol these CEOs and Presidents, cannot be aware of their artifice, if any exists. Would they honestly be so leery of their interviewees or subject matter that they would investigate? I doubt it. That’s exactly the problem, because I fell for it and I’m sure others who read meritorious deeds of Mr. Steinberg will as well. The lines of morality and wrongdoing are asymmetrical, and I wish it weren’t like that. Paint a pretty picture for those who use rectitude of judgment.

I don’t believe for one second that the rebate program was a deteriorating undertaking; it was a premeditated, mismanaged operation that was out of control, and I’m sorry to those that went unrewarded. I just wish an equal amount of bad press was publicized on the evil-eyed hawks in the sky. As you can see, this is something I am very sensitive about. Unevenness rubs me wrong, but it’s really no ones fault if a person’s actions are undetected. I’m not blaming the authors at all. Just how the evildoer spreads his wings and flies away after the destruction, then gets crowned for it. That’s how it happens in the end, unfortunately.

While on the subject of uneven morality and wrongdoing, there is progress on the Canadian company. Word is spreading, and more members are limning their experiences in great detail. It’s sad to see so many cheerless posts. One said he would complain in a group effort to take them down, which is what I’m pushing. A convergence of everyone involved will strengthen our attack on them. Whoever is behind this needs to be stopped. Since May’s entry, I have contacted the media pundits in power and searched day-and-night for more victims. My plan is going as it should, and hopefully our trap catches them in no time. I’m proud of our progress so far, and everybody’s determination to bring them down. This is what I call a group effort! One of my greatest fears with these “investigations” is finding nothing out. At least we’re working toward a common goal, and we unveiled Channel Clarity’s legitimacy. Finding info on Redsail Media has been tough, but I’m more confident than I have been in months. I’ll find them out eventually.

On the subject of progression, Andrew Day of Day Online Solutions instructed me to remove his address via e-mail. I promptly did so, and explained that it was posted for site comparisons. You know how we always compare the terms of one site to another? Well, addresses are a big part of the process. We settled the matter, and Mr. Day kindly unraveled the mystery behind those absoluterewards domains.

Since he explained it better than I ever will, here is his reply:

“The offers are safe, but they are just surveys, thats it. There are no longer “rewards” or anything you can receive from doing our surveys. There are offers within the middle of our surveys, but those are third-party surveys that have nothing to do with us if someone were to register/buy/signup to something.

Yes I remember Brandarama (Active Response Group), and lost a lot with them as I was promoting their offers on my network.

We do run a legitimate GPT (get paid to) site called PrizeLive.com if you’d like to check that out / post about it.

No worries about the address, and thanks for removing it.

Andrew”

There you have it. Straight from the source. At the sight of the pin number and survey bafflement, we all knew there weren’t rewards. But this confirms there are none, so we can move on. I encourage anyone looking to do a GPT site to check out PrizeLive.com. They do pay. Thank you, Mr. Day, for clearing things up, and I’m personally sorry about your Brandarama experience!

Another big moment of the night…

A message from ARG insider,

“FYI: Word on the street is that Caivis and Atrinsic are both shutting down their Promotional Lead-Generation (Freebie Site) divisions. Caivis laid off a few people not too long ago and rumor has it more layoffs may be on the way. On Tuesday (5/25) Atrinsic laid off basically every person in their Lead-Gen division (~30 people in their Canadian office and ~20 in their New York office.) You heard it here first.”

Good to know. Thank you, ARG insider. You are our news reporter, lol. *w* How many more layoffs have there been? And exactly when is Caivis’ lead-generation division shutting down for good? Is there a set date? Sorry for the onslaught of questions, this is just so interesting to me!

It had been 7 months since I completed a freebie site, so imagine my excitement when I met my rewards! Thank goodness someone signed for my Visa. I wasn’t there when it came. It was a $500.00 Visa from I-Deal.

Next is my $400.00 check from ConsumerGain.

I-Deal are sending me a $250.00 bonus. I hope it comes because an 8 offer, $750.00 deal is pretty sweet. Especially with the scarcity of non-referral sites.

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

http://www.grandsavingscenter.com/?config=6989&src=WC-87054aaa:241212: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Target gc

Member Media Source (ConsumerGain)–

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=2106&subcid=1717#cid=2106#sid=70#vid=877 – offers unknown/$500.00 check

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=2302&subcid=CD226#cid=2302#sid=105#vid=817 – offers unknown/$500.00 check

http://giftsonus.net/G/landing?campaignId=2336&subcid=CD226#cid=2336#sid=105#vid=832 – offers unknown/$500.00 check

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=2104&subcid=1717-#cid=2104#sid=70#vid=858 – offers unknown/$500.00 check

Channel Clarity–

http://www.rewardscenter.net/index.php?foid=9&rid=14329&rsid=46132 – 12 offers, no refs/Apple iPad Not the best deal, but I added it here anyway. It was 8 offers when I signed up.

http://www.rewardscenter.net/?foid=5&aID – 8 offers, no refs/$250.00 supermarket gc of your choice

Acquisis–

(Big-Brand Giveaway)–

http://www.bigbrandgiveaway.com/?proid=13011499&gotoid=1848&parid=82&camid=2264&creid=7669&subid=&email= – offers unknown/$500.00 check

(TopRewardsNow)–

http://www.toprewardsnow.com/?proid=13011490&gotoid=1801&parid=82&camid=2132&creid=7379&subid=&email= – offers unknown/$1,500.00 check

producttestpanel–

http://getyourgolfclubs.com/taylormade/?lid=::add-6392_taylormade_CD226&add_offerid=2886267&addomain=avcounter10.com&addomain_id=67 – offers unknown/$500.00 Visa + misc. gifts

http://chooseyourcolor.com/hpmini/?lid=::add-6392_hpmini_&add_offerid=7792769&addomain=grz67.com&addomain_id=2 – offers unknown/HP Mini 5101 Netbook laptop + misc. gifts

This concludes tonight’s celebration. I had a great time, and I’m hoping you did too. You’ll be happy to know that I renewed the web host, so DIYfreebies.com survives another year. So much to rejoice about! My focus now is Redsail Media, and scouting out more sites for us. Things will get better eventually. It takes time to cross the river. Thanks to all my readers for supporting this blog, and I will see you again next month…

Bye for now,

wozniack

This will be our official company and address list for all DIY networks. I decided to put them together so all the content is on one page. As networks grow, so will our list. Our list will be amended to reflect the changes, then bumped to the top of this blog. I will also bold the new company and/or address with the word “new” in asterisks to indicate the change, and it will remain bolded until the time of the next update. Each company is identified by it’s network name, and they all have write ups so you can learn about them.

If you have any suggestions for this list, let me know. Your input is valued.

Thanks,

wozniack

*DIY companies*

I-Deal Industries, Inc. = I-Deal.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=6

Active Response Group, Inc. = Brandarama. Out of business.

Write up and the rise and fall of their empire: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?m=200904

Caivis, Inc. = Sterling Interactive Marketing. After the acquisition of Brandarama’s assets, they are now running a gift program.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=607

Leadmark Advertising, Inc. = Nuitech.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?m=200810

Netblue, Inc. = YourFree Direct (YFD)/Netblue. Netblue, Inc. was acquired by Connexus Corporation in July 2006.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=12

Subscriberbase Holdings, Inc. = producttestpanel (PTP).

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=34

Adteractive, Inc. = Adteractive.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=10

GCNP Media, LLC. and Acquisis, LLC. = Acquisis; they’re also recognized by their Big-Brand Giveaway domains.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=1486

^– I never did a formal write up on them, but here is some info…

Member Source Media, LLC. = Member Source Media (aka, ConsumerGain). ConsumerGain is just a domain name, but people seem to remember them by that, so that’s what we are calling them.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=1245

High Altitude Marketing, LLC. = musthavefreegifts.

Write up:http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=12

Consumers Reward Solutions = Consumers Reward Solutions (CRS). A Canadian network that is known for it’s generic, “knock-off” sites.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=377

PopularMedia LLC. = PopularMedia.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=151

PRIMIS Marketing Group = RedSail Media. A subsidiary of PRIMIS Marketing Group.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=1869

Day Online Solutions, LLC. = Day Online Solutions.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=1869

Channel Clarity, Inc. = Channel Clarity. They’re recognized by their rewardscenter.net domains.

