Christmas tree glows with Product Test Panel's big news + one member's not so jolly experience, I-Deal answers DBA and gift site questions, link list

Merry Christmas everyone! Big news from Product Test Panel + a member describes their less than happy experience-- you won't believe what happened! I-Deal answers questions regarding John Deere tractor site and 6-month DBA rule; yuletide link list, and more! Let's have a jolly good time...



We'll kick off our holiday blog by examining a new gift site. This is what arrived in my mailbox...

Incoming message:



Here is what it said:



I don't believe just anything, but I had been waiting on a $1,000.00 gift card from I-Deal, so I thought it might have been about my gift. The 'Please See this and confirm' link directed me to the site below.

gift page:





url: http://walmart.mygiftcarddeal.com/

There is no address in the policy, and the domain is privately registered. No status or contact page on the front of the site either. So I went through the registration and survey process to get results...

registration page:





survey pages:









offer page:





Who is this? Don't know yet? Let's keep going...

bonus page:





The company with the famous "Bullseye Bonus" is Product Test Panel, and the Bullseye Bonus wording is clearly displayed in the browser tab's left corner. Also, the 'Member Support' and 'Gift Status' pop-ups at the bottom of the offer page are like Product Test Panel. I will post them now.

Bottom of offer page:



Member support:



Gift status:



Review the rules for each page.

Bottom of front page:



Bottom of registration page:



Bottom of offer page:



The front page states, "(4) not cancel your participation in more than a total of 2 Reward Offers within 30 days of any Reward Offer Sign-Up Date as outlined in the Terms & Conditions (the Cancellation Limit)." -- This isn't explained anywhere in the terms and conditions. And, as long as you don't cancel the OODs (Offers of Doom = expensive offers), you shouldn't be in violation of their cancellation limitation. So I don't know why it says you can't cancel no more than 2 offers, as there will most likely be more regular offers available. Another problem is the front page states you must, "(3) complete a total of 10 Reward Offers as stated in the Terms & Conditions", while the offer page requires 13, "(3) complete a total of 13 Reward Offers as stated in the Terms & Conditions." The status page should have the correct offer count. The domains associated with this site are site4giftcards.com, bigbrandrewards.com, mywebrewards.com. All but one is privately registered.

whois info:



I would say this is a Product Test Panel site despite the dodgy name and e-mail in the whois: Andrzej Z jjzz7171@aol.com.

It has been said that you can only do one Product Test Panel site per lifetime, though it has also been said that you can... One member has proven just how possible it is, and delivers some important news straight from Product Test Panel's customer support rep, Daniel. Below is their DIY earnings report and our correspondence.

Member's earnings report:

"from xxxx@xx.com
to diyfreebies@gmail.com
date Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 6:13 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by xxxx.com

Hello Woz,

I just wanted to give you a quick update on a couple of sites. First of all, I am SO happy to hear that I finally was approved for the 2freelaptops site. I still can't believe how easy the actual verification and documentation portion went - I guess I shouldn't count my money before I have it hand but it definitely looks very promising. About how long did you have to wait? I'm guessing they sent a check rather than 2 laptops correct? I have to give you major credit for helping me through that site (providing phone numbers, the link etc.). Also, I am VERY close to finishing my second Product Test Panel site. It is for $2,000 Apple gift card plus all those bonus things. It is actually run by the same company as PTP but I guess it is not their direct company so I was able to complete the site (even though I did a PTP site a couple years ago). I recently received an Ipad2 from a Nuitech site and just completed another Nuitech site (different DBA) for a $500 Chili's gift card. I'm hoping they will let me exchange that gift card for something else but I guess we'll see. Anyway, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your website, your insight and your time that you put into this. I would definitely like to donate some more money to keep your site running and keep you motivated to find more opportunities. As soon as my "stuff" starts rolling in, I will gladly donate.

Thanks again,
member"

My questions to this member about Product Test Panel:

"from [Offline] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Sat, Nov 19, 2011 at 4:39 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by xxxx.com

hide details Nov 19 (10 days ago)

Hi member,

I am trying to gather more information on Product Test Panel's subsidiary company that you did your site through. Do you still happen to have the link for the second Product Test Panel site you did? If it's still around, I can start there and hopefully find the name of the sub-company, and then ask their support some questions. This information would really help my readers. I'm in the process of writing my blog, and am piecing my material together as I go. I hope to have it published by early December. :)

Thanks,

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

wozniack"

Member's reply:

"from xxxx@xx.com
to diyfreebies@gmail.com
date Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 6:10 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.aol.com

Hello Woz,

The site I did was http://www.giftcardrewardzone.com/ but now it says it's "down for maintenance". I did recently receive my gifts though!! I got a $3,500 Apple store gift card and an Ipad 2. Daniel, the main support person for Product Test Panel aka Consumer Resource Corporation is very nice to work with. He told me the company was steering away from DIY sites and was moving more into the referral process. I hope I can still do one more DIY site from them before they end it all. Let me know if you have any other questions. On another note.... I'm still waiting on my check from CRS. I just received an email from Dave that the check should have been mailed earlier this week - nothing yet. Do you know if the check was mailed just through the USPS?

Thanks,
member"

My response:

"from [Offline] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 1:27 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by gmail.com

member,

Thanks for the link. I will check it again to see if the site comes back. Would you happen to have their e-mail? I can't find it. I even registered for a PTP site and never received a password, so I couldn't log in to send them a support ticket. That is great that you were able to do more than one Product Test Panel site! I hope you've been enjoying your profit. Do you mind if I share your positive news with my readers regarding your success with Product Test Panel and CRS? :)

The check should come by USPS but it requires a signature. Its good that Dave is responsive again, hopefully that means they will continue paying out...

Thanks!

wozniack"

Member's reply:

"from xxxx@xx.com
to diyfreebies@gmail.com
date Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 5:41 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.com

Hello Woz,

AWESOME NEWS!! I just got a $3,000 check today for CRS!!!! I'm so excited - I haven't tried to cash it yet but I hope all goes well. You can share the news on your board - would you want a picture of the check as well? The best way to contact PTP is via phone at (803) 782-0957. Let me know if you need anything else. I will be making a donation to your site again soon!!

