With the advent of e-commerce, it has become commonplace for users to buy all kinds of products online. People are able to purchase branded items at outrageous discounts which you would otherwise never be able to get with traditional brick and mortar stores. To that effect, online retails stores has revolutionized the way we shop today. How many times have we simply bought something online only because it was available at a discount of 50 percent or more, even though we actually never thought of buying it?
Anyways, people today constantly are looking for the next best deal that they can sometimes turn a blind eye to the possibility of fraud websites. You might be casually surfing the web while suddenly spotting a beautiful dress for $200. By clicking on the image link, you would transported to another online retail store which you are quite familiar with since you have already made purcashes there before. But did you check the URL? For all you know, a scammer might just be setting you up for an online scam by designing fraud websites.
The obvious danger is here is when you proceed to make an online payment. You would naturally be required with your credit card details while initiating purchase and when this information falls in the wrong hands, it leads to identity theft. In such cases, you will not only not receive delivery of the product you just purchased online but also stand to lose a lot of money if the scammers decide to log into your online banking account and spend it. Since this is actually a phishing scam, you could be sure that they would definitely spend until they reach the maximum limit on your card. And that could be thousands of dollars.
- Check Domain URL
When you are hopping from one website to the next, make sure to just check the URL of the company website. For instance, you might have seen a 25% on a new technology device and by clicking on the link, you could be transported to a popular Marks Gadgets which we’ll simply assume is a platform that receives steady stream of visitors everyday. Now when you check the URL, it should be marksgadgets.com or something similar. However with fraud websites, the domain URL will be something completely different even though the site would completely resemble that of Marks Gadgets in design. This is another new variation of phishing scam that is gaining immense notoriety since it has already duped hundreds of thousands of customers.
Typically, phishing scams are orchestrated by designing fraud websites that are supposed to look like an exact replica of online platforms belonging to banks and other financial payment systems. With people becoming more and more aware of how scammers design sites to look like those of their banks, cyber criminals have now resorted to mimicking popular online retail stores as well. You never know, you might suddenly be directed to fraud websites that are replicas of eBay or Amazon. While these sites will be quickly shut down, they only need a few days of online activity to snag a few unsuspecting customers. They manage to trap them by offering insane discount. Tomorrow if you find a site offering 60 percent discount on the latest iPhone or 50 percent discount on a designer bag like Louis Vuitton, do check to see if the website is genuine.
- Fonts and Grammar
While the designers take pains to make fraud websites look like carbon copy of real ecommerce platforms, they might not simply pay the same level of attention to the content. It’s just too much work to get everything right and a closer look will immediately reveal inconsistencies. For instance, in a lot of fraud websites, you will find grammatical errors and plenty of smelling mistakes where the scammer might have even gotten the name of certain brands wrong. This usually never happens with real websites since they have a team of professionals who double check and triple check this kind of stuff.
- Reseller Ratings
If you doubts over a certain site and suspect that is could be another one of those fraud websites, you could go and check in resellerratings.com to check if it is listed. This site is used by most verified online merchants and will also include business details of their company. You will also find reviews related to customer feedback, shipping policies, product deliveries and other such information. If a website is not registered here, it does not automatically mean a case of online fraud. You can however feel the right to be concerned about it.
- WHOIS
This option is used to determine the location of owner indulging in fraud websites. Usually in phishing scams, the company hosting the website would be in another country while they would be catering to their target market elsewhere. For instance, if you are looking to get a target audience in the US, the fraud websites company might actually be based somewhere in Asia. By using the WHOIS option you can figure out where a certain online company is based.
- Tips to Help Your Report Fraud Websites
One of the major problems with online fraud like mentioned above is that the company would be based in another country. This offers it’s a certain amount of protection. However you can still play a crucial role in bringing their business down. For instance, you can file a complaint with service providers like GoDaddy or Bluehost by contacting their customer service page and letting them know about the fraud websites.
The US government also has an option known as the stopfakes.gov website with the US IPR Center which tackles with businesses that sell fake goods online. You could also file an online complaint with the FBI through the ICCC which handles all kinds of complaints related to cyber crime.
About the author
Troy Warren’s “National Independent Restaurant Alliance” — Another Layer in the RATE$BATES Pyramid?