Write up: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=2640

*DIY company addresses*

I-Deal–

P.O. Box 5225
Harrisburg, PA 17110

4001 Kennett Pike, Suite 134, #527
Greenville, DE 19807-2000

1735 Market Street, Suite A, PMB 429
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7588

40 East Main Street, #333
Newark, DE 19711-4639

P.O. Box 70
Camp Hill, PA 17001-0070

950 Walnut Bottom Rd. 15-212
Carlisle, PA 17013

Active Response Group, Inc.–

939 Pearl St. STE #210
Boulder, Colorado 80302

100 Arapahoe Dr.
Boulder, CO 80302

13 S Tejon St,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

104 West 27th Street
Suite 200
New York, NY 10001

Caivis, Inc.–

105 E. 34th Street Ste 144
New York, NY 10016

Leadmark Advertising, Inc.–

13762 W. SR. 84, Suite 612
Davie, FL 33325

318 Indian Trace #249
Weston, FL 33326

Netblue, Inc.–

303 Bryant St 3rd Flr
Mountain View, CA 94041-1253

530 Showers Drive, Ste. 7141
Mountain View, CA 94040-1457

P.O. Box 390520
Mountain View, CA 94039-0520

P.O. Box 212
Noonan, ND 58765

Subscriberbase Holdings, Inc.–

3830 Forest Drive, St 207
Columbia, SC 29204

Adteractive, Inc.–

350 Sansome Street 9th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

South 303 2nd St Ste 375
San Francisco, CA 94107-1373

P.O. Box 77208
San Francisco, CA 94107

Acquisis, LLC.–

14525 SW Milikan Way Suite 21170
Beaverton, OR 97005

8391 Beverly Blvd #273
Los Angeles, CA 90048

711 S. Carson St., Suite 4
Carson City NV 89701

ECM# 51602
P.O. Box 37635
Philadelphia, PA 19101-0635

6399 Wilshire Blvd PH7
Los Angeles, CA 90069

4064 N. Lincoln #107
Chicago, ILLINOIS 60618

Member Source Media, LLC.–

650 5TH Street Suite 311
San Francisco, California 94107

204 2nd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401-3963

126 West Fir Street
San Diego, CA 92101

4723 63rd St.
San Diego, CA 92115

5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182

High Altitude Marketing, LLC.–

8601 West Cross Drive F5 PMB #129
Littleton, Colorado 80123

7596 W. Jewell Ave Suite 103
Lakewood, Colorado 80232

Consumers Reward Solutions–

1917 West 4th Avenue Suite 279
Vancouver, BC V6J-1M7

101-1001 W Broadway Suite 765
Vancouver, BC V6H-4E4

7B-871 Victoria Street North Suite #105
Kitchener Ontario,N2B 3S4 CA

PopularMedia LLC.–

2440 16th Street PMB #210
San Francisco, CA 94103-4211

1550 Bryant Street Suite 925
San Francisco, CA 94103

PRIMIS Marketing Group–

304 Main Ave, Suite 351
Norwalk, CT 06851

399 Main Ave, Suite 118
Norwalk, CT 06851

Day Online Solutions, LLC.–

P.O. Box 48
Sellersburg, Indiana 47172-0048

P.O. Box 70262
Louisville, Kentucky 40270-0262

Channel Clarity, Inc.–

215 W. Ohio St.
3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60654

221 N Lasalle St. Ste 1612
Chicago, IL 60601-1428

1720 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Hello again. The last time we talked about the Canadian company was during the investigation on them and PopularMedia. The need to expose their bunco is too dire to wait until June. We will also discuss Acquisis, and my findings on rewardscenter.net. Read on…

In case you missed our Canadian company discussions, read these entries: www.diyfreebies.com/?m=200904 – www.diyfreebies.com/?m=200909 – www.diyfreebies.com/?p=607

Everybody else, please continue… A member of A4F sent me a heads up on the Canadian company’s latest scam. Two more were stung by the queen bee with the assistance of the others in the colony. More than honey was in their hive! Flashy sites and radio ads facilitated the process of reeling people in, but perhaps their main objective was to scam. Think about it. Who has reported payment by them so far? No one. Instead, I have spoken confidentially with their victims, who narrated their horror stories. The Canadian company led members down an ant trail of deceit, and are happily marching along.

Posts made by the two short-changed members:

“Posted by Tmsec05 2 months ago

Direct survey solutions i stayed up all night and morning answering survey questions and filled out all regis. Forms complete and honestly and provided them with 24 verifications for all my rewards and spec. Offers; and they told me that i needed to subscribe to and verify 13 more offers. They said that they could only verify 3 comp. Offers, after, i sent them all my info. I am really ticked off. I’ve asked them several times to send me a fax number, so that i could fax them my verifications. They did not, nor, would they call. I can find out nothing about them. I honestly earned the rewards and gift certificates; but, i know that they will never pay me what i earned. I believe this company is a fraud or scam and never intend to pay anyone. It really makes me angry that they post various rewards and then say that you didn’t earn them or they can’t verify your completion of offers. Someone needs to come down on them. I was so excited about my earnings and i planned to take my gift cards and use it to pay bills with. Has anyone else experienced this type of fraudulent activity?? They only intend to get personal opinions and info. I’m just so upset that they get away with something like this. Thanks for your input. Now i don’t want anything to do with surveys.

Mary k. Of fairfax, va”

“Posted by crazycatlady417 19 days ago

Don’t feel bad, I fell for it too. Same company. Mine was for a $1000. Walmart gift card. I completed 13 offers exactly as they stated. I have even saved all of the EULA’s and “Gift Rules” that they had published. They even responded to 2 of my emails, but I do not expect to hear from them again or ever receive the gift card. I knew I was taking a risk when I did it, but it is still disappointing and frustrating.”

source: http://yedda.com/questions/crime_news_events_862208952183897/

See how scammers kill the industry? They don’t stop to think how their unlawful affairs ruin it for all the ballplayers. Legitimate companies miss out since the members lose all their faith in this business, then it spreads word-of-mouth. Once people are warned of their crookedness they won’t touch them. When I saw, “Now i don’t want anything to do with surveys” by this person, I was impelled to take a stand. The Canadian company stuffs money in a vault while their members get chiseled. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? The forgathering of the posters and myself will allow us to ventilate our grievances with this company. It’ll give us a chance to hatch a plan of attack on their evil strategy. So we can congregate, I am posting on the complaint page. The topic starter posted 2 months ago, however, the last person posted 20 days ago. Under a month. Hopefully they see it… I’d like to go straight to ABC News, or any other media outlet; whoever lends an ear needs to know there are reputable companies out there. I wouldn’t want people to think otherwise after reporting on the Canadian company, you know? My message to the Canadian company: Pull out the crystal ball, shake it a bit, and tell yourselves to close shop. It would benefit us all.

Speaking of scammers, let’s hop on down to Acquisis. For over a year, many members were not paid by sites connected to The Reward Depot, which are Acquisis. They are now seen as another Brandarama.

Quoting a DIYfreebies commenter, “I think that any company actively avoiding legal service and ignoring inquiries by the state Attorney General’s office is up to no good. They are also behind on their state business fees, and Evanston, IL–where their UPS Store addresses are–has no idea who they are so that means they never properly registered as a business and are probably not paying taxes.

It doesn’t matter what they did two years ago. They haven’t paid anyone in over 12 months now.”

I can’t argue about their negligence. The commenter was right. My take is if they pay pursuers of the Big-Brand sites, then funds are available to those who satisfied every step of the gift program with The Reward Depot. I recommended Big-Brand sites because I didn’t want to cut anyone out of a deal since they’re still paying on them.

A member e-mailed me last week. He gave me permission to post this.

“btw i just got paid by big brand giveaway. i did their amazon kindle site (lol) and i received a $300 check for 4 offers. the domain was electronics-galore.”

What to do in this situation? I just gave proof of payment, yet they owe others money! All I will say is proceed with caution. Yes, they’re paying on numerous sites. Remember though, this is how it began with The Reward Depot. Things were looking great, everyone was happy. Checks flew down the chute, onto the conveyor belt, and out the swinging door– until the factory wheels ground to a halt. No matter how well it functions, it can conk out. My intent isn’t to discourage, but we must be cautious. The last thing we need are more Brandaramas, and I think we’re sick of those!

I hold the keys to rewardcenter.net’s building. Finally, they’re about to be revealed along with comparison shots and addresses. Please commit their incorporated name to memory below.

Channel Clarity, Inc. is a lead generation and internet marketing outfit based out of Chicago, IL. President, Brock Flagstad, started up the indomitable corporation in 2003. Their core capabilities include lead generation, online traffic management, conversion optimization, and remarketing. In 2008, he appointed his wife, Meredith Jones Flagstad, Vice President, and his brother, Ryan Flagstad, Account Manager of Channel Clarity. Flagstad also is President of Incite Sales, Inc., a trucking broker serving the greater Chicago area. He graduated from Miami University in 1999.

I connected the dots to link the rewardscenter.net domains to Channel Clarity, Inc. Policy similarities, and addresses link together. Notice how the copyright on both layouts is positioned in the lower left-hand corner? This is like a “spot the differences” children’s game except there aren’t any, lol.

Channel Clarity addresses:

215 W. Ohio St.
3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60654

221 N Lasalle St. Ste 1612
Chicago, IL 60601-1428

1720 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

rewardscenter.net gift site policy:

layout:

gift page: www.rewardscenter.net

Channel Clarity sweepstakes site policy:

layout:

sweepstakes page: www.dailygoldenticket.com

Forget the law firm. They exited before Channel Clarity arrived. It jibes since their phone and fax lines were dead. So now the evidence has been laid out, do they pay? Well, my investigative work led me to social networking sites. I tweeted two people on Twitter who touted their gifts. No responses from anyone, but this line from this particular guy intrigued me, “Hurry and get yourself a free iPad like me.” That implies they received a gift. However, it may just be someone spamming to earn money off Twitter. I’m familiar with Twitter, and users spam to earn cash.

My Twitter if anyone wants it: http://twitter.com/DIYfreebies

Look at April’s increase. Most of the traffic probably came from me, lmao…

Anyway, this is a start. We’re further along than we were a month ago! I’m excited, honestly. So much happening before our very eyes, and we’re progressing. All we need to know is if Redsail Media and Channel Clarity are legit. Day Online Solutions, just leave them be. No check status page, and no mode of communication. Not a good sign.