Thanks,
member"

My reply:

"from [Offline] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 9:32 PM
subject Re: Product Test Panel
mailed-by xxxx.com

Hi again,

CONGRATS!! I'm sure you won't have any problems cashing that check, but I would do it soon as you never know with these companies. Sure! Send me a picture of your check. :)) Thanks for allowing me to share your good news with my readers. They will love this bit of information, and it will restore their faith in CRS after all this time.

Thank you for your continued support of DIYfreebies! Your donations mean so much to all of us in the DIY community.

Thanks,

wozniack"

Between site maintenance and the gift site errors, I was unable to send them a support ticket. A good friend of mine tried getting through to them for me but had the same results. I don't communicate by phone as I need my company response in writing, so I can't call. If the site this member did was under another DBA, is that why Consumer Research Corporation, the company sponsoring Product Test Panel, let them do another? Or is it that ALL their sites are under the direct company, Consumer Research Corporation, and you can do as many as you want provided the domains are unique? There are other divisions of Consumer Research Corporation, such as ReachSmart Interactive, Inc. and SubscriberbaseHoldings, Inc., which may be used to manage more gift sites. But so far there isn't a definite answer as to which DBAs their other gift sites belong to, if not their main corp.
The important news from Daniel was them steering away from DIY. Their gift program is now transient, and one day their gift sites will all be gone. Get in on Product Test Panel now if you're wanting to do them...



Next is a rather dreary outcome for one Product Test Panel member. The PM below speaks for itself.

This member's message to me:

"Hi wozniack,

I couldn't locate your e-mail address, so I'm hopeful I can track you down through here.

I recently completed a PTP site. When I signed up, one of the gifts I was to received was the white MacBook, which was, of course, valued at $999. However, as you may know, the white MacBook was discontinued. As such, when fulfillment time came, CS told me that substituting the MacBook Air would not be a problem. When I received the MacBook Air, it was an older version - specifically, a late 2010 model that retails for $834.00, which is obviously less than the $999 item I would've gotten. So what, you say? It's only a $165 difference. Normally, I would agree.

But when I called CS to inquire about receiving the older model and that not being what I expected, CS, who was otherwise great, became very snippy and condescending. He kept saying stuff like, "We never discussed the model" and "This isn't a Best Buy; you can't expect to receive the latest model." Then he told me that I should be OK with it, as it will help me on taxes. Being a law student with no income, I don't really think that an extra $165 on my taxes will kill me.

Regardless, because of that conversation, I've decided to fight back and file a small claims suit against PTP. Honestly, it's more about principle than anything else. The company cut corners to fulfill my gifts when I had no reason to expect I would receive an almost year-old model.

As a law student, I'm not going to pretend that I know everything about the law. But I do know at least two or three grounds on which I know I can successfully prevail in a suit against PTP. I don't really want to be pushed around by a freebie site, especially when I know I don't have to take it. After travel time and everything, I know I'll probably come out losing more than the $165, but I really don't care. I just want to get my point across.

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble locating something that I thought you, as a freebie connoisseur, may know. At least one of the freebie sites that I've done has a clause in their T&C stating that gift substitutions will be for an equal or greater value. I haven't found any T&C so far that state that and was wondering if perhaps may you knew. This isn't the foundation of my case by any means, but I'm basically going to throw everything at them. And I figured that you would probably know where to look. Thanks for your help!

member

Nothing in PTP's TOS says that"

Okay, here are my thoughts. First off, Product Test Panel should have pulled the Macbook site since the item was discontinued. They were right in substituting a MacBook Air for the white MacBook, however, the value of the MacBook Air fell under the amount of the advertised white MacBook. Regardless of the $165.00 difference, he was sent a laptop for a lesser amount and it was a 2010 model. What they should have done was send this member a $999.00-$1,000.00 check or gift card. Or they could have sent him a $165.00 check or gift card to make up for the loss. But no. In return he lost money, got an outdated PC, and a few snide remarks; "This isn't a Best Buy; you can't expect to receive the latest model." And here comes the cherry on top: Product Test Panel to member, "Oh, you should be fine with it... It'll help you on taxes. Haha!" Somehow that makes it all better. Consumer Research Corporation, please act on your customer support's behavior. This isn't how you communicate with your members, because without them you would have no business.

Anyway, I checked in on this member to see how things turned out. Below is my PM.

My PM:

"Hi member,

I was just checking in to see how your small claims suit against Product Test Panel went? I am terribly sorry that you received the 2010 Macbook Air. I still cannot believe the attitude of their customer support! I am guessing you talked to Daniel? They should have given you a laptop that was the same value of the one you signed up for, even if it wasn't a Macbook Air. They could have done that.

I have some new information on Product Test Panel that I will discuss in December's blog... And if you don't mind, I'd like to share your experience with my readers in addition to what I have. The outcome of your PTP site may serve as a warning to others, as to not register for a discontinued gift so they don't potentially receive an item of lesser value.

I really hope you won your suit to prove a point to Product Test Panel. Good luck with everything.

Thanks,

wozniack"

Member's reply:

"Hi woz,

You're more than welcome to share what PTP did to me on your website. It still irks me and especially how snobby Daniel acted when I called (and I did so in a non-confrontational manner).

Unfortunately, I ended up not pursuing the small claims case. The amount I ultimately got for the MBA on Amazon was made the differential inconsequential, especially taking a filing fee into account. I would have loved to pursue a small claims case on principle alone, but like I think I said before, I'm a law student who was dealing with school and interviews with full-time job interviews during August-October. So I simply just didn't have the time to deal with it.

It's very frustrating, just because PTP has a business model that seems conducive to making a lot of profit and Daniel simply cut corners with me to save a mere $160. It's pathetic. Other than the end, my experience with PTP was great, but it really left a sour taste in my mouth.

If you need any other info from me about this, I'd be happy to provide it. Sorry I don't have more exciting details to report."

As much as I like Product Test Panel, they have disappointed me greatly. I can only hope this doesn't carry on to their referral program. I wanted to publicize this member's experience for Consumer Research Corporation in case they're reading. Thanks to this member for letting me post about what happened.

Next comes an inquiry about this I-Deal tractor site:





gift page: http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?session_id=d871fdce090711e18076646ba83e1350

My response to this person, and my correspondence with I-Deal, can be found below. For their protection, I have left this person anonymous.

