google resell

Go to Lancashire trading standards, they have a file on this company and hopefully will be prosecuting before too long. I was lucky and cancelled my debit card so lost just 116.33 but with the Mirror covering it on the 15th and also confirmation from Google I am about to get my money back.

Good luck

I too have been caught by Sphere Marketing and have gone down the route of reporting the company to trading standards and taking action to try and recover the funds taken from my debit card - all to no avail so far. I would be interested to know how Chocolate Lady has got on in her quest to obtain her money back from her debit card company.
 
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Chaps,

Just an update for those with an interest in searchrankresults.co.uk - my PM to SRR has produced no response. My clients have continued to receive letters threatening legal action and have decided to "fight them all the way". I'll post more when I hear the outcome.
 
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i have recently had £1366.20 taken from my bank account through my visa debit card. Left me in a difficult finacial situation. Searchrankresults contacted me as a google reseller on a 90 day trial. Regardless of service their methods are extremely questionable. Firstly i was told the 90 day trial was £99 per month plus vat, it was not made clear about a £99 + vat admin fee and i certainly was not made aware that the full payment of £450 was payable up front. Anyway after failing to notify them within 60 days they have now taken 12 months money up front for the 12 month contract whilst i am still under my 90 day trial, how can this be? Can this legally be argued that they are deliberately misleading us as it is not a 90 day trial. Surely the whole point of a trial is that you have 90 days to make your mind up. It is apparent that the whole thing is a trap and they are praying that people fail to read the small print & fail to contact them within 60 days so that they can take your money. Technically this is surely a 60 day trial, actually less if they want written confirmation within this period if you want to cancel.
 
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Avoid this company at all costs. Their trading methods are extremely questionable. Their set up is clearly a trap. Their service has not been of benefit to me and they seem to have problems with their postal service having not recieved my cancellation letter within 60 days and after taking £1366.20 from my bank account without my authorisation they have not recieved my letter of complaint either. Listen, anyone currently under their joke 90 day trial wishing to cancel you must send your cancellation notice in to them by RECORDED DELIVERY WITHIN 60 DAYS or they will take your money.
 
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For anyone who wants to perhaps contact this company directly they have set up a base in Manchester. The guy who runs the show there is called Joe Black. Not sure if this is his real name. Maybe he's hiding there? They have offices within this building

Search Rank Results
exchange suite 3rd floor
The Triangle Building

Exchange Square
Manchester
M4 3TR
 
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they lied they cheated they nearly stole my money they threathened me with court. i thought it was just me . they were a very angry company and took me off because lovely nat west bank x x x x did not give them the money when they tried .
 
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hello i would love to reply to that man his company is a lying cheating rude angry theving company google should try deter them from pretending to be them and using misleading same type logos
 
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After not recieving my letter of cancellation and letter of complaint they advised me send in a copy of my letter by recorded delivery. They must a real problem with their postal service especially when it comes to sending in letters of cancellation. Anyway my second letter they must have recieved but they cant be bothered to reply to me by mail so get a load of this. I recieved a short email basically saying to this and i believe that this should be the end of the matter. Attatched is of part of the recording of the sale which is what they describe the LEGAL part of the sale. After a very long time on the phone and i thought my questions had been answered through the sales process although misleadingly and did not really appreciate the importance of what was to come. The sales person read out the terms and conditions which to be honest i did not clearly listen too and had switched off by then. This infact probably covers them legally although i have asked them to supply the full recording with all the misleading parts of the sales conversation i had. I wonder whether they will send me this. The way i see it is even if i dont get my money back they must be given a hard time to discredit their methods and prevent them from operating in this way and taking other peoples money.
 
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From my customer:


Re; My on going battle with SearchRankResults.co.uk

Both Cumbria and Lancashire Trading Standards have been made aware of the above company and seem none too pleased with their dodgy dealings.

In fact, Cumbria Trading Standards are rather hoping that I will go to court so that their methods can be brought into the open and made public. Also contacted the Blackpool Gazette (business section) giving them the outline and the business forum website.

I have decided to contact Google and outline what this company is supposedly doing in their name.
Could you possibly let me have an e-mail address for Google customer services or similar.

Should you wish to update the Business Forum Web Site, it would be appreciated.
 
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In reply to yours unfortunately i have not yet found a way of contacting Google to check on the status of this company using Google to sell their services. When contacted by the sales person from the above he stated that they were a representative of google inferring that they were licenced by them hence their guarantee to get me on first page of google. Many of you have now questioned and suspected that this is illegal however how do we find out?. I myself have just recieved a reply to my letter of complaint and in their opinion my allegations are unfounded. They have listened to the recording of the sales conversation and do not see that i was mislead in anyway. They quite happily emailed me a copy of the LEGAL parts of the sales conversation ( the part which no one probably listens to after a long telephone call) but for some reason they up until now are reluctant to email me with the rest of the call. I wonder why this could be?. Is there something they are afraid of? ie use of googles name and other questions i asked which were not answered truthfully. Their letter ends with the sentence " If you would like to take this matter further, please contact our legal team at Napthens Solicitors in Preston, Lancashire." I bet they are very busy judging by the number of people they have screwed. Not left a contact number for them though.
 