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–

Nuitech–

::will try to add some here for you guys::

In my last entry, I couldn’t wait to share my rare I-Deal links because I know how much you guys wanted them. I hope you’re enjoying the links, and I will try to find more. My mission is to help those poor people the Canadian company scammed. I’ll tend to that while planning our anniversary blog. It’s dated June 16th, and you’re all VIP guests! You will have your own tables and champagne. And that’s not all– wait until the big show! Don’t forget to wear a tux, or formal (dress).*wink*

I’m over and out…

wozniack

Hi everyone! May will leave you thunderstuck with a tornadic supercell of damaging winds bringing you the infamous InPhonic rebate scam; the owner of Day Online Solutions is discovered, but can we trust absoluterewards? ConsumerGain requirements updated; new non-referral I-Deal links, and more! Let’s go, we’re gonna get wet…

It’s time to share my findings on InPhonic, David Steinberg’s former cell phone service. When insidious plans are suspect, the inner workings of a company are fully examined. Normally I act alone while investigating, however, I canvassed the indirect dealings of a rebate program with someone who granted me with their wealth of knowledge. Both of us, and a personal friend, knew something wasn’t right. You will see history repeat itself during my exposition, and you’ll read complaints from InPhonic’s customers. If 70 pages of remonstrance doesn’t speak volumes, then what will? Sources for this crucial information will be posted for all to see. Please read on…

Part 1. The rumble and shake of a faltering enterprise

“InPhonic, a business that sells wireless phones and service plans to customers throughout the country, has settled with the District of Columbia attorney general after thousands of complaints from consumers spurred the office to take action.

InPhonic sells popular phones and wireless services, such as Verizon Wireless, Cingular, T-Mobile and Sprint through its retail websites, Liberty Wireless and Firefly. The websites sell the merchandise at unusually low prices by offering large rebates.

The catch is that the rebate terms and conditions are confusing and even when they are met, many consumers say they still never receive those rebates.

ConsumerAffairs.com has received 165 complaints from consumers who thought they found excellent deals from InPhonic.

“I purchased a LG 5225 phone through www.libertywireless.com with the offer of a $100 rebate,” Henry of Providence, R.I. wrote.

“I mailed the rebate form within 120 days of activation and my liberty wireless account remained current and active for 180 days since activation. I fulfilled all the obligations of the rebate contract. The activation date was 9/15/05 and the rebate form was mailed within the month of September. The rebate was promised within 4-6 weeks after 180 days of activation. Despite numerous inquiries, I still have not received the check as of now (9/21/06),” he said.

With 3,922 complaints logged against the company through the Better Business Bureau and the D.C attorney general’s office, D.C. sued InPhonic in June 2006. Last week, the acting attorney general, Linda Singer, settled with the company.

Under the terms of the settlement, InPhonic must pay $100,000 to the District and make restitution to about 9,000 customers nationwide.

Two categories of consumers will be eligible for restitution payments:

(1) those who complained to either a government agency or a Better Business Bureau (“BBB”), anywhere in the United States, by February 15, 2007;

(2) those whose rebates were denied by InPhonic for any of the following four reasons — the consumer failed to provide the “Guide to Wireless Service”; the consumer failed to provide a carrier invoice with a bill date or failed to provide an order number on their rebate submission; or the consumer’s rebate submission was missing customer information.

There’s no word yet on what the restitution exactly is because Singer’s office is still gathering complaints, Traci Hughes, Singer’s spokeswoman said.

Consumers who meet the above criteria can call Singer’s complaint hotline in the next five months to add their names to the list of people who can receive restitution. That number is: (202) 442-9828 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (202) 442-9828      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

InPhonic published a two paragraph press release in response to the settlement in which David Steinberg, the company’s chairman and CEO says:

“We are pleased to put this matter behind us. We have had a great working dialogue with the Attorney General’s Office, and we thank the Attorney General and her staff for their fairness and cooperation in closing this matter. InPhonic has made several enhancements to our customer experience and we continue to improve communication relating to the rebate process. Over the last year, InPhonic has engaged a new third-party rebate provider, significantly expanded our rebate customer service team internally and improved our rebate processes to ensure a positive experience for our customers.”

There are no specifics on the “enhancements” Steinberg refers to and Inphonic did not return three phone calls from ConsumerAffairs.com seeking clarification.”

source: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/inphonic_settlement.html#ixzz0n5owQjLL

When reading Steinberg’s press release, it felt like he had to say that to save his company’s reputation. So I decided to dig deeper into this, and my oh my the discoveries I made. It appears Elvis left the building…

“InPhonic Inc.’s chief executive, David Steinberg, is stepping aside to let President Andy Zeinfeld take the reins.

Zeinfeld, who has been with the company since April 2006 after 28 years at RadioShack Corp., will take the helm Oct. 1. Founder Steinberg will continue to chair the board and advise the D.C.-based company on its strategies.

Steinberg’s resignation as chief executive comes amid other changes, including a new CFO and an agreement with D.C.-based Web-based mobile phone shop Wirefly, as InPhonic tries to reverse its losses.

In its most recent earnings statement, InPhonic said it lost $41 million in the second quarter ended June 30, compared with $9 million in the year-ago quarter. Second-quarter revenue dropped to $79 million from $92 million a year ago.

The company’s new strategy includes teaming up with Miami-based Brightstar Corp.

InPhonic sold its distribution and inventory assets to Brightstar, which will be InPhonic’s exclusive provider of wireless handsets, SIM cards and accessories. InPhonic will exclusively activate accounts online for Brightstar’s existing consumer businesses.

Brightstar, which has 11,000 points of sale in the U.S., spent $5 million on 925,000 restricted shares of InPhonic.

The companies expect to complete the deal Sept. 30.

In July, InPhonic hired Kenneth Schwarz as its new CFO. He previously worked for Chantilly-based Intersections Inc.

InPhonic (NASDAQ: INPC) restated its earnings for the first, second and third quarters of 2006, cutting $15.6 million from sales for the three quarters.”

source: http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2007/09/24/daily5.html?ana=from_rss

Now you’re thinking, “What’s wrong with that? He settled, and all is well in the world.” Him stepping down isn’t a problem, it’s the timing that is. Too perfect that he resigns 3 months prior to a SECOND rebate scam by yours truly, InPhonic. I liken it to an ex convict fleeing to Mexico. Why run unless you’re guilty? In December of 2007, InPhonic dodges monies owed to consumers by going bankrupt. The full story…

Part 2. InPhonic is no longer sovereign in the land of cell phones after losing it’s king ruler

“InPhonic, a reseller of wireless services based in the District, may be leaving some of its customers out in the cold for a second time.

The company’s sale to a Philadelphia private-equity firm and its bankruptcy filing mean that it is less likely to repay hundreds of customers under a settlement with the D.C. attorney general’s office over allegations of deceptive rebate practices.

The sale and bankruptcy filing also call into question the fate of a class-action lawsuit against the company over the same rebate practices. The lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

“The company has decided to use the bankruptcy laws to avoid paying back the consumers it scammed,” said Harvey Rosenfield, a lawyer with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Los Angeles and who is involved in the class-action lawsuit.

InPhonic spokesman Tripp Donnelly said he would not comment on the class-action suit or the settlement with the attorney general’s office because the matters are pending in court.

InPhonic sells cellphones made by Motorola, Samsung Electronics and other major companies, as well as wireless plans from carriers including Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless and T-Mobile USA, through several Web sites. David Steinberg started the company out of his Bethesda home in 1999 and attracted the support of venture capitalists such as former Apple chief executive John Sculley. Steinberg stepped aside in October and was replaced by former Radio Shack executive Andy Zeinfeld.

The company’s troubles date to last year, when at least four class-action lawsuits were filed in three states against the company over its rebate practices. The cases were consolidated and are before U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle.

Next in line to sue InPhonic was the D.C. attorney general’s office, acting in response to more than 2,000 consumer complaints filed against InPhonic with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau.

The office accused the company of making it “difficult or impossible” for customers to obtain rebates and of not fully disclosing its rebate policies. For example, the company told customers who wanted rebates to submit a cellphone bill that was at least 120 days old as proof that they had made payments. But the papers had to be postmarked within 120 days of when the service began. When customers called InPhonic to complain, the company wasn’t responsive.

InPhonic settled with the D.C. attorney general in November 2006 and agreed to change its advertising and to pay customers who should have gotten rebates. At the time, Donnelly said the company was reducing its reliance on rebates.

The restitution program was only half complete when the company filed for bankruptcy protection last month, according to Bennett Rushkoff, chief of the consumer and trade protection section of the attorney general’s office.

In April, the Federal Trade Commission ordered InPhonic to pay customers it owed rebates and to fully disclose the terms of rebates. Matthew Gold, a lawyer in the FTC’s San Francisco office, said the order is not affected by the bankruptcy filing because the company had to comply within 75 days.

Also in April, InPhonic announced that it would restate its earnings for two quarters in 2006, increasing its loss for the year by $5 million to $7 million and bringing the total loss to $17 million. Company officials blamed inexperienced accounting staff for incorrectly reporting revenue from wireless carriers.

In October, InPhonic put itself up for sale and quickly found a buyer, Versa Capital Management, a private-equity firm in Philadelphia. To help the deal go forward, InPhonic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Nov. 8. in Delaware. It listed assets of $120.9 million and debt of $179.4 million. The sale to Versa was approved by the bankruptcy court Dec. 18.

“Rebate claims are among the many items still to be adjudicated in the ongoing bankruptcy process of the old company, none of which are related to the new company,” a spokesman for Versa said. “The new company has not and will not engage in any of the rebate programs which were at issue for InPhonic.”