Troy Warren’s “NIRA - National Partnership” — Another Layer in the RATE$BATES Pyramid? October 2025 brought a new announcement from Troy Warren’s Local City Places, promoted through a paid press release service (EINPresswire) and syndicated to local media pages like WANE.com. The release introduced the so-called National Independent Restaurant Alliance (NIRA), described as a nationwide advocacy organization for independent restaurants. But closer inspection suggests NIRA may exist only on paper — created and controlled by the same marketing operation behind RATE$BATES and $CASH$BATES. In the announcement, Local City Places positioned itself as “the grassroots local network” powering NIRA’s city-level presence. The release used phrases like “national advocacy,” “economic leverage,” and “organizational support” — all designed to give the impression of a large, structured alliance. Yet there is no independent website, registration, or public leadership record confirming NIRA as a legitimate […]
Troy Warren Free Merchant Website Program Explained – Do Not Give Upfront Fees
Be Careful- Why Troy Warren’s “Free Websites” Pitch Deserves a Closer Look - Do not give Upfront Fees Upfront-fees in exchange for the Troy Warren Free Merchant Website program is being promoted as a breakthrough opportunity for small-business owners and sponsors alike. It promises free websites, ongoing commissions, and “six-figure potential.” But when you strip away the nostalgia and urgency, the mechanics look far more like a multi-level marketing structure than a true small-business solution. 1. The Setup: Nostalgia as credibility bait The email opens with a long memory-lane story about an early 1990s/1998 project to establish authority. That story is used to imply the sender has repeatable “magic” — a common tactic to transfer trust from past success to a new offer. Historical anecdotes can be real, but they’re also easy to use as credibility theater. 2. The […]
LOCAL City Places and why this Business Directory Is Doomed
LOCAL City Places and why this Business Directory Is DoomedSide-by-Side ComparisonFeatureTroy Warren’s “LOCAL City Places”Yelp / Google Maps / NextdoorBusiness Data QualityPlaceholder names like “Burgers Test Restaurant” with fake numbers (555-xxxx). Some listings use completely mismatched photos (restaurants showing shoes).Verified businesses with accurate names, real addresses, and phone numbers directly tied to the merchant.User Reviews“No reviews yet” across the board, despite promises of “steady activity.”Millions of active reviews across every major category. Trusted by both consumers and businesses.ImagesStock photos, irrelevant uploads, or generic placeholders.Real customer photos, verified merchant uploads, and street-view integration.FunctionalityListings don’t connect to any live traffic, ordering, or customer engagement.Deep integration with maps, ordering platforms, reservations, and real community discussions.MonetizationRecruit-to-earn schemes and “city host” licenses. The platform itself has no organic merchant value.Real ad platforms where businesses pay for visibility because the audience is there.Trust & CredibilityFake phone […]
Eats Fleet comes with the same wave of press release hype
The Rise (and Reinvention) of “Eats Fleet” If you follow local food delivery experiments in the Valley, you may have noticed a curious trend: the cycle of flashy new platforms that appear out of nowhere, make bold promises, and then quietly fade away. First, there was Local City Places, a concept that claimed it would revolutionize the way communities connected with small businesses. That platform never took off. Then came Local City Eats, a supposed hub for restaurant promotions and discounts. Despite the enthusiasm in its marketing, it too has struggled to gain meaningful traction. Now, there’s a new name on the horizon: Eats Fleet. According to press releases, Eats Fleet aims to be a “game changer” for both restaurants and delivery drivers in Phoenix. The pitch is familiar: a system that helps local eateries reach customers while providing drivers […]
CityPressMedia, and the Illusion of Branded Debit Cards.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: $CASH$BATES$, CityPressMedia, and the Illusion of Branded Debit Cards Executive Summary The $CASH$BATES$ program, operated by CityPressMedia, Inc. and fronted by entrepreneur Troy Warren, originally promised users payouts via a branded debit card. The company has now pivoted to promoting an unregulated "eWallet" platform that allegedly supports ACH transfers, virtual debit cards compatible with Apple/Google Pay, push-to-card payouts, and even cryptocurrency. This report explores both the original and new payout models, uncovers the regulatory requirements they likely do not meet, and outlines the legal risks to both the operators and participants. 1. The Original Plan: Branded LOCAL City Places Debit Cards In promotional materials and emails, Troy Warren initially claimed that commissions and cashback earnings would be loaded onto a "branded LOCAL City Places Partner Debit Card." This card, he said, would be reloadable and offered by the […]
The Truth Behind Branded Debit Cards: What Consumers Need to Know
The Truth Behind Branded Debit Cards: What Consumers Need to Know In recent years, many online programs and “rewards” platforms have started offering what they call branded debit cards to participants. Whether they claim you’ll receive cashback, commissions, or monthly bonuses loaded onto a Visa or Mastercard, the appeal is obvious: free money, conveniently delivered. But here’s the reality — issuing branded debit cards is tightly regulated, and not just any business can hand them out. In fact, many of these claims are either misleading or entirely false. To understand the truth, it’s important to know how branded cards actually work. Companies cannot simply print their logo on a Visa or Mastercard and start distributing them. Only banks that are licensed Visa or Mastercard issuers can offer these cards — and only after passing stringent vetting by the payment networks […]
Related