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Hi all

I am to a victim of these rip off charlatans, back in November 2008 I was signed up by Google resell who is really this Sphere Marketing crowd. I had money taken off my credit card in february after asking not to continue their service. I sent an email which enabled me to charge back the payment these wallies took off me in March 2009. They have tried again to take money off me again last week so The Credit card company are going to refund again and give me a new credit card number. This is a must for any of you who have been ripped. If you have any email's use these as evidence for your bank.

I've just googled Sphere Marketing tonight and the name seems very popular with a lot of new companies in different countries such as usa, India and singapore with suspicious telephone numbers and addresses such as "1234 Anytown, Anystate usa". I have also found out that this company have changed their name to "Nice Day Marketing" on May 13th 2009 so tell your friends beware.

I found this out on the daily mirror website, they have an investigation team looking into this company


So From another unsatisfied customer of Sphere Marketing, good luck to all of you who are owed money and don't give up

Paul
 
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All,

I'm now in direct touch with a couple of victims of searchrankresults and have put them in touch with each other.

It sounds like Trading Standards are a good source of advice - one item in particular is worth repeating:

"If a recording is to be used in evidence it must be provided as a complete, unedited, printed transcript" - a fairly expensive obstacle to a court action, as opposed to just threats.

I am happy to put more victims in touch with each other if you want to get in touch - I'd imagine you could help and support each other in dealing with these people.
 
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As with any industry, particularly technical ones, there are always people looking for a shortcut. We've unfortunately heard this tale of woe far too many times.

In my experience, if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is - why on earth would a profit-making organisation charge so little for something of such incredible potential value?

Google AdWords can and does work incredibly well - we've increased clients' sales in £millions - but it does need a lot of effort and attention to detail to succeed against your competitors - not typically something that can be achieved for such a low fee.

It seems to be a classic example of, "you get what you pay for", unfortunately. But also sets a bad example of what Google AdWords and a well-run campaign can achieve.

We produced a plain English guide to AdWords which you're more than welcome to read via our site:
tillison.co.uk/about/adwords-success-guide/


Mark Tillison
tillison.co.uk
twitter.com/tillison


Was interested to find all this on here, I have been on another forum and found other disgruntled people!!
I have copied here what wrote on the Google forum yesterday....

I too fell for Sphere Marketing's approach. ... Sorry about the long windedness of this but I had to get it off my chest... SPHERE MARKETING are definitely scamming us. :D:(
 
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I'm delighted to report that my customer has won their battle with Searchrankresults.co.uk . After a phone call from a director they have been sent a letter stating that no further will be taken.

The reason given was an "inconsistency" in the recorded phone conversation.

So, the message is:

Get legal advice
Contact Trading Standards
Learn your rights (e.g. to a transcript of any phone calls)
Be careful what you say on the phone in ANY conversation
If necessary cancel your credit card
Don't give in to bullying letters

But the best advice is don't sign up with cold callers.

While these people have backed down this time I have not changed my opinion on their methods (dodgy in the extreme) or what they offer (very poor).

AVOID.
 
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I believe I am the first small business in N.Ireland to be targeted by SRR parading under the google banner.I am a harpist and with Yellow pages for over 8 years.No problems.I suspect thats where SRR lifted some of my advertising phrases.I now know how they got my £57O.40on 10 march.+on 18 may again without my knowledge or authorization £1,366.20
 
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Just joined this week and already:

1. Warned against Vardis (they went ahead with advertising even though no-one signed anything from this company and are now seeking their costs)

2. SRR are on our case now so WON'T be taking up their offer.

Thank you people :D
 
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SearchRankResults (SRR) are preying on small businesses, particulary those not used to dealing with high pressure sales calls. My husband, who has a small plumbing and heating business, is now locked into to battle after SRR presented a £1500 invoice for absolutely nothing at all. They won't give a transcript of the call, won't/can't provide details of a contract which has been agreed/signed by my husband, can't/won't provide any google analysis and won't answer any questions which are posed in correspondence. They're behaving as if they are a law unto themselves. At a time of such financial uncertainty businesses don't need the added pressure of such unscrupulous practices. I'd be keen to hear from others affected, particualry in Cheshire. I've contact the Trading Standards in our area and would like to be able to give them additional information regarding the practices of SRR. The sales pitch is along the lines of a free trial period/or extremely cheap, the promise of information through the post - which doesn't arrive - followed only by invoices for increasing amounts and threatening letters. Any additional information on this company would be much appreciated.:mad:
 
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To all victims of Searchrankresults,

I too have been a victim of this scam !!! , although I have only been "done" for a couple
of hundred pounds and so have got off lightly.