As for the restitution program set up by the D.C. attorney general’s office, Thomas Califano, a lawyer with DLA Piper who was involved in the sale, said the District will have to file a claim with the bankruptcy court.

Since InPhonic filed for Chapter 11, Rushkoff said, he has not been optimistic about salvaging the restitution program. Now that the sale has been approved, he said, he may look into restarting it.

InPhonic is also expected to try to get out of the class-action lawsuit. But lawyers representing customers want to continue the case and expand it to include Steinberg and other former executives who they allege made millions off the deceptive rebate practices.

“We want them to know we’re coming for them,” said Kevin Roddy, a lead lawyer in the class-action suit.

A few unhappy customers have decided to skip the lawyers and sign up as creditors themselves.

Daniel Vanderpriem of Rancho Mirage, Calif., filed a claim for $50 for one of two rebates that he never obtained after he bought a cellphone in February. The phone was supposed to be free if he mailed in rebate forms. He sent in the necessary paperwork twice, but the rebates never came.

In September, InPhonic sent him one rebate. It was postmarked the day after he called to tell the company’s legal office that he had filed a complaint with California Attorney General Jerry Brown. The experience “has taught me never to buy anything else with a rebate,” Vanderpriem said.”

Part 3. A reflection on the ruins of InPhonic, and a word of warning

Geez, he pulled a Brandarama before purchasing the assets! This should be taken as a warning for those who have given thought to Caivis as their gift program functions as a “cash back certificate”, aka rebate program. If the same guy behind these operations has a full-fledged gift program, then flee! I’m sure Steinberg can give you lovely hotel recommendations for Mexico as well. j.k Jokes aside, this shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s fraud.

Not sure what’s more sickening… Reading everything above, or this paragraph:

“Each February, Inphonic CEO David A. Steinberg holds a poker party for his top executives at Washington, D.C.’s Historic George Town Club. As a reward for their long hours, his executives are treated to scotch and cigars as they bluff and bet with members of InPhonic’s A-list board of directors — top venture capitalists, famous politicians, and John Sculley, the well-known former CEO of Apple and Pepsi. The tradition feels bigtime and established, the kind of ritual befitting a company that keeps stern oil paintings of past CEOs in its wood-paneled boardroom.”

source: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20050301/great-persuader.html

So that went on during the scam? Poker parties, and cigars?! I’m disgusted.

This protest from consumers is from the first scam, but you get a feel of what it was like the second go-around.

“I would like to join yours or any other class action. I submitted my rebate as directed (August ’05). Then I got a message that they lost all my materials and I would need to resubmit all new originals (new originals?). I sent this to my States Attorney who said they moved to Arizona, so it was forwarded, now I get another note that they are now in Washington DC and cannot be pursued. What gives?”

“Sent 4 rebate forms for 2 phones. Didn’t respond for 2 forms and rejected the other 2 claiming it was illegible and was post marked late. This is nothing but a scam. Wish I had seen these posts earlier. Never do business with these guys.”

“My story is a lot like those in some of the other posts. I read the fine print. I followed Imphonic’s rules to a “T.” The company has responded by posting on its “rebatestatus.com” page that I failed to submit a valid copy of the sales receipt, a valid copy of the barcode, and that the bill was not paid in full. This is odd to me because I’ve now mailed in both the original barcode and a copy of it, and the original sales receipt and a copy of it. I have also submitted evidence that my bill is (and has always been) paid in full. I’ve been at this for two months now and I’m starting to get the sinking feeling that the company is stonewalling its customers instead of honoring its promises.
What’s even more worrisome is that the company does not provide a phone number anywhere on its website or correspondence, so there is no possibility of discussing the matter with an actual person. They have not responded to my requests for an email or phone call that would provide additional information about what information they need or what form they need it in.
This lack of responsiveness has reenforced my impression that the company has no interest in honoring its rebates or communicating with its customers to rectify processing problems.
I am in a PhD program, so $200 is a big hit for me. I would have prefered to know up front that the phone cost $200 than to have now spent several hours trying to get a rebate that the company apparently has no intention of honoring.”

“This is their typical business process. I had the same experience and they owe me $ 675.00 Beware of such CHEATS!”

“lah1326,

The person to whom you responded is an obvious idiot (more than likely an employee or affiliated in some way with Wirefly and its parent company, InPhonic.

Trust me, InPhonic and Wirefly are in no way losing money with rebates. The more rebates they deny, the more EXTRA money goes into their pockets. They offer the rebates to LURE you in, then they use any excuse they can come up with to deny it. The other trick is that when they offer those rebates, they are fully counting on most people either forgetting or just not bothering to send in the rebates (again, EXTRA money in their pockets). They are not losing a single dime because the phone carriers pay them a very hefty premium to sign you up.

Otherwise, as a victim myself, please file a “report” with “ripoffreport.com.” Do it right away and as though this is the first time you’ve posted anything about IhPhonic/Wirefly. I can’t tell you why time is of the essence right now, but I should be able to do so within a week or so. In the meantime, go to that site and just describe what and when this all happened, how much you lost, etc.

When I learn more about it, I will definitely let all you guys know. It might be a sleazy way for them to be doing this right now (i.e., sending out rebates), but who the heck cares as long as we all get our money, right?”

“On the one hand, I feel like saying YOU S.O.B.s!!!

On the other hand, I suppose it’s nice they’re investing at least some of the rebate money they stole from us into a worthy cause.

Although I’m sure the only reason they’re doing it is to try and glom on to something good to dilute some of their evil badness. Sorta like how Phillip Morris ran those public awareness ads about how harmful smoking is. And they do taint the X Prize for me now.

Yeah, I’d have to say this is mostly a bad thing, unless of course they put the InPhonic CEO in a rocket and blast him clear out of orbit. Hell I’d put my own money up to sponsor that event, but sadly I seem to be short by $300.”

“This time it is different. I have followed everything to the letter. They communicated that they received my paperwork. It hasn’t gotten past the “processing” stage. They won’t tell me what is taking so long.

Apparently in response to my BBB complaint the rebate processor says it is InPhonic’s responsibility to fund the rebate. Well they haven’t. Smells like fraud to me.

I am a veteran shopper too, but I won’t trust rebates anymore. Not only are they keeping my $100, but also the interest. Cumulatively, it probably accounts for the 57% stock jump they’ve had this year. Add on to that major portals like CNet supporting them and partnering with them, getting commissions.”

“The rebate form which I carefully followed said 8-10 weeks. If that’s not the correct amount of time, they should revise the form. They can’t even follow their own rules. It’s not only the $100 or more they are not giving each of us, it’s also the interest on all that money. It adds up.

I’m never doing a rebate deal again, I don’t care what company it’s with.”

“You are just another victim sir. I am too. They owe me $675.00. I am surprised why they are still in business!!!!

Good Luck.”

“I ALSO WAS PROMISED SOME REBATES FROM INPHONICS…4 TOTAL. I MAILED THEM ALL ON THE SAME DAY (200 DAYS) ON A 180-210 LIMIT…..I LISTED ALL INFO ON THE FORMS AND KEPT MY COPIES.

WHEN I CALLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT THEM….THEY SAID THAT 2 WERE RECEIVED ON TIME AND THE OTHER TWO WERE POSTMARKED 2&3 WEEKS LATER. ?????? HOW CAN THAT BE WHEN ALL FOUR WERE HAND WALKED INTO THE POST OFFICE ON THE SAME DAY…..AND THEY ALSO TOLD MY THAT I DID NOT LIST MY CELL # ON THE FORM…?????? I HAVE COPIES TO PROVE OTHERWISE.

WHEN I ASKED THEM TO SEND ME A COPY OF MY ENVELOPES WITH THE POSTMARK ON THEM…THEY SAID THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE….THEY WANTED ME TO SEND THEM PROOF THAT I MAILED THEM WHEN I SAID I DID….I SAID THAT THE POST OFFICE DOESN’T PROVIDE COPIES OF THE ENVELOPES AFTER THEY ARE SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM….AND AGAIN REQUESTED THE ENVELOPES TO PROVE THAT THEY WERE SENT LATE….WHICH THEY WEREN’T.

THIS COMPANY AND ITS EMPLOYEES SEEM TO BE CROOKS TO ME…AND I AM STILL TRYING TO GET MY $300.00″

“Don’t hold your breath. They’re going to keep telling you to “check back in 2 weeks” for a very long time, or until they find an excuse to deny your rebate outright. That’s their MO, and is one of the reasons they’re being sued by the Attorney General in DC (InPhonic’s home state). IhPhonic’s customer service, rebate center, and just about everyone at that company seems to have taken and passed a required course on “being rude.”

Send your complaint to the DC Attorney General asap. Their lawsuit is on behalf of all consumers in all states who have sent them a complaint. The trial is scheduled for September, so don’t wait. If you want more info on it, here’s a press release from the AG’s website regarding the lawsuit:
http://occ.dc.gov/occ/cwp/view,A,11,Q,636576.asp”

source of complaints: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7817_102-0.html?threadID=29922&tag=forum-w;forums06

At this juncture, the wisest decision is to not pursue Caivis’ gift program. If this mess occurred with InPhonic, it could very well happen again, IMO.

More digging was done on Day Online Solutions, and I got a step closer. We know Day Online Solutions was established in 2007 and incorporated in Indiana, however, new details have come to light. Their annual revenue is $50,000, and only one person is on staff; Andrew M. Day, the owner.