Person's inquiry about John Deere site:

"from anonymous xxxx@xx.com
to diyfreebies@gmail.com
date Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 12:30 AM
subject JD Tractor site with Ideal question...
mailed-by xxxx.com

hide details Nov 7

Hi. My name is anonymous, I am a long time follower of yours, a member of A4F, and I also complete DIY sites. I have found this site and I am curious what the "value" of the tractor would be??? Wondering if it is worth mine and my refs time to complete....10 offers and 2 refs, but my husband says...bare bones JD tractor is 5K...what do you think and is there a way to find out the gift amount? Thanks so much for your time.

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?session_id=d871fdce090711e18076646ba83e1350"

My reply:

"from [Busy] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to anonymous
date Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 1:59 PM
subject Re: JD Tractor site with Ideal question...
mailed-by gmail.com

hide details Nov 7

Hi anonymous,

Many DIY companies determine the gift amount by the list price given on the manufacturer's web site. For example. Let's say I-Deal had the first iPad model advertised on one of their sites but they were only paying by check for that gift. Since there is now an iPad 2, the first iPad would have gone down in value, so I-Deal would determine the gift amount by the list price on Apple.com. Now, if that iPad dropped to $350.00, you would most likely received a check for $350.00 instead of one for $500.00 if you did a site for an iPad 2.

I checked the value for this particular John Deere model, and it is $3,105.75 on the John Deere web site.

I will ask I-Deal for the gift amount on this site to be sure, and will relay their response to you.

Thanks,

wozniack"

A few days later I shared my I-Deal conversation with anonymous...

"from [Busy] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to anonymous
date Thu, Nov 10, 2011 at 4:24 PM
subject Re: JD Tractor site with Ideal question...
mailed-by gmail.com
Images from this sender are always displayed. Don't display from now on.

hide details Nov 10

Hi anonymous,

I will copy and paste my correspondence with I-Deal regarding the gift amount of the tractor. You can find it below.

My first e-mail to I-Deal:

"From: xxxx@xx.com [mailto: xxxx@xx.com]
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 3:09 PM
To: contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
Subject: John Deere tractor site... (Thread:299957)

Hi,

Could you give me the gift amount for this site? http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?session_id=9f546312097811e1a55da536a83e1266 -- The list price is $3,105.75 for this model as per the John Deere web site: http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/products/equipment/riding_mowers/lawn_tractors/select_seriesx300/300-38-inch/x300_38inch_deck.page

I wasn't sure though if you determine the gift's value by the manufacturer's web site or not. I assume you ship the actual tractor with a gift being this high in value, as $3,000.00 would be a lot to payout in gift cards-- unless you send a check.

Thanks"

I-Deal's reply:

"from Customer Service contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 3:07 PM
subject RE: John Deere tractor site... (Thread:299957)
mailed-by expertcustomerservice.com

Dear Customer,

We have no record of your email address registered for this offer. We cannot guarantee that this gift will be fulfilled with a check or the actual tractor.

Sincerely,

Customer Service"

My reply to I-Deal:

"from [Available] xxxx@xx.com xxxx@xx.com
to Customer Service
date Wed, Nov 9, 2011 at 12:42 PM
subject Re: John Deere tractor site... (Thread:299957)
mailed-by xxxx.com

hide details Nov 9

Hi,

I'm sorry, I haven't registered for this offer yet. I was just trying to find out more about it before signing up. I know on the John Deere site that the tractor is above $2,500.00, but what has your company set as the gift amount for this offer? Could you give me an estimate of what you might payout on this offer?

Thanks!"

I-Deal's reply:

"from Customer Service contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Wed, Nov 9, 2011 at 1:19 PM
subject RE: John Deere tractor site... (Thread:299957)
mailed-by expertcustomerservice.com

Dear Customer,

Per our terms and conditions:

B. Reward Fulfillment and Delivery

(1.) Top Notch Media, Inc. reserves the right to substitute a check for the reward.

(2.) Top Notch Media, Inc. reserves the right to substitute a gift card for the reward. The amount of the gift card and the merchant shall be determined by Top Notch Media, Inc. in its sole discretion. By accepting the gift card, you agree that you have been made whole and relinquish your rights to pursue any and all claims against this website, Top Notch Media, Inc., its parent, successors, assigns, affiliates, advertisers and employees.

(3.) Top Notch Media, Inc. reserves the right to substitute a product of comparable value for the reward. “Comparable value” shall be determined by Top Notch Media, Inc. in its sole discretion.

I cannot give you a definite answer to your question about how much we MIGHT pay via check for a person who completes this offer. However, if at the time of redemption the tractor is still valued around $2,500, it is safe to say that you would receive compensation somewhere close to that in amount if it is determined that we are going to send a check in lieu of the tractor.

Sincerely,

Customer Service"

Then I wrote this for anonymous before signing off:

What they are saying is that if the tractor is still valued around $2,500.00-$3,000.00, then you would receive compensation close to that amount if they're sending a check. So this means that you most likely would be receiving a check instead of the tractor. However, they reserve the right to also reward you with a gift card or the tractor itself.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks,

wozniack"

Anonymous replied:

"from anonymous xxxx@xx.com
to diyfreebies@gmail.com
date Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 2:30 PM
subject RE: JD Tractor site with Ideal question...
mailed-by xxxx.com

Thanks so much for your time and help."

Next comes a question about I-Deal's six-month time limit.

"QUOTE (Zags2010 @ Nov 17 2011, 08:46 AM) *
Does anyone know when the six-month time limit for up to $1,000 per DBA starts? Does it start when you sign up for the offers, when your certificate is processed, or when you receive the item?"

I figured it started at the time of registration, but to be absolutely sure I went straight to the source.

My question to I-Deal:

"From: xxxx@xx.com [mailto: xxxx@xx.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 5:13 PM
To: Customer Service
Subject: Question about the six-month time limit per DBA... (Thread:300847)

Do you know when the six-month time limit for up to $1,000 per DBA starts? Does it start when you sign up for the offers, when your certificate is processed, or when you receive the item?

Thanks"

I-Deal's reply:

"from Customer Service contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
to xxxx@xx.com
date Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 1:45 PM
subject RE: Question about the six-month time limit per DBA... (Thread:300847)
mailed-by expertcustomerservice.com

hide details Nov 21 (7 days ago)

It’s from the date you register."