I suggest that we all get together as a group and consider a Class Action against these crooks. We small businesses ,as we all know are the lowest form of life in this once great
country , but I think the time is approaching for us gang up against the talentless morons
who keep taking our money ??????
I have worked for myself for the best part of 30 years , and up to now have only suffered three times from some theiving little b------d not paying for my services, spouting the
same old rubbish !! .This is however the first time I have come across this scam. I know what I would like to do to them !!!!!!
Yes maybe I am a little too trusting, but if a consumer group did exsist who really did speak for us instead of the gutless wonders who claim to be the champions of small businesses (until you require their support) , only then I feel that the scamsters would think again.

Yes the time has come to stand and fight back , together we would beat them.

Regards "ready to do battle from my South Manchester base"
 
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Hi, I was conned by this company into paying for a "Google top of the page" sponsored listing! The sales guy guarenteed me top of the page listing if I paid £157 plus vat per month for 3 months. The first day was fine, that was on the 6/11/2009, then when I looked on 9/11/2009 our listing had gone, I emailed and called the office of search rank results and the girl said we dont guarentee you anything!!! I informed her that I had been conned in that case and she hung up on me. I emailed them saying that Im going to report them to trading standards and my bank, when I called my bank, the said they would investigate it and stop the payment, the next thing I have is a call in the afternoon from search rank results, informing me that I will get a full refund as the girl had listened to the recorded call when the guy "carl" conned me into paying! I asked her to email me this to confirm which she has done. I asked her how many other companies has this guy "carl" or company conned? She didnt want to comment. I am concerned that each and every day, companies like mine are being conned into this. Regards Karl Warren :mad:
 
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Hi, I was conned by this company into paying for a "Google top of the page" sponsored listing! The sales guy guarenteed me top of the page listing if I paid £157 plus vat per month for 3 months. The first day was fine, that was on the 6/11/2009, then when I looked on 9/11/2009 our listing had gone, I emailed and called the office of search rank results and the girl said we dont guarentee you anything!!! I informed her that I had been conned in that case and she hung up on me. I emailed them saying that Im going to report them to trading standards and my bank, when I called my bank, the said they would investigate it and stop the payment, the next thing I have is a call in the afternoon from search rank results, informing me that I will get a full refund as the girl had listened to the recorded call when the guy "carl" conned me into paying! I asked her to email me this to confirm which she has done. I asked her how many other companies has this guy "carl" or company conned? She didnt want to comment. I am concerned that each and every day, companies like mine are being conned into this. Regards Karl Warren :mad:

All,

I'm now in direct touch with a couple of victims of searchrankresults and have put them in touch with each other.

It sounds like Trading Standards are a good source of advice - one item in particular is worth repeating:

"If a recording is to be used in evidence it must be provided as a complete, unedited, printed transcript" - a fairly expensive obstacle to a court action, as opposed to just threats.

I am happy to put more victims in touch with each other if you want to get in touch - I'd imagine you could help and support each other in dealing with these people.
 
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Hi, I was conned by this company into paying for a "Google top of the page" sponsored listing! The sales guy guarenteed me top of the page listing if I paid £157 plus vat per month for 3 months. The first day was fine, that was on the 6/11/2009, then when I looked on 9/11/2009 our listing had gone, I emailed and called the office of search rank results and the girl said we dont guarentee you anything!!! I informed her that I had been conned in that case and she hung up on me. I emailed them saying that Im going to report them to trading standards and my bank, when I called my bank, the said they would investigate it and stop the payment, the next thing I have is a call in the afternoon from search rank results, informing me that I will get a full refund as the girl had listened to the recorded call when the guy "carl" conned me into paying! I asked her to email me this to confirm which she has done. I asked her how many other companies has this guy "carl" or company conned? She didnt want to comment. I am concerned that each and every day, companies like mine are being conned into this. Regards Karl Warren


SearchRankResults (SRR) are preying on small businesses, particulary those not used to dealing with high pressure sales calls. My husband, who has a small plumbing and heating business, is now locked into to battle after SRR presented a £1500 invoice for absolutely nothing at all. They won't give a transcript of the call, won't/can't provide details of a contract which has been agreed/signed by my husband, can't/won't provide any google analysis and won't answer any questions which are posed in correspondence. They're behaving as if they are a law unto themselves. At a time of such financial uncertainty businesses don't need the added pressure of such unscrupulous practices. I'd be keen to hear from others affected, particualry in Cheshire. I've contact the Trading Standards in our area and would like to be able to give them additional information regarding the practices of SRR. The sales pitch is along the lines of a free trial period/or extremely cheap, the promise of information through the post - which doesn't arrive - followed only by invoices for increasing amounts and threatening letters. Any additional information on this company would be much appreciated.:mad:
 