Troy Warren Free Merchant Website Program Explained – Do Not Give Upfront Fees
Be Careful- Why Troy Warren’s “Free Websites” Pitch Deserves a Closer Look - Do not give Upfront Fees Upfront-fees in exchange for the Troy Warren Free Merchant Website program is being promoted as a breakthrough opportunity for small-business owners and sponsors alike. It promises free websites, ongoing commissions, and “six-figure potential.” But when you strip away the nostalgia and urgency, the mechanics look far more like a multi-level marketing structure than a true small-business solution. 1. The Setup: Nostalgia as credibility bait The email opens with a long memory-lane story about an early 1990s/1998 project to establish authority. That story is used to imply the sender has repeatable “magic” — a common tactic to transfer trust from past success to a new offer. Historical anecdotes can be real, but they’re also easy to use as credibility theater. 2. The […]
LOCAL City Places and why this Business Directory Is Doomed
LOCAL City Places and why this Business Directory Is DoomedSide-by-Side ComparisonFeatureTroy Warren’s “LOCAL City Places”Yelp / Google Maps / NextdoorBusiness Data QualityPlaceholder names like “Burgers Test Restaurant” with fake numbers (555-xxxx). Some listings use completely mismatched photos (restaurants showing shoes).Verified businesses with accurate names, real addresses, and phone numbers directly tied to the merchant.User Reviews“No reviews yet” across the board, despite promises of “steady activity.”Millions of active reviews across every major category. Trusted by both consumers and businesses.ImagesStock photos, irrelevant uploads, or generic placeholders.Real customer photos, verified merchant uploads, and street-view integration.FunctionalityListings don’t connect to any live traffic, ordering, or customer engagement.Deep integration with maps, ordering platforms, reservations, and real community discussions.MonetizationRecruit-to-earn schemes and “city host” licenses. The platform itself has no organic merchant value.Real ad platforms where businesses pay for visibility because the audience is there.Trust & CredibilityFake phone […]
Eats Fleet comes with the same wave of press release hype
The Rise (and Reinvention) of “Eats Fleet” If you follow local food delivery experiments in the Valley, you may have noticed a curious trend: the cycle of flashy new platforms that appear out of nowhere, make bold promises, and then quietly fade away. First, there was Local City Places, a concept that claimed it would revolutionize the way communities connected with small businesses. That platform never took off. Then came Local City Eats, a supposed hub for restaurant promotions and discounts. Despite the enthusiasm in its marketing, it too has struggled to gain meaningful traction. Now, there’s a new name on the horizon: Eats Fleet. According to press releases, Eats Fleet aims to be a “game changer” for both restaurants and delivery drivers in Phoenix. The pitch is familiar: a system that helps local eateries reach customers while providing drivers […]
CityPressMedia, and the Illusion of Branded Debit Cards.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: $CASH$BATES$, CityPressMedia, and the Illusion of Branded Debit Cards Executive Summary The $CASH$BATES$ program, operated by CityPressMedia, Inc. and fronted by entrepreneur Troy Warren, originally promised users payouts via a branded debit card. The company has now pivoted to promoting an unregulated "eWallet" platform that allegedly supports ACH transfers, virtual debit cards compatible with Apple/Google Pay, push-to-card payouts, and even cryptocurrency. This report explores both the original and new payout models, uncovers the regulatory requirements they likely do not meet, and outlines the legal risks to both the operators and participants. 1. The Original Plan: Branded LOCAL City Places Debit Cards In promotional materials and emails, Troy Warren initially claimed that commissions and cashback earnings would be loaded onto a "branded LOCAL City Places Partner Debit Card." This card, he said, would be reloadable and offered by the […]
CashBates – Real Rewards or Real Red Flags
CashBates: Real Rewards or Real Red Flags? A new initiative called CashBates, launched by the site LocalCityPlaces.com, promises consumers "real cash rewards for shopping local" with no strings attached. According to press releases, users simply take a photo of a local store receipt, upload it through the site, and — once verified — receive 10% cash back. No points, no store credit, and no product restrictions. The program’s pitch is clear: support your local economy and earn real money while doing it. Even more enticing is the referral opportunity. CashBates users can recruit friends, family members, or even local business owners and earn additional rewards — not just from their direct referrals, but also from those referred by their referrals. With a two-tier commission structure, this turns ordinary shoppers into local economy ambassadors — or so the pitch goes. But […]
The Fine Line Between Outreach and Overreach in Affiliate and MLM Marketing
When Opt-In Isn’t Enough: The Fine Line Between Outreach and Overreach in Affiliate and MLM Marketing Is Local City Places pushing the boundaries? In the world of digital marketing, permission is powerful. Opt-in lists — those built from individuals who have willingly shared their contact information — form the backbone of ethical outreach campaigns. However, just because someone agrees to receive messages doesn’t give marketers free rein to inundate them with constant pitches or exaggerated promises. There is a critical distinction between informed consent and exploitative marketing, especially in spaces like multi-level marketing (MLM) or high-pressure affiliate programs. One recurring example of this overreach is the use of repetitive, emotionally charged recruitment messages sent multiple times per week. These pitches often promise easy, recurring income, highlight low effort for high return, and use urgency or FOMO tactics to push recipients […]
Be the first to leave a comment