Another $25.00 Target gift card from ePoll market research. Thanks ePoll!

Reach into your stocking of rewards...



*yuletide link list*

producttestpanel--

http://shoppingthanet.com/bb8holiday/index.php?lid=bb8holiday_12967_PFTEST&add_offerid=673696&addomain=rscounter10.com&addomain_id=66&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$1000.00 Best Buy gift card + misc. gifts

shoppingthanet.com/holidaygiftcards/index.php?lid=holidaygiftcards_14662_[=AFID=]&add_offerid=754164&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$1,000.00 merchant gift card of your choice + misc. gifts

http://shoppingthanet.com/jcpenney/index.v1.php?lid=jcpenney_14662_[=AFID=]&add_offerid=441669&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$1,000.00 JcPenney gift card of your choice + misc. gifts

http://shoppingthanet.com/macys/index.php?lid=macys_14662_[=AFID=]&add_offerid=485841&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$1,000.00 Macy's gift card of your choice + misc. gifts

http://shoppingthanet.com/costco/index.php?lid=costco_14662_[=AFID=]&add_offerid=589322&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$1,000.00 Costco gift card of your choice + misc. gifts

Nuitech--

http://www.rewardingpromos.com/?c=116&s=4562&s1= - offers unknown/$1,000.00 Best Buy gift card

http://www.rewardingpromos.com/?c=113&s=1717 - offers unknown/$1,000.00 Victoria's Secret gift card

http://www.rewardingpromos.com/?c=127&s=1717 - offers unknown/$1,000.00 JcPenney gift card

I-Deal--

http://www.myholidayshoppingspree.com/?session_id=5d371cea1bd411e1a92f42a1a68cb92e - 10 offers, 1 ref/$500.00 Kohl's gift card

http://www.holidayrewards.us.com/?session_id=89d4f6041bd511e18a12c68c5407cece - 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 JcPenney gift card

http://www.myholidayshoppingspree.com/?session_id=82468bd81bd411e1b428cffc7f685fd3 - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Toys R Us gift card

http://www.myholidayshoppingspree.com/?session_id=950a696a1bd411e1b05726a05407cece - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Best Buy gift card

http://www.holidayrewards.us.com/?session_id=e1e6e0381bd411e1806c2e83a83e1266 - 10 offers, 1 refs/$500.00 Red Lobster gift card

http://www.holidayrewards.us.com/?session_id=f7f624f61bd411e1aa032983a83e1266 - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa gift card

http://www.holidayrewards.us.com/?session_id=088ad1a41bd511e1bbea5f05b8df804b - 10 offers, 1 refs/$1,000.00 Visa gift card

http://www.attentionshoppers.us.com/?session_id=1af448341bd511e19d873ffa7f685fd3 - 10 offers, 1 refs/$500.00 Olive Garden gift card

http://www.attentionshoppers.us.com/?session_id=36460c441bd511e1bb2eb1e53a697067 - 10 offers, 1 refs/$500.00 merchant gift card of your choice (Visa option)

http://www.attentionshoppers.us.com/?session_id=4c98d4721bd511e197124183a83e1266 - 10 offers, 1 refs/$500.00 Gap gift card

http://www.restaurantgiftcards.us.com/?session_id=bab4ee501bd511e1ab213305b8df804b - 10 offers, 1 refs/$500.00 Red Lobster gift card

This concludes the holiday edition of DIYfreebies! I'm still waiting for my I-Deal gift. It was supposed to ship last month but it never did... The holiday season may be slowing down their Fulfillment Department, as there was probably an increase of activity on their sites due to Christmas. With luck, mine should arrive before December 20th. This is my last I-Deal site as I need new offers with them, but I will do one that needs testing: WinHundread, Brightfire, Ifficient, LeaderDirect. I feel better doing Ifficient or LeaderDirect though because they are responsive. Anyway, enjoy the yuletide link list! There are many great deals right now. :)

Merry Christmas to all! May glad tidings and good cheer, carry on through the New Year. I leave you with this quote: "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis

Take care,

wozniack

Read rest of entry

Harvest time with evidence of new sites by CRS + payment reports, new I-Deal requirement, WinHundred site review, Thanksgiving link list and more!

The fields are harvested, the scarecrows are out, and now we prepare for a Thanksgiving feast! Evidence proves CRS are still "in that business" + recent payment reports; new I-Deal requirements and rules explained; WinHundred site review; Thanksgiving link list, and more! Happy Thanksgiving!! Dinner's ready...



We have recent payment reports from CRS, as well as proof that CRS have created a new gift site AFTER they said, "We're not in that business anymore." We'll start with the strongest piece of evidence, the new domain. Let's go...

whois:



gift site:





url: http://frame.prizesallaround.com/SplashPage.aspx?g=61b65f48accb49a9ad28407e66822c33&nm=01bgdre6kkx6as&s=[=AFID=]&x=[=SID=]&se=51&se=53

Everything looks okay, right? Well, close in on the registration date of prizesallaround.com in the whois info. The domain was registered September 22, 2011, weeks AFTER the confrontation at CRS' office! Why is this significant? Read the date of this member's post then compare it to the registration date of prizesallaround.com...



Click to enlarge.

The member initially posted on September 5, 2011, and again the next day with the above post. If this member said CRS stated that they were "not in that business", how is that possible given the date of this member's post? This date confirms without a shadow of a doubt that this incident occurred before the 22nd of September, the date that prizeallaround.com was registered. When the domain went live on September 22, 2011, that proved that CRS are STILL producing new gift sites despite them not being "in that business."

I will say that there have been four payment reports since the confrontation at CRS' building. The first came in on September 20, 2011, the others in mid-October. Read October's report before moving forward.

Latest payment report from member:

"Hey Woz thanks,

I just received a check last week from Dave (Canada) for $2500 for the free Macbook Pro. I sent a return email to say thanks for the tracking and the email bounced back. When I tried to access the link for the offer, the site was down.

I've had friends who did the Canada offer with success in the past. Do you think the Hong Kong site is safe or should I steer clear based on what you reported happening in Canada?

Thanks,

member"

My reply:

"Congratulations on your reward! I hope you enjoy the profit.