New address for them:

::edited::

Now, while researching I spotted another Andrew Day. Both Andrews offer web design and development services. I had to e-mail one of them to clear up who was who…

Me,

“Hi,

Is http://www.designedbyday.com/ affiliated with the owner of Day Online Solutions in any way? I ask because I am in the process of finding a web designer, and I wanted to ask him/her a question about their services, but wasn’t sure which site to contact in case both are run by the same person. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Me”

The bad part of investigating is asking stupid questions, but I needed to know.

Their response,

“No it isn’t, sorry.

Andrew”

Click to enlarge images.

layout:

url: www.designedbyday.com

layout:

url: www.dayonlinesolutions.com

The response came from Andrew at Day Online Solutions, not at Designed By Day. Who wouldn’t be confused? Same first and last names. In the same business. Not to mention a form of “Day” in the company names. So, Andrew’s reply was helpful as I did not want to do a write up on the wrong man, lol. I wasn’t going to mention this, but so there is no confusion I did. Since this is a small business operated by one individual, don’t expect a lifestory. Andrew M. Day isn’t a major CEO like those we’ve seen in this industry, so the information just isn’t there. Coming out with an address, and knowing the owner’s name must suffice.

Last week I tested one of the absoluterewards domains. After completing the survey I was prompted to enter a pin number.

From there, I confirmed my e-mail, but wasn’t taken to a status page. I didn’t take a screen shot; it was a bland, white page telling me my pin number was received. That was it. Can’t contact them either. No key to unlock the door, nor a door to find! What can be done if you can’t test things out? Should I e-mail Andrew? I don’t want to pester him, the first e-mail I sent was horrid, lol. Hm, I need to think about this… *tapping fingers on desk*

Still looking into rewardscenter.net, and the only way of knowing about Redsail Media is testing them out. These things take time, unfortunately. It would be nice if one of the three contestants came out a winner! I will let you know my progress…

Updating ConsumerGain’s requirements for my readers:

ConsumerGain– CC offers used to be a requirement on the last page, but they’re optional now. No time limit on their sites, and their offers eventually rotate. They have been paying since 2004. They are not scammers despite the bad press. You have to communicate with them via support ticket to keep everything going. Once you’ve completed your offers, alert them to it via support ticket. They also do manual credit, which is a plus. *stamp of approval*

I’m finally posting the non-referral I-Deal links to this blog. Hurry, these deals won’t last long!

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

http://www.e-consumergift.com/?config=4578 – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 gas card of your choice

http://www.productsurveycenter.com/?config=5856 – 12 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa

http://www.e-bonusrewards.us.com/?config=5855 – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa + $250.00 bonus!

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–

http://giftsender.net/G/landing?campaignId=2109&subcid=1717#cid=2109#sid=70#vid=894 – 12 offers, no refs/$1,000.00 check

I’m going to try to double blog again since it’s early May, and I’ve got time on my hands. I love this blog, and everything it stands for. We’ve accomplished much in a 2-year period. Next month marks our anniversary, and I am filled with ebullience. It should go well. A lot is shaking now. Enjoy the links everyone, and let me know if you have any questions.

I’m out like a light… Good night!

wozniack

Welcome to the Easter edition of this blog! ARG responding a year after the fiasco; CEO Jeffrey Schwartz of Atrinsic, Inc. and company introduction; nameless DIY network gets us hopping; Southwest Airlines vs. Acquisis; egg hunt link list; Eggciting egg hunt now underway… Ready. Set. GO! *blows whistle*

Alright. Let me tell you guys what is about to happen. Unless you have been living under a rock you should well know Active Response Group, and the former CEO Brad Powers. If not, browse my previous entries for info. Dated March 16th, 2010 I received a comment on my WordPress blog from an “ARG insider.” The sonorous entry was so loud it reached the ears of someone who I believe was in office. Now, I am almost 100% positive that somewhere in this blog I said ANYONE can respond, even ARG themselves. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and opinions without censor. That being said, I won’t remove the comment by ARG insider. I will, however, animadvert on what I found fault with in addition to my initial reply. Also, why am I posting this on the blog? In case “ARG insider” missed my reply to them, and they’re like a celebrity to us, lol. Read on…

ARG insider dated March 16, 2010, “You are very paranoid. Did it ever occur to you that the employees at ARG didn’t like Brad any more than anybody else or that perhaps Caivis and Atrinsic are both going to lead-generation conferences simply because they are both doing business in that industry? cheers.”

My reply dated March 23, 2010, “I may be paranoid, but for a good reason. Do you not know what happened last year? After a 2-year wait, members were told to join a cash back certificate program, which they did NOT sign up for, and spend thousands of dollars on useless merchandise. After that, they were required to provide receipts, certificates and tax forms. Most passed approval, however, instead of ARG saying, “Hey, we can’t pay everybody, so let’s just end this now”, it dragged out for months. My point is, why put us through anymore headache? I honestly think he got a tax write off on us. That’s just me.

Did you work at ARG? I ask because of your bit about the employees. And yes, it did. Most likely they attend because of their involvement in the lead generation industry. A monkey would know that, lol. I just want to know the plan for the gift program that Caivis is now running. The T&C and policy pages are basically the same except for the address swap. My readers wanted to try the sites managed by Caivis, which is also why I’ve been investigating. My mission has been to safeguard newcomers and whoever else from freebie scams. I did NOT want history to repeat itself in case this new gift program was deceptive. Members emptied out their pockets, and got shafted in the end. It’s disappointing. I’m not trying to ruffle any feathers, only examine what I stumble upon and work from there. If the result of my findings makes me paranoid and disgruntled, so be it! Who wouldn’t be? I’m not arguing, just merely explaining why I’m doing this.

Thank you for your time, and feel free to write again.”

As far as the employees not liking Brad, um, that does not concern me. Myself and members only wanted our checks. I included the members because they are part of this, too. We stand united, divided we fall. I will be honest though, I did go overboard with March’s entry. However, certain things are just too hard to ignore. I’m a detective by heart, and when I sense suspicion I look into it. And last years events only raised my level of cautiousness. Sorry.

Unsure if this is spam or the real thing…

Dated March 28, 2010, “2 people comment. 1 said something negative towards you, although not nasty. 50% of the people think negative towards you. Now its 75 percent. Do you really think maybe, possibly, you got issues? Do you really think YOU walk the straight line? Lets hope not.”

My reply dated March 28, 2010, “Uh, I’m only seeing one negative comment on this blog. You might want to look again… As for the other percentages, that can’t possibly be determined unless you are one of the pack. Lemme guess, you worked for ARG, right? Clearly I’ve struck a chord. If you return to March’s entry and read it, you will see it is just the usual investigative work going on with a bit of humour thrown in the mix hence the jokes (in the post). Go jump in a pool, it may help you cool off a bit.”

Dramarama! Start at January of 09′, and work your way down. You will see why Mr. Powers is under scrutiny. Since people find my blog daily; they may see me sitting here poking fun at someone without knowing the story. Please navigate to the older posts, it will explain the situation. Freedom of Speech isn’t a crime, especially when you’ve been taken. As long as this stays light and cheerful and on topic, I see no problem with what I’m doing. I’m not slandering anybody either, just investigating. As for “walking the straight line”, it’s more like a squiggly line drawn by a wiggle pen. That’s the line I walk. Soon this will blow over… Let’s breathe. *trying to keep the peace*

This blog is purely honest. My eccentricity is inexhaustible, and I push the envelope as far as it will go. I fight for justice, equality, and for the safety of those pursuing freebies. It’s impossible to please everyone all of the time, so I say whatever is on my mind. No holding back. Time to apply my moderating skills by simply saying, “If there is something you don’t like, move on.” Works like a charm. Again, I will repeat that I am not arguing with any of you, just laying out my mission so it is comprehended. We mustn’t run each other over… I pray attendees are not like this at conferences, lol. I’m sitting here in amazement. Write me again if you wish. *smile*

While on the subject of ARG, remember they had two Colorado locations? And what did we talk about a few entries ago? David Steinberg purchasing land in Colorado! How convenient to be in the same spot as your soon-to-be seller, or were coffee and doughnuts had at the Boulder office already? mmmm, the warm glaze is so strong I can taste it! Could they have done business there in the past? To refresh your memory I will post the ARG addresses. Unfortunately, the copy of the real estate transaction vanished, or else that would be posted, too.

Active Response Group
939 Pearl St. STE #210
Boulder, Colorado 80302

Active Response Group
13 S Tejon St,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

What do you think? I’ll let that marinate in your minds… Now, for a brief intro on Atrinsic, Inc., and their CEO.

Formerly known as New Motion, Inc., Atrinsic Inc. is a leading digital advertising and entertainment network headquartered in New York, New York since 2005. The corporation accents digital music, casual games, interactive contests, communities/lifestyles, and direct-to-consumer mobile content. Atrinsic’s mixed bag of applications are GatorArcade, Ringtone.com, iMatchUp, Kazaa, Shopit.com, Altnet, Bid4Prizes, and others. Their agency services allow its advertisers to reach customers using a conformed online approach, i.e. search marketing, affiliate network, social media, display media, and mobile marketing. In 2008, they celebrated a revenue of about $113.9 million. Nearly 210 employees call the stirring business home.

