FreshCount4.com Scam: Tale of Affiliate Fraud

So, I stumble upon a “writing opportunity” and immediately see it is a thinly veiled affiliate scam.

Here’s the deal. The scammer (as opposed to the scammee) posts “WRITING JOBS” on websites such as CraigsList. The titles vary but the theme is the same, “REVIEWER WANTED”  or “BLOGGERS NEEDED” or “WRITERS WANTED” OR “CONTENT WRITER.”

The Scammer is an affiliate of sites like eHarmony, PurePlay and My Debt SuperHero all PAY AFFILIATES FOR THE PEOPLE THEY CAN GET TO SIGN UP! (Seeing as I run several affiliate programs, I don’t like to see people take advantage of them.)

Okay, back to the scam: so people see the ads and apply for them. In response, they get an email (example shown below) directing them to “REVIEW” some of the sample sites by writing a brief description and emailing it back to them as part of the application process. Of course, the links to sites to review are all affiliate registration links for which they will be paid.

eharmony scam - pureplay scam - mydebthero scam

Attached Message
From: Blogger/Writers Application Submissions <reviews@freshcount4.com>
To: (aspiring writer)
Subject: Re: Writing job
Date: (date)

Hey there -

Thank you for your interest to apply for one of the available positions as a blogger/content writer for our blog network.

THE JOB:

The job you are inquiring about is an opening for several unique positions in online blogging, internet sites, and other content sites. You would be writing several times a day (anywhere from 3 jobs in a business day to 10). The hours are flexible and if you cannot complete the jobs for the day, your pay for that day will only be deducted for the amount you had not worked. We are looking for creative writers who display professionality and originality. Please excuse us for having to have this small hurdle (application process) but it allows us to review each writers work before we select our writers. Compensation is still to be determined but after

For the first step of the application process, you will be required to  review several different websites that we have pre-selected. Three of our corporate sponsors have requested their website’s to be used (this is an example job, work will be more than just a 50-100 word review, it will be full-length articles as well), here are their three websites:

Each of these web sites have flashy new looks to attract customer attention. Try to evaluate this when reviewing each of the sites. Be creative too! (in other words: you can throw in a joke or two, a pun, something witty, or your own personal twist into each of the reviews). Your applications and consideration will be based on your reviews.

Important! Make sure you enter correct information (we will be trying and verifying the information).

THESE ARE THE 3 REVIEWS:

=============================================

PurePlay - an online poker website
FROM PurePlay: Registration is complete after first page’s email submission. Do not enter a phony email. Look at the overall site design, content, and feel and write a 25-50 word review summarizing this credit website. Visit the website by clicking (or copy/pasting) the link below:

http://www.freshcount4.com/Review1.php

eHarmony - a dating website for singles

FROM eHarmony: Registration is complete after first page’s quick registration. Do not enter a phony email. Look at the overall site design, content, and feel and write a 25-50 word review summarizing this credit website. Visit the website by clicking (or copy/pasting) the link below:

http://www.freshcount4.com/Review2.php

My Debt Superhero - a vehicle warranty website

FROM My Debt Superhero: Registration is complete after the the first page is completed and submitted. Do not enter a phony information. Be sure to enter in at least $24K debt or you will be forwarded to the wrong page. NOTE: If you are called by this advertiser, just tell them “I’ve got it covered” and end the call. Look at the overall site design, content, and feel and write a 25-50 word review summarizing this debt-relief website. Visit the website by clicking (or copy/pasting) the link below:

http://www.freshcount4.com/Review3.php

=============================================

WHEN REVIEWS ARE COMPLETED:

When all of your reviews are successfully completed, please submit them to our applications email @ reviews2@freshcount4.com. Include the following:

 - Your name
 - Telephone number (and best time to reach you)
 - E-mail address to be reached at

I am eagerly waiting your reviews.

Thank you

Paul Johnson
Applications