Your payment report is the first I have heard of since September, so that makes me feel somewhat better about CRS. However, I am so perplexed by everything that has happened that I do not understand what is going on with them. At least I now know that Dave is still there, but it doesn't explain the strange occurrences with this company.

I want to tell you to steer clear of CRS but they did pay you recently... Its never good when e-mails bounce, and you have no way of communicating with customer support. Has that happened before, or was it only when you tried to e-mail them back? The fact that they said they aren't "in that business anymore", but yet are paying people and have registered new domains (I have proof) tells me something is wrong somewhere because they're still active. Perhaps they saw the opportunity to avoid paying that man who confronted them in Canada like they did with the entire Melanie Kyle/LG washer & dryer situation. Many innocent members lost their money over something--and someone--they were never associated with. Doesn't mean everyone will get scammed though. This is just me thinking aloud. I honestly do not know what their intentions are, but they obviously are still "in that business" since they're paying out and generating new gift sites.

We'll have to keep our eye on CRS for a while. If you are the least bit uncertain about CRS, I suggest doing I-Deal or Nuitech until we learn more.

P.S.-- Would you allow me to share your good news with my readers from my blog? It may ease their minds to know that the company didn't just get up and leave if they're still owed money.

Thanks."

This member's reply:

"Yes please share. Two offers were done at the same time by two different friends. Both received their checks the week of 10/10/2011. The check was dated September 27, 2011.

We communicated with Dave by email several times until the tracking numbers were received. What was different this time is a) He didn't send tracking when he said he would. We contacted him again and he finally sent it but he was a week late. Once the tracking was sent, we sent an email to say thanks and the email bounced back as if the email address no longer existed.

If I decide to do an offer with them out of Hong Kong, I will post my results.

Thanks for the info!"

These payment reports tell us Dave still works there since he communicated with these members. It also means that they're STILL "in that business"! Why would they continue to pay out if they weren't? But what about the episode at their office? Their unusual behavior during the utility bill notifications; their ever-so-final "not in that business" quote; their gift sites flooding every inbox and spam folder and search engine known to man, made it virtually impossible to tell if they were still in business. Behind every lie there is a reason, and I believe they told the member who confronted them that to dodge payment. They saw an opening and crawled right under it not to. My advice to everyone is to just be careful if you do CRS. You never really know about them.

Heads up! There is a new I-Deal requirement called "Featured Offers." This requirement is not on every I-Deal site but it is something you need to watch for. It can be found in the bottom paragraph on the front page next to the Silver, Gold and Platinum links. Please see below.

gift site:





url: http://consumerrewards.us.com/?session_id=4d9aa3f0fce511e08ff7107d61352346

"Featured Offers" page:





url: http://consumerrewards.us.com/?session_id=4d9aa3f0fce511e08ff7107d61352346&map=29&stage=539

The "Featured Offers" offer page states, "In order to receive your ::your gift here:: you must try one of the featured offers below." But then I thought, "Wait a minute... Why is there a skip button?" Why were we told we must do an offer if there was a "Skip" button. I already knew the answer but I wanted confirmation from I-Deal themselves. I copied my brief exchange with them below.

My message to I-Deal:

"From: xxxx@xx.com [mailto:xxxx@xx.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 4:09 PM
To: contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
Subject: Question about 'Featured Offers'... (Thread:298846)

Hi,

I was looking at this site and noticed that you had to complete a "Featured Offer" from this page: http://consumerrewards.us.com/?session_id=9762ba9accf711e0b30093d6a68cb92e&map=29&stage=539, but was wondering why there was a Skip button at the bottom of the page. It seems like we have to fulfill this requirement though since the top of the page states, "In order to receive your $1000 Visa Gift Card you must try one of the featured offers below." The "Featured Offers" link is also on the front page of the site next to the Silver, Gold, and Platinum offer pages, which always have to be fully satisfied in order to receive your gift. I am almost certain that the "Featured Offers" page is a requirement, but I wanted to make sure as there is a Skip button on that page. The main gift site is: http://consumerrewards.us.com/?session_id=9762ba9accf711e0b30093d6a68cb92e

Thanks,

Your valued member"

Their reply:

"From: Customer Service
Date: Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 4:46 PM
Subject: RE: Question about 'Featured Offers'... (Thread:298846)
To: xxxx@xx.com

Yes it is a requirement."

There you go. Any site with a "Featured Offers" page will require you to complete an offer in that group. The "Skip" button's function is to redirect you to the basic offer pages if you choose to do it later. There isn't a button for the "Featured Offers" page anywhere on the basic offer pages: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The only way to access the "Featured Offers" page is by logging in to your status page. See below.

Taken from another I-Deal site:



Onto another I-Deal finding... I tried to register for this I-Deal site: http://www.consumerrewards.us.com/?session_id=3757176afc1b11e0b39e71efb7df804b -- The reward is a $1,000.00 Best Buy gift card under the DBA 123 Click. I wasn't eligible for this reward for the following reasons:



Then I recalled the site switch with I-Deal back in September, where a gift was moved to an entirely different domain and DBA. To refresh your memories, read this entry as it tells more about it: I-Deal customer support addresses DBA site questions... -- I probably wasn't eligible for successfully completing the $1,000.00 Visa gift card offer 4 months ago on e-researchcouncil.com, which was under Top Notch Media before it moved to consumerrewards.us.com, a 123 Click site. If that's really why, that answers our question as to which DBA we could do after registering for the $1,000.00 Visa gift card on e-researchcouncil.com. We can do Top Notch Media, just not 123 Click for 6 months.

While on topic, I would like to go back over the 6-month DBA rule. We've discussed it before but its easy to forget, and it will help new members in this industry. I copied over my reply to a member's question regarding I-Deal's rules.

Member's questions:

"QUOTE (jivens @ Sep 26 2011, 05:31 PM) *
Thanks for the reply!!! That helped A LOT. MY next question. Can I only do one site for the whole network per year. Or is it each site PER year?"

My reply:

"With I-Deal you have unlimited promotional gifts, but you can only do one per DBA within a 6-month period. Let me give you an example. Let's say you signed up and successfully completed a site under I-Deal's DBA Red Turtle Investments. You wouldn't be able to complete another site under that DBA for 6 months. However, you could do a site under 123 Click, another I-Deal DBA, provided you haven't done it for 6 months. I-Deal has quite a few DBAs, so it shouldn't be too hard to find more sites. Also, I-Deal's DBAs can be found at the bottom on their gift sites below their program rules. The gift site domain is always to the left, and the DBA name to the right.