Atrinsic Inc. CEO, Jeffery Schwartz, is an innovator in digital media and performance marketing with an impressive account of trades throughout his career. Mr. Schwartz held various executive positions at The Walt Disney Company, and was president and CEO of Autoweb and Autobytel, both Nasdaq listed companies. During his tenure at Autobytel, Schwartz built an internet automotive marketing company, with a market capitalization exceeding $500 million, and topping over 25,000 participating dealer franchises and operations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. His ambitions proliferated as founder and chairman of AutoCentro, an automotive retail network focused on the hispanic market. In 2007, he stepped up as founder and managing partner of Vertical Passion Media, LLC., a customer identification and sales lead generation company. In addition to Atrinsic, Inc., Schwartz serves as director of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. He earned Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from the University of Southern California.

Still no buzz on Redsail Media, and Day Online Solutions that manage the absoluterewards domains. Anybody want to be a guinea pig? I feel more confident about Day Online Solutions since they pay on their GPT venture. I’m willing to give them both a chance since there is no negative feedback. Until they are proven legit, they won’t make it to our *links ‘n such* category. However, I will pull the links out of my pouch for you to examine. Take a look, and tell me what you think…

url: http://www.absoluterewards.info/wreme6azepRu?tid=56644-13f08d0fedc74b61

^– Wow… How revealing, lol. So St. Patrick’s Day was last month, right? Well, that indicates that this company, whoever they are, are still active. However, their sites get odder…

url: http://www.absoluterewards.info/t6pHuqaguphu?tid=56649-0177590052070623

And…

url: http://www.absoluterewards.info/PhACANewebr6?tid=56674-347e4033258a4ec7

url: http://www.absoluterewards.info/S6uwruheDraP?tid=56651-7378f2cba68ea206

Okay, the Disney one is actually normal, but the one about wearing clothes?? And where are the prize values? On the Detroit Redwings page, it’s just a “Yes” or “No” question and nothing else. I guess this is like YFD or some other network where you have to sign up before you know what you’re getting. As long as they’re legit I can live with that though. We need to find out…

I still think Redsail Media’s sites look like RewardStream, but we were unable to make that connection. If we were though shouldn’t that be a red flag? Wouldn’t they be labeled a scam? “Yes” would be my answer. But take Acquisis’ sub company for example. The sub company running all Big-Brand Giveaway domains is paying while the one’s under the main LLC. haven’t paid in over a year! Quite noticeable if I say so myself. But in the case of RewardStream and PopularMedia both never paid. PopularMedia once did, but they stopped. And RewardStream, well, never paid at all according to two member complaints. In addition to that are a ton of nasty e-mails from their CS that a member gave me. He/she did a $25.00 Starbucks gc site, right? I can’t remember, so correct me if I’m wrong (they read this). Until I have something solid, RedSail Media and Day Online Solutions go untouched. I will keep searching for more info anyway.

An ambiguous network is hatching. I’ve researched them without interruption. Their address pointed to a law firm, which was contacted by a member, but to no avail. Their numbers were not working. At the sight of the law firm address, I was puzzled. Since when has a law firm managed DIY sites? I’m not saying it can’t be done, but this is a first if it’s true! It’s fine by me as long as they aren’t running a scam, which I don’t see a law firm doing, honestly, lol. Think about it. Little sense could be made if underhanded dealings went on at a law office. So is this network trustworthy then? Well, in terms of who’s running it, maybe. However, we have no concrete evidence other than a address that suggests they do. Below is the information on the url and addresses.

Law office address:

gift site policy:

layout:

gift page: www.rewardscenter.net

Could the gift program have relocated? Certainly. But I haven’t been successful in finding their current whereabouts. All that comes up is the law firm, which I have investigated time and time again. The law firm may be of interest if their hands are in freebies, but until that is proven, they have no involvement. rewardscenter.net can be a group project! Feel free to share your results if any of you find anything. Let’s discover the commander in chief behind this one. Who is it? I wonder…

I’m definitely liking 2010. With ConsumerGain and Big-Brand Giveaway site opportunities, this year is brimming full of hope. 2009 only gave us misfortune instead of fortune itself. Now, we crack open the fortune cookie, and read our promising message, “You’ll be taken to the land of prosperity and reap great rewards.” Doesn’t that sound divine? And it’s true!! Look at the progress since the beginning of 2010. I’m happy to not be talking incessantly about the trials and tribulations of 2009, and am now in a year of wealth where the possibilities are endless. Oh happy day… The luck of the Irish began January 1, 2010, not March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, lol.

Come fly the unfriendly skies… The word on the street is that Southwest Airlines sued Acquisis. Okay, this is how I picture it. Upon viewing one of their gift sites that offers airline vouchers for prizes where they may also have had a stockphoto of their airplane, Southwest Airlines threw a conniption fit. Then, they insisted on legal proceedings. Acquisis probably had something on their sites that was identical or confusingly similar to their trademark. This was associated with two Acquisis DBAs, btw. ConsumerBargainGiveaways LLC., and DirectGiftcardPromotions LLC. Networks have landed in the courtroom before for a variety of reasons, so this isn’t surprising.

As a network personally, Acquisis needs to shape up. It’s like they haven’t finished what they started on their other sites, making it over a year for members to collect payment. Anyway, that needs attention by us, not so much the lawsuit. It makes for an interesting read though. As long as the Big-Brand domains are still cooking, it’s fine to do them. And I recommend doing just them for now, and not the other Acquisis sites.

The bunny leaves a painted trail for us. Find the eggs…

*egg hunt link list*

Nuitech–

http://www.consumerincentiverewards.com/rd_p?p=194445&t=11215&c=39562-ciramazon250gc_720_hibrand&a=1674 – 6 offers, no refs/$250.00 amazon gc

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–

http://giftsender.net/G/landing?campaignId=1777&subcid=1717#cid=1777#sid=70#vid=673 – offers unknown/$1,000.00 Target gc

http://giftsender.net/G/landing?campaignId=1783&subcid=1717#cid=1783#sid=70#vid=733 – offers unknown/$1,000.00 Sam’s Club gc

http://giftsender.net/G/landing?campaignId=1780&subcid=1717#cid=1780#sid=70#vid=699 – offers unknown/$1,000.00 merchant gc of your choice

Acquisis–

http://www.toprewardsnow.com/?proid=130115078&gotoid=1935&parid=82&camid=2397&creid=7831&subid=&email= – offers unknown/$250.00 supermarket gc of your choice (Visa and AmEx included!)

http://www.toprewardsnow.com/?proid=130115078&gotoid=1939&parid=82&camid=2399&creid=7834&subid=&email= – offers unknown/$250.00 supermarket gc of your choice

I hope everyone had a great Easter. Mine was wonderful, and candy-filled. The bunny and I are friends. Didn’t ya know? He’s a good fellow. He left a basket of carrots on my porch this morning. So much is happening I cannot contain myself!! A lot of activity on this blog, and in the freebie world. I would like for us to learn more about RedSail Media, and this new bunch, rewardscenter.net. It’s just unfortunate that there is always a dead end while researching. Anyway, enjoy the links, and I will see you later. If you have any questions in the meantime, fire away.

I’m over and out…

wozniack

Clovers and luck splash green on this month’s blog; Brad Powers’ new company, and former ARG workers in question; I-Deal dropping massive referrals from an aircraft; the 2010 Leadscon conference in New York City; lucky link list. Go ahead. Fill your mugs, and join in the parade…

While reading The Wall Street Journal a thought occurred to me; “Why are Caivis using the old Brandarama address for their gift program?” Then, I noticed the difference. The former ARG office was at “104 West 27th Street”, and Caivis is at “105 E. 34th Street Ste 144.” The 104 and 105 numbers confused me. So they are at separate locations. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that two former ARG workers are filing papers beside Steinberg. Could it be that they’re needed to oversee the management of the gift program in addition to their own jobs? Remember, we never found out WHY they are working for him. He kept them around for a reason, and I’d like to know. I won’t stop questioning it until there is an answer.

Oh, and take a look at this. Click to enlarge.

Why wasn’t the Active Response Group logo removed? They rectified the address, so why not put their own? Is it supposed to signify their business transaction with ARG? I really would like to get to the bottom of all this. Too many flags waving in the wind. And there’s Brad Powers… He now works for Atrinsic, Inc., a provider of digital advertising and marketing services. His berth is of lower ranking since he isn’t listed with the top execs of the corporation. A ghosted job title was all I had to work with, and nothing came of it. Makes me wonder if he purposely hid it from us, lol. You know, I wouldn’t doubt it if he saw my Brandarama ranting and raving in this blog. Molly from I-Deal posted on FiPG, and I KNOW I-Deal reads at A4F. That doesn’t bother me, and it shouldn’t bother them either. I think it would help them to know how their members feel about their gift program. If members are fed up they will stop pursuing their sites, and they kiss their prospects good-bye. Do not forget deleterious claims via word-of-mouth also can injure them. I have seen I-Deal DQ people with no logical explanation. You would think networks wouldn’t want to hurt their reps by paying those who have went by the book. Keep in mind I still love I-Deal, and they DO pay. But I feel there is room for improvement since they tell everybody they are “legitimate.” Live up to what you say! Don’t decline someone without reason, then reward somebody else.