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I have just had the same done, attempted to cancel immediately with searchrank etc etc :( no joy and as it's business to business, no cancelling under the cooling of period distance selling regs, so I have lost a few hundred at a time my business just can't afford it :mad: I am so upset but more at my own stupidity :(
 
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If a company is offering you Google for a one off fee for a month it deffinitely is a con.
£157? for a month? 24 hrs a day. I dont think so. They will put you on a budget & radius to last the month.
Google is charged on a cpc no other way! You cant be placed in the number 1 with unlimited clicks for 1 month for a one off fee. No company buys in bulk or cheaper clicks etc (what ive read on here)
Look at th company websites for the Google Qualified Certificate or simply research the companies for comments like these!

Sorry you guys got stung, hope this doesnt put you off cpc as it does WORK! You just need the right professional. Im happy to help if anyone has any questions about Google Adwords.
 
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Hi there.
My father in law was conned by these people in july. He was given a free 3 month trial that automatically converted into a 12 month contract if he did not cancel, in writing, after 2 months.

Not only does he now face with a very large bill he can not pay, the site they have bought ad words against is not a site he actually owns!

Has anyone had any luck getting them to back down?

I am aware that, by the look of it, he has no legal rights in the matter. But I need to at least get them to agree not to take any action against him until he can pay!

Thanks
 
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Hi there.
My father in law was conned by these people in july. He was given a free 3 month trial that automatically converted into a 12 month contract if he did not cancel, in writing, after 2 months.

Not only does he now face with a very large bill he can not pay, the site they have bought ad words against is not a site he actually owns!

Has anyone had any luck getting them to back down?

I am aware that, by the look of it, he has no legal rights in the matter. But I need to at least get them to agree not to take any action against him until he can pay!

Oh and this is interesting, they are on this watch list !!

advertising protection agency

Thanks
 
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I'm not surprised to hear of others who have been ripped off by SEARCH RANK RESULTS, which I now gather also operates under several other names. My husband and I were fleeced of £1821.60p. within 70 days of accepting a 90 day trial - and the response to our heated letters on this unexpected and totally unfair action resulted in them retreating behind ambiguous and misleading small print. Apart from that, they aren't actually providing the service they said they would. I was also interested to learn from others in this forum that the original caller introduced themselves as coming from 'Google'. We'd had other calls from companies suggesting they could get first page sites on Google, but because this caller claimed to come from Google itself, it seemed worth listening to.

I am planning to take my claim to the Small Claims Court - but because this organisation are obviously ripping off customers very efficiently, I guess they will be equally slippery when it comes to getting money back out of them. Has anyone tried taking them to court yet? What response did you get?

Is there any group established now of people like us who have been conned out of money by this organisation? Can I please join it, and add my contribution to whatever it takes either to make this company act professionally and fairly, or put it out of action so that others aren't damaged in the same way as we all were?

Pam Crow
 
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I agree with the others, Google rarely get in touch with people regarding advertising, never mention ranking, I never hear of it, is sure a scam and Google needs to know about it so other people don't get caught by these guys.
 
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I fully understand that we were all taken in by these crooks at worst we were all a bit stupid !!! but that does not give any crooked little b------d the right to steal from us, the only reason I got off so lightly was that due to having a wallet stolen I had to stop all transactions with my bank which in turn stopped them from taking any more money !
This could be a way of "cancelling " their little scam.
I would be most interested in meeting them in court , and I suggest that a class action can
be considered . If anyone wishes to get the justice we deserve then please do contact me.

I have just about had enough of being treated like a second class citizen just because I work for myself , and I think that it is time we (the self employed)started to gang up and fight back and I don't mean by joining yet another secret society who simply want you to become another member to take money from and not "do" anything to stop all this.

I have been very lucky that in nearly 30 yrs of working for myself I have only been ripped off a couple of times , but I am becoming very angry over this bunch ,this is nothing short of
theft , but beware our wonderful legal system dosn't see it as criminal, it is a civil matter.
However if this scam were to affect any household names who have the funds to back
political parties I am sure our wonderful government would very quickly put a stop to it!!


m33cgp
 
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Hello
I had an encounter with searchrankresults last week. I am very very unhappy to say the least. I need to act fast as the 60days is ticking by.
Can anyone give me some much needed advice???
Thanks
 
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not going to make any comments about "passing off" as Google get very upset with agencies doing this!

I hate that too. Lately I hear more and more agencies are doing that. In the introduction they say where they are calling from so fast mentioning Google much slower...and let everyone to believe they are calling from Google.
 
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