I need to point this out though regarding the 6-month rule.

Taken from I-Deal's terms and conditions:

""H. In a six-month period, each household may qualify for and receive:

(1.) multiple rewards offered by Bullseye Media, Inc. with a total value of $1,000; or

(2.) one reward offered by Bullseye Media, Inc. with a value that exceeds $1,000."

So I guess you could get two $500.00 gift cards off two Bullseye Media sites since they state that you can do multiple sites in a six-month period. But once the total amounts to $1,000.00 for Bullseye Media or any other DBA, then you must do another. And, of course, only one reward for a $1,000.00+ gift.

As for Nuitech, its one gift per DBA per household for one year after your registration date. So it is almost the same as I-Deal except that you have to wait 12 months instead of 6.

For more information, you may want to read the official T&C and DBA list: http://www.diyfreebies.com/official-tc-and-dba-list/

I hope this helps you. Please let me know if you have any further questions."

Someone else had I-Deal questions regarding these two sites: soupofsociety.com and thefloatingfeather.com. Apparently those sites, and one or two others, sent this member 117 I-Deal advertisements via e-mail, and they want to know if those sites are affiliated with I-Deal and 123 Click. My correspondence with I-Deal can be found below.

Me to I-Deal:

"from [Available] xxxx@xx.com xxxx@xx.com
to Customer Service
date Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 2:16 PM
subject Are these sites affiliated with I-Deal and 123 Click?
mailed-by xxxx.com

hide details 2:16 PM (41 minutes ago)

Hi,

Sorry to bother you again, but a friend of mine was wanting to know if soupofsociety.com and thefloatingfeather.com are affiliated with your company, I-Deal, and your dba, 123 Click, Inc.? I will copy and paste what he sent me since he explained it so well.

"do you see these two sites: soupofsociety.com and thefloatingfeather.com ? since i signed up at ideal, these two sites and one or two others sent me 117 emails so far advertising ideal sites. now, i would not dare unsubscribe if these came from ideal, but im not sure. do you think you could ask them if they are affiliated with ideal and 123click inc? i am hoping they are being paid by ideal to advertise their links. however one of the other sites that is emailing me, has a mailing address that is shared by a DBA location, just a different PO box. but that could mean nothing. i tried calling them but it goes to voicemail or you have to enter an extension number"

Just whenever you have time you can answer this e-mail. It isn't that urgent. :)

Thanks again...

I-Deal's reply:

"from Customer Service contactus@expertcustomerservice.com
to [Available] xxxx@xx.com
date Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 1:39 PM
subject RE: Are these sites affiliated with I-Deal and 123 Click? (Thread:299190)
mailed-by expertcustomerservice.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.

hide details 1:39 PM (10 minutes ago)

These are not us."

The digital marketing company behind soupofsociety.com and thefloatingfeather.com are the same. I just have no idea who they are. Hopefully I-Deal does something about it on their end, as this company should be paying them for advertising their links!



We have a new site to check out: bigvaluegiftcard.net. Start with the whois info below...

whois:



gift site:





url: http://bigvaluegiftcard.net/

In the whois info, does AffiliateNetwork.com Marketing, LLC. under "Registrant Contact" ring a bell? If so, you read about it in Joshua Blumenfeld's write up from April: "Easter bunny introduces..." -- Joshua Blumenfeld is CEO of AffiliateNetwork.com Marketing, LLC. His gift program is WinHundred, which we talked about in April's blog. In April's blog, you will see that we discussed complimentarygiftcards.com, a WinHundred site. While complimentarygiftcards.com is still on Alexa, a web information company, with "WinHundred, LLC.", "Josh Blumenfeld" and "CoverClicks, LLC." in the contact info, not all WinHundred sites are registered with the same information. Like the whois info for bigvaluegiftcard.net, all it may have is "AffiliateNetwork.com Marketing, LLC." and nothing else. As of now, all sites containing the following are WinHundred: WinHundred, LLC., Josh Blumenfeld, CoverClicks, LLC., AffiliateNetwork.com Marketing, LLC.

More and more companies are excluding their addresses from their policies. So for DIYs like WinHundred, we turn to whois reports and utilize web tools for a complete analysis. CRS sites with the Hong Kong and England addresses do not have an address in the policy. Only in the policies of their Canadian and U.S. sites is there an address! But, the addresses are on the contact pages of the non-Canadian/U.S. sites. We're playing a game of hide and seek, because we're constantly searching for hidden company information. It's much harder now. Is a reason for the lack of information? Hmmm, I wonder...

Someone commented about DIY spam in August's blog: "End of summer bash..." -- I found one of the spam sites he told me about. I will copy and paste our exchange below in case nobody read it.

Person's comment:

"Sean Quick August 10th, 2011 (#):

Hi Wozniack,

Not sure if this is appropriate here but do you have any sure fire way to remove my email from CRS’s lists? I gave out my email to one single website (foolish) and I get at least a dozen emails a day from various entities but with CRS’s address according to information on this blog and others. I have unsubcribed to every one over 2 months to no avail…it is maddening…I call rewardstream which seemed like it was rewards group but they deny everything. I’ve tried calling CRS but they are equally evasive and claim it is not them although the addresses provided match. Any advice please email me….thank you in advance."

My reply:

"wozniack August 12th, 2011 (#):

Sean,

On the site you registered with there should be an “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom. Click on it, and enter your e-mail and click the ‘unsubscribe’ button. If it cannot be found on the web site, please send me the link and I will look at it. I might be able to find it just by having the link. Even though CRS says it is not them it very well might be. I found out on my own that a site they claimed wasn’t theirs actually was; Dave just didn’t recognize it.