We know Brad made a boo boo, and I’m not harping on it anymore. With the good you take the bad, and what I mean by that is, we had just as many lovey-dovey moments with Brandarama. Afternoon telephone conversations with CS; the joy we felt when signing for our gifts, etc. Unfortunately, that ended and led to our dissatisfaction over Mpell letters in our mailboxes. Not a desirable reward, lol. I won’t ever acclaim Brad’s chess move, because I think it was the wrong one. By now, you all know my thoughts on the Brandarama/Mpell saga. However, I think we all learned something, and that’s good. A negative experience doesn’t have to be just that, you can take from it, and apply it to a situation down the line, whatever that may be. As for Brad, he should stay retired from gift programs. It wouldn’t be right if he started one up again, nor would people trust him. He mixed too much produce in the blender, then fled when the lid popped off. Strawberries, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, mangoes, carrots, tomatoes… Uhh, what were you thinking, Brad?! Bad powers. Sorry, couldn’t resist. *wink*

Let’s entertain the thought of Brad being lifelong pals with Steinberg. They attend Yankees games, and eat hot dogs downtown while discussing work, marriage, kids, and everything else. Brad confides in David one night, calling him to say he cannot deal with the pressures of ARG, and pleads for his help. He then rescues Brad by buying the assets of ARG. Brad says, “You are my calculator. I can always count on you!” David, “For you, Brad, I would do anything. *pats him on the back*” Haha! What if they ARE friends? Isn’t it possible given his measureless supply of contacts in the industry? If so, he might be advising the two former ARG workers under Steinberg. Now, that would be something, eh? If we knew their activities in and out of the workplace we would know if there is cause for alarm. Judging by Steinberg’s acquisitions over the years it’s safe to say he isn’t broke. And why set up the gift program to ruin it with deception? Doesn’t make sense that he would, especially with people timid about touching his sites because of Brandarama…

Atrinsic, Inc. will be attending the annual LeadsCon conference and expo in NYC this summer. Since its inception in 2008, LeadsCon is devoted to helping people pullulate their effectiveness in the online lead generation and customer acquisition industry. Doors open for companies and kin to evince their thought leadership, and expand their relationships. It began at the Palms Resort Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event housed 600 people the first year before towering over that number the following year with 1400 attendees. The most prestigious conference is held in New York City, NY, the epicenter of advertising, where the larger platform steps-up the industry’s cachet. People travel near and far for the experience and social exchange.

Now let’s get inside LeadsCon…

The exhibit hall:

Expo:

LeadsCon founder, Jay Weintraub.

Everybody watch this. lmao @ 1:35-2:10…

Orange Peeling contest by Vantage Pointe. Scott Mitchell with Intella won an ipod touch by peeling an entire orange in under 7 seconds. So cool!!

Larry Chiang of Business Week interviews Dave McClure of Founders Fund at LeadsCon.

“CAIVIS Acquisition Corp” is on 2010′s attendance list! Ring ring ring. Brad may have told Steinberg about LeadsCon, because it’s the same event he just went to! Or maybe I’m wrong and he discovered it on his own, but it’s interesting. Until July the list will continue to grow, and I’ll be watching for Atrinsic, Inc. to be added. Atrinsic and Caivis meet again, hm. My gut is telling me they’re working together in some fashion. Atrinsic, Inc. was at this year’s Vegas show, and guess who appeared?

Zoey Zaremba, the former ARG worker who now works for Caivis, Inc.

Alberto Moraes, the Assistant Sales Manager at Nuitech. Further down is David Morgan, Vice President of Adteractive.

Danielle Raybuck, Sales Manager at Nuitech.

Click to enlarge images below.

Las Vegas attendance list:

NYC attendance list:

Links to lists:

Las Vegas list: http://www.leadscon.com/leadscon-las-vegas-2010/companies-attending.html

NYC list: http://www.leadscon.com/leadscon-east-2010/see-who-is-coming.html

Bear in mind that the NYC show isn’t until July, so those on the list haven’t went yet. Look! Bluekeel, LLC. is just above Caivis; I wrote about them last March. What do you think? I say we eyeball this list to see if Steinberg is going. If so, I wonder what he and Mr. Powers will discuss? If Brad is giving him pointers with the gift program that’s okay, but I hope there isn’t a devious plan. I don’t know whether to worry about this or not. If someone could go to LeadsCon that’d be great, lol. Something might be up with these two…

No news on the jewelry store. My e-mail and phone calls both went unanswered. I tried calling, but no pick up. Could it be they aren’t as chatty like I-Deal with no phone support? The number I dialed may not be connected to Bryant St. anymore, and Owen Glass Collection have possibly moved, leaving Popular Media in it’s place. Tell me this. Am I losing the plot? Have I went overboard? We must investigate networks and their actions, but should we investigate everything? I really think so. Think of what we could miss if we didn’t! I just wonder if I’m taking it too far sometimes, like with the Popular Media/RewardStream investigation, and linking Popular Media to a jewelry store. The address was the same though, so I thought it noteworthy. Each month I write a screenplay, then my movie is published to this blog. I love entertaining my audience, but it isn’t always easy. The freebie world can be torpid, making it difficult to find content. During my struggle I mull over my ideas, then think of how our networks are advancing in present time. Are they stronger, or nearly moribund? It helps to ponder that, because I’m able to gage what might happen in the future. Take Acquisis for example. They’re paying pursuers of their Big-Brand Giveaway domains, but lack that ability on their plain, Acquisis sites.

I-Deal takes off in flight to drop referrals on us through an opening panel of their aircraft. It’s worse than a fuel leak!! $500.00 gc deals w/2 refs. What gives? It’s like all the 8 offer/$500.00 gifts are food-oriented. Does I-Deal want us fat? lol. I guess I could wear baggy clothing while the pizza gift cards roll in. Or the best move is sticking with Big-Brand Giveaway, ConsumerGain, and Nuitech.

Nuitech is on a one site per DBA per year basis now. Taken from their terms,

“Only one gift is permitted from ::DBA here:: per person and/or household for one year after your registration date.”

Well, at least we can do more than one. I’m okay with this rule. Nuitech is our third option for DIY networks!

Let the luck of the Irish be with you…

*lucky link list*

I-Deal–

Canada–

http://www.myonlinerewards.net/?config=6869&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:238183: – 6 offers, 2 refs/$500.00 Best Buy gc

Nuitech–

http://yourgiftzone.com/LP/prom-195030/488b084119.php?a=1651-MB&clickid=0006Nh000kGB3aG9W84gE6WMlx000000&ce_cid=0006Nh000kGB3aG9W84gE6WMlx000000 – 6 offers, no refs/$250.00 Red Lobster gc

http://www.onlinerewardcenter.com/rd_p?p=196215&t=13768&c=45360-orc_sbcommgc_728_hibrand&a=1674 – 6 offers, no refs/$100.00 Visa + football jersey

http://www.premiumgiftsgalore.com/?offer=bru&vc=MTUwMXw0NjB8NDg4OXwxLjV8MTQyNDYwMjU3fDQyM3ww – 7 offers, no ref/$500.00 gc to Babies ‘R Us

http://www.premiumgiftsgalore.com/?offer=wal – 7 offers, no refs/$500.00 Wal-Mart gc

Member Source Media (ConsumerGain)–-

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=1922&subcid=1717#cid=1922#sid=70#vid=718 – offers unknown/$500.00 Wal-Mart gc

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=1926&subcid=AID#cid=1926#sid=70#vid=765 – offers unknown/$500.00 Victoria’s Secret gc

http://pickthegift.net/G/landing?campaignId=1924&subcid=1717#cid=1924#sid=70#vid=753 – offers unknown/$500.00 merchant gc of your choice

producttestpanel–

http://mygirlierewards.com/bags/?lid=::add-6392_bags_&add_offerid=421782&addomain=grz67.com&addomain_id=2 – offers unknown/designer handbag deal

http://hdtvrewardszone.com/viera/?lid=::add-6392_viera_&add_offerid=825548&addomain=grz67.com&addomain_id=2 – offers unknown/54″ plasma deal

Received my freebie tax forms 3 weeks ago. Oh joy. I must be special, because they didn’t forget me! Easter arrives April 4th. Makes me happy since it’s my fav seasonal candy. Unwrapping the cellophane sugar-packed basket I anticipated most as a kid. Egg hunts were great too, though I wasn’t the best hunter. After school, my plastic eggs were scattered throughout the house; 2 hours later I went on a hunt. Again, I wasn’t the best hunter, and who found them was my irritated mom. They were under the coffee table, in plants, stuffed into sofa cushions– every place you could possibly imagine. She made me collect them all, even the dyed one’s. Yeah, I hid them too, lol… That’s eggactly how my story goes (pun intended).

Did you know we’ve almost reached our 2-year anniversary? This blog keeps going and going… We have accomplished so much since June 16th, the first post. My blog wasn’t supposed to be a series of endless posts, rather an outlet for sharing my opinions and helping others. But with each word my desire to write increased. Sadly, content ran dry this month so there wasn’t a lot to tell. I’m hoping for an abundant April. Anyway, I wanted to add this, and I wish everyone a wonderful holiday. When I write again St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter will have come to a halt. All freebie questions can be asked here or PMed/e-mailed.

Until we meet again…

wozniack

We are lifting the lid on this box of chocolates with sweet deals and Valentines; An introduction into RedSail Media, and President Scott Cheney; Day Online Solutions, LLC. and PrizeLive.com offer hope; Nuitech has Canadian location, and more! Smell the rose bouquet…

You may notice the absence of *hot new networks*; it is forever excluded from this blog as I no longer oversee referral networks, nor do I care to. This blog is DIY-based, as such, it makes little sense to include that section. At the time, I was on staff, and gave recommendations on referral networks. I have no clue about referral-based sites now as I haven’t dealt with them in over a year. I’d rather keep it that way, and stick with what I know.