Thanks,

wozniack"

Person's reply:

"Sean Quick August 29th, 2011 (#):

Hi Wozniack,

I didn’t even know if you would be responding so just now checked back. Thank you so much for taking the time…apologies to use your blog to communicate as i know my concerns are quite different than yours. Anyway, yes, they all have “unsubscribe” links which i have followed diligently for nearly 4 months but still receive endless emails about subway, facebook, etc. I don’t think any say CRS – they say Investyourmedia.com, YesSurvey.com, etc. but all have the same addresses in W.4th Vancouver, Woodbridge ON, and similar…addresses that i think you’ve linked to CRS. Of course, they all have slightly different names and CRS will always says something like “no, were suite 6B not 6A. CRS Customer service emailed me back 4 months ago saying I’ve been removed from all lists – I have only given my work email twice – once Cost Plus and once to Restoration Hardware – that i can think of. Still receive tons of junk emails from them so at this point i’m trying to contact authorities in Canada and the BBB….personally, these are the exact kind of people I would love to throw on the street but they are protected by laws. Anyway, i’ve resorted to forwarding the junk emails back to svcaact@consumersrewardsolutions.com and support@consumersrewardsolutions.com because i basically have no recourse against these scumbags. I was hoping maybe you knew some names of people that work there or someone i could contact with the authority to compel these people to stop spamming me – the unsubscribe links are not being enforced and my inbox is literally filling up as I’m getting minimum 12 of these per day. Again, thank you for taking the time to even respond….very much appreciated.

Sean"

My reply:

"wozniack September 2nd, 2011 (#):

Hi Sean,

I checked out investyourmedia.com and yessurvey.com. The web site for investyourmedia strikingly resembles CRS. In September of last year we compared dedicatedsurveygroup.com to consumersrewardsolutions.com. dedicatedsurveygroup.com was in the whois info for CRS registrant, Maria Chiodo. If you look at Investyourmedia.com’s publisher page, you will see that the “brand” that “delivers to publishers”, their exact words, is DedicatedSurveyGroup. Now scroll down my entry from last year to compare the screenshots of dedicatedsurveygroup.com to investyourmedia.com: http://www.diyfreebies.com/september-surprises-with-diyfreebies-com-forum-consumers-reward-solutions-and-new-connections-acquisis-issues-new-links%E2%80%A6/ Unfortunately, dedicatedsurveygroup.com is no longer around. When you visit the site you get this message, “This Account Has Been Suspended”; the web site: dedicatedsurveygroup.com. But the screenshots will show you how it once appeared for your review. The only thing out of the ordinary would be the address on their contact page: 1, liverpool st, london, EC2M7QD, United Kingdom. It’s possible for CRS to have dealings and other operations going on in the UK, but I can’t confirm that just yet. The web site design does mimic dedicatedsurveygroup.com, and the other sites they have. The phone number on their contact page I believe is a U.S. number, I’m still looking into where that is. When you say, “but all have the same addresses in W.4th Vancouver, Woodbridge ON, and similar…”, you mean these addresses were in your spam e-mails, right? Because I couldn’t find any CRS address tied to dedicatedsurveygroup.com and investyourmedia.com. I’m guessing they were located toward the bottom of your e-mails.

Would you mind sending me a few of your spam e-mails for further investigation? If the CRS addresses are in those e-mails, then most likely the spam you’ve been receiving is from them. YesSurvey.com isn’t a working site, btw; as such, there is no whois info for that domain. Could you send me the e-mail with “YesSurvey.com”, it may help me a great deal as I look further into this matter.

I’m really sorry that you’re dealing with this. I will prepare an e-mail with the desired information and send it to the e-mail address you commented under, so please watch for it. :)

Let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with in the meantime.

Thanks,

wozniack"

I'm posting our exchange so Sean Quick, as well as the rest of you, can see WHO this spam is coming from in case you want to take action. My discovery will tie investyourmedia.com, as well as the address, to the company responsible for the spam. First, we'll examine the Google search results, then we'll see where it takes us...

Google search results:



I typed "investyourmedia.com" into Google, and this search result was on the second page. "ConsumersRewardSolutions.com" was the link, and beneath that was the url "cdninabox-java.appspot.com/support.InvestYourMedia.com" followed by this text, "ConsumersRewardSolutions.com. Enter your e-mail address: I am a new customer or I forgot my password. (You'll be sent a password at the above email address) ..." This was CRS, but where did the link take me? To a status page...

status page:



I remembered the England address I saw on investyourmedia.com 2 months ago, so I performed a site search and found this gift site...

gift site:





url: http://echo.topnotchgifts.net/SplashPage.aspx?g=fa5054a06bc34a2eb2e1f53d1d8e60a0&nm=01cjavb2jwxm&s=&se=53

I checked out the contact page, which is where I expected to find the England address, and sure enough it was there...

contact page:



no 1, Liverpool st,
London, LP EC2M7QD

Next, I clicked "Reward Status", which took me here...



Same status page I was directed to in the Google search results. The "ConsumersRewardSolutions.com" written link makes it obvious who this is; and again, same status page exists for the Wal-Mart gift site under the England address. Not only does the Google search results connect investyourmedia.com to CRS, but the England address is tied in as well! I kinda knew that when I saw the Hong Kong and England locations, but this is our proof that investyourmedia.com belongs to CRS.

Next comes a member's positive earnings report. You can read my exchange with them below. :)

From member:

"from [Offline] member xxxx@xx.com
to wozniack
date Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 11:01 PM
subject Nuitech site
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.

hide details Oct 11

In August I signed up for a $500.VISA card from Smartrewardscenter.com from a link I got from your site.
I did not have to do any make up sponsors but I did have some problems with nuitech getting them to accept proof of
all my purchases ,but they finally came through and sent my Redemption Voucher on September 30,I was delighted.I checked my account and it says that a shipping request has been issued.
I also did the link from Ebates and received a $10. gift card from Target and from mypoints I received a $25. gift card from Cracker Barrel Restaurant.While these are not as impressive as your rewards I have certainly enjoyed them.
I have emailed you before and gotten assistance and support so I wanted to thank you again.
You may use this on your blog if you like.
Thanks again
member"

My reply:

"from [Busy] xxxx@xx.com xxxx@xx.com
to member
date Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 8:27 PM
subject Re: Nuitech site
mailed-by xxxx.com

hide details Oct 12 (13 days ago)

member,

Congrats on your Nuitech gift! Please let me know once you receive it.

From the time you did the ebates link, how soon did you have your $10.00 Target card? I made a purchase to qualify for the promo but my status still shows "Approved." I am glad you have enjoyed your rewards from ebates and MyPoints. That truly is great! How long have you been a MyPoints member? I have been with them for years now, but haven't really shopped through them too much until now. I earn through them and market research panels in between my actual DIY payments.