Moving on… I’m about to present to you a new network. Yes, there is yet another one. This is no ordinary company either. Aside from the garden variety, we have Acquisis (Acquisis and Big-Brand Giveaway domains), Member Source Media (ConsumerGain), etc. But ever heard of Redsail Media? Will the information I am about to give conflict with our investigation of RewardStream and Popular Media? Read on…

Once CogReg 360, RedSail Media, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PRIMIS Marketing Group, is a premier provider of internet lead generation services since 2003. Scott Cheney, President and General Manager of RedSail Interactive unit of AccuData Holdings, Inc., holds 20 years of proficiency in planning, accounting, control, reporting, analysis, fundraising, risk management, tax and M&A. Cheney launched his career at ADVO, where he reigned as Controller for the National Accounts Group. He also served as Vice President of Analysis, and managed ADVO’s $450 million bankroll; set pricing for their $1 billion product line; co-developed Corporate Strategy; and was General Manager of the Direct Response Division. His work continued as Chief Financial Officer at DVDPlay from 2002 to 2007, and he served on DVDPlay’s Board of Advisors since 1999. He was Vice President of Finance and Senior Vice President of Business Development and Planning at MilePoint.com, and additionally served as it’s Vice President of Analysis. Before instituting his consulting practice, he maneuvered the sale of Broderbund Software to the Learning Company for $420 million in stock.
His businessman prowess continues to shine as he serves as a member of Board of Governors at BidPal Network, LLC., and on the Board of Advisors for MilePoint.com. He is also on the Board of Advisors of ClickPlay.com. He graduated with duple degrees in economics and management from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

Redsail Media addresses:

304 Main Ave, Suite 351
Norwalk, CT 06851

399 Main Ave, Suite 118
Norwalk, CT 06851

They also manage sweepstakes domains: trendytods.com – winracingtickets.com

This company is making rounds in the freebie industry. The similarities in their policies and T&C mimic RewardStream, though I see no affiliation. Let’s look at them anyhow…

RewardStream policy:

layout:

gift page: http://my.interactivebrandpromos.com/SplashPage.aspx?g=d7b6201457d34bd3a8d8cecb2e7784f6&c=472&s=9718&ue=1&se=01

RewardStream uses New Times Roman font in their policies and terms, whereas Redsail Media does not. Don’t forget the redirects on their sites either! Not all their domains redirect, but many do.

Redsail Media policy:

layout:

gift page: http://excitingrewardsnow.com/giftpage.aspx?gid=6&pubid=50668&subid=50668_CD1833&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

RedSail Media uses arial fontface for all their sites, yet the policies and T&Cs share many of the same verses. Although the same on many accounts, parts are missing or entirely different. This proves to us that the appearance of policies and terms may be nearly identical across a variety of networks, and they might’ve used somebody else’s content.

What’s this mean for the RewardStream and Popular Media investigation? I entertained the thought of a connection between Redsail Media and RewardStream, but honestly, I don’t see it. I’ve read up on everybody in office, and them banding together would tie them to the PRIMIS group, and I think somebody’s name from RewardStream would have been mentioned. There was definitely WAY more information out there on these guys and PRIMIS than there ever was on RewardStream and PopularMedia. Also, RewardStream and PopularMedia are practically neighbours. We were able to pinpoint their U.S. working location in our last entry. When Redsail Media appeared I groaned, because we’ve had too much confusion already, and I did not want to interrupt our case unless necessary. Tying Redsail Media to RewardStream would have slowed down our progress!

I was searching for more info on our beloved RewardStream and Popular Media found their Bryant St. address is linked to a jewelry store! lol. See for yourself…

Popular Media’s address:

1550 Bryant Street Suite 925
San Francisco, CA 94103

For some reason the one on their site rings bells…

4104 24th Street, Box 587
San Fransciso, CA 94114

Owen Glass Collection: owenglasscollection.com/index.html

Am I seeing things? The web site for Owen Glass Collection has a copyright date of 2007, and their filing date is 1997. I’m playing with dates here. Perhaps they thrived at Bryant St. in 2007, and have since moved, because Popular Media is still there. Either that, or Popular Media are silent gemologists, lmao. I’m e-mailing the jewelers as we speak to casually ask about their location. If they give me the Bryant St. address, something’s up.

Yet, another network makes it’s debut. A privately owned company since 2007, Day Online Solutions, LLC. offers freelance web design and development, and they specialize in maintenance of such work. Outside that zone they maintain a gift program, and Prizelive.com, their GPT pursuance.

Their sites: www.dayonlinesolutions.com – www.prizelive.com

Many of you have had concerns about this bunch, but let’s take a look at their goodwill. We haven’t heard reports of payment from their gift program, however, PrizeLive might indicate their reliability. Please view their forum. They have a “payment proof” area, and their payments are fairly recent!

PrizeLive forum: www.prizelive.com/forum/index.php?board=4.0

Granted most of these are small payouts, but payouts nonetheless…

“Day Online Solutions, LLC sent you $50.00 USD
Transaction ID: 81G954025L590081S

::member’s name::,

Just thought you’d like to know Day Online Solutions, LLC sent you $50.00 USD.
Note from sender, Day Online Solutions, LLC:

PrizeLive.com Commissions”

It’s much like FusionCash, Treasure Trooper, Cash Crate, what have you. They pay. Now, I hope this isn’t like Acquisis where there is a lull, but in other pursuits they hop like bunnies to issue funds.

Their addresses:

Day Online Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 48
Sellersburg, Indiana 47172-0048

::gift site here::
P.O. Box 70262
Louisville, Kentucky 40270-0262

One of their DIYs: www.absoluterewards.info/NegustAwra2h?tid=30090-0f25172c915a477a

layout:

I have more links, but this one stood out to me. The Superbowl was last weekend, so that alone tells us this isn’t an old site. That coupled with the 2009-2010 copyright confirms they’re still running their program. I figured they were because I’m noticing their sites for the first time. I wish we had full knowledge of them paying members. Like the rest, I will make this my quest! Enough digging may lead to a write up on the big fish behind their operations.

You may want to grab a pen and paper for my next entry. In it, I will add Redsail Media to the list of consecutive networks. It will also be updated for any future companies that arise. With each update, I will edit the date, changing it to the current time so it bumps our entry. The new entry will be specifically for DIY networks, and will be titled just that. I also would like to make a separate entry for addresses. Addresses keep multiplying, and they should be in one spot. We need control over this. *huff puff*

Next is Nuitech. Did you know they have a Canadian location? I’ve known for a while, but wanted to write about it for those who didn’t!

One of Nuitech’s Florida domains: getacooltv.com/info.htm?tp=con&user_gift_id=&promo_name=1423name&gift=71&catalog_id=6861

layout:

One of Nuitech’s Canadian domains: premium-reward-club.com/info.htm?tp=con&user_gift_id=&promo_name=2384name&gift=71&catalog_id=13304

layout:

Nutech’s Canadian location:

P.O. Box 62046
Orleans, ON K1C7H8

Different phone numbers in the lower right-hand corner, but the same (954) 653-9350 number is on their contact us page. Same girl too, lol. Easily confirmed.

Lovely deals coming your way…

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

http://www.restaurantgiftcards.us.com/?config=6770&src=WC-87054aaa:235394: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 restaurant gc of your choice

http://www.e-researchcenter.us.com/?config=6745&src=WC-271274aaaCD6649_:215392: – 14 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://www.e-researchcenter.us.com/?config=6503&src=WC-271274aaaCD6649_:215392: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6522 – 12 offers, 2 refs/Gateway P-7807u FX laptop

http://www.favoriteconsumerbrands.com/?config=2945&src=WC-185109aaaCD85287:130451: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Quiznos gc

http://www.favoriteconsumerbrands.com/?config=4069&src=WC-185109aaaCD85287:130451: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Aeropostale gc

GCNP Media (Big Brand Giveaway)–

http://www.electronics-galore.com/?proid=13011353&gotoid=1178&parid=213&camid=1115&creid=3891&subid=118782&email= – offers unknown/laptop of your choice

In other news, my birthday was yesterday, and I feel no older. I’m stuck in Feb 10th, 2008, to be honest. Waking up each day is something to rejoice as we do not know when our time will come. Death comes like a thief in the night. Birthdays are not only a time of reflection, but a moment of gratitude. Each day is a blessing, and I am appreciative of living. The sick know their time is near, and have incredible strength to approach the end head on. I applaud their valour. Our time on Earth is fleeting with each passing day. Try to make the best of your life, and the time with those around you.

I hope that wasn’t depressing, lol… Just being honest. We get caught up in our every day routine, and sometimes forget how precious life is. Work, school, extra curricular activities, recreational events, grocery shopping, bills, freebies, etc. Yeah, threw freebies in. All of us are enthusiastic about them, immersing ourselves in trader complaints, or fretting over I-Deal processing us. Our reward will come eventually, but what really makes us rich are the intangible things, know what I mean? Checks and gift cards are nice, however, they can’t compare to the bliss that’s felt when a child is born, or making memories on a theme park ride, especially in the company of others. You get my point.

Once again, I would like to say thanks to everyone for your continued support of myself and this blog. It means so much. Without my audience, it would be nonexistent. I’m rarely present, but am hoping to carve out time to be available more. I feel I’ve missed so much! Anyhow, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I’m here.

Have a good evening,

wozniack