Thanks for allowing me to share your good news with my readers! I really appreciate it. It is always refreshing to report something good in the midst of all the bad experiences people are having with numerous companies. This is what we needed. :)

Thanks again,

wozniack"

Member's reply:

"From [Offline] member xxxx@xx.com
to "diyfreebies@gmail.com"
date Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 10:33 PM
subject Re: Nuitech site
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.

hide details Oct 12 (13 days ago)

August 17 I registered with Ebates and I placed an order through them on the same day.
August 29 I received an email from them saying my gift card was in the mail,I received it shortly after that .I was surprised at how fast it came through, the Ebates cash I took on a PayPal account.
I signed up with MyPoints on May 21,2011.I haven't been keeping up with it much lately
but I am going to get back to it."

Member again:

"from [Offline] member xxxx@xx.com
to wozniack
date Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 10:43 AM
subject email I sent October 12
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.

hide details Oct 23 (9 days ago)

I wasn't sure if you received this email,I sent it concerning nuitech.This was responding to questions you asked."

My reply:

"from [Busy] diyfreebies@gmail.com diyfreebies@gmail.com
to member
date Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 6:24 PM
subject Re: email I sent October 12
mailed-by gmail.com

hide details Oct 24 (7 days ago)

Hi member,

Yes, I received your last e-mail. I'm sorry that I forgot to reply! The end of the month is extremely hectic for me as I am wrapping up new projects, and am up to my neck in research. :))

I'll keep watching for my $10.00 Target gift card from ebates. I haven't made anymore purchases through them other than the one I made to get my $10.00 reward, but I will the next time I shop online. I'm sure I will do some online shopping during the holidays. The MyPoints program is so great. I have enough for a CVS gift card but I cannot cash out now as my points are still pending. I really love how easy it is to earn free money online through the DIY companies we pursue, and just for shopping online. Makes our internet experience much more fun and rewarding. *w*

Have a great night!

wozniack"

Member's reply:

"from [Offline] member xxxx@xx.com
to "diyfreebies@gmail.com"
date Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 6:40 PM
subject Re: email I sent October 12
mailed-by xxxx.com
signed-by xxxx.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.

hide details 6:40 PM (22 minutes ago)

I finally received my 500.00 VISA gift card from the nuitech offer, I mailed the voucher to them October 4, I received the gift card October 31st making for a very Happy Halloween."

I hope this member continues to earn great awards from DIY and points programs! Congrats. :)

Forgot to post my virtual Visa from two months ago:



I built up enough points for a $25.00 virtual Visa gift card code. If anyone is interested in signing up for MyView, or my other marketing research panels, you may contact me here: diyfreebies@gmail.com

This year's harvest is sure to delight everyone...



*Thanksgiving link list*

I-Deal--

http://www.saveandsmile.com/?config=7372 - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa gc

http://www.consumersavingcenter.com/?config=7630 - 10 offers, 1 ref/$500.00 supermarket gift card of your choice (Visa option)

http://www.consumersavingcenter.com/?session_id=4941324403e611e1b8826f42b8df804b - 8 offers, 2 refs/laptop of your choice

http://wwww.grandsavingscenter.com/?config=7463 - 10 offers, no refs/iPad 2 in color of your choice

http://www.grandsavingscenter.com/?config=7434 - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Home Depot gc

http://www.grandsavingscenter.com/?config=7437 - 10 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Best Buy gc

producttestpanel--

http://familyfoodrewards.com/chilis/ - offers unknown/$500.00 Chili's gc + misc gifts

http://shoppingthanet.com/molmaidzas/index.php?lid=molmaidzas_12967_PFTEST&add_offerid=9933975&addomain=avcounter10.com&addomain_id=67&uniclk=false - offers unknown/$500.00 Molly Maid gc + misc gifts

http://shoppingthanet.com/hdbig/index.php?lid=hdbig_14281_168&add_offerid=8843751&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true - offers unknown/$500.00 Home Depot gc + misc gifts

I truly had a good time writing this. What's important is that I got each and every bit of information out there in time. Now we have it for the month! *g* I did get approved for the I-Deal site I was working on, whew!! How trying that was! So relieved to be processed, and know that I'm getting my gift. I just can't do anymore of their sites though until there are new offers. Maybe by then their crediting system will be functioning better. In the meantime, I'll register with an Ifficient site to see if their offers have changed so I can test them. And again, I will try to get WinHundred talking, lol... There may be a problem with their e-mail account, and if there is, that should explain why they never answered me back. I've fallen behind in updating our Official company and address list, and I am so sorry about that! The Official company and address list has been modified on DIYfreebies.com, blogger (wozniack.blogspot.com), A4F (anything4free.com), and on our forum (http://diyfreebies.com/freebieforum).

I extend my condolences to the family of Steve Jobs. On October 5, 2011, we lost a remarkable man whose intelligent mind and genius inspired today's world in so many ways. Jobs' impact on technology and innovation will be missed.

Wishing everyone a blessed holiday... Be thankful this season, and cherish the time spent with your loved ones. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

wozniack

Read rest of entry

A night of tricks and treats, Part 2. New findings in the Nick Brown case, Consumer Gain site issues and support, misc. freebie proof pics...

New findings in the case of Nick Brown; member issues with Consumer Gain's sites and support; misc. freebie proof pics! Hold on to your flashlights...

Ahhhh, back on the Nick Brown/Bart Brown case. *opening up my file* Alright. There is nothing else on Bart Brown, BUT I have something to share with you all. Read the comment someone left on my blog first.

"I RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON MY PHONE THAT SAYS CONGRADULATION YOU HAVEJUST WON A 1000.00 WALMART GIFT CARD AND ALSO GAVE ME A PASSWORD,BUT I ENDED UP HERE SO WHATS THE DEAL.. I TYPED IN JUST WHAT WAS ON MY PHONE…GIFTCARD 90.COM"

giftcard90.com took me to a blank page. "giftcard90.com" wasn't in my domain list for Nick Brown, so I investigated this further. I entered "gift90.com" into the search bar, which took me to the following gift site...

gift page:





url: http://onlinerewardsclub.com/wm2smilezas/index.php?lid=wm2smilezas_15639_GIFT90&add_offerid=641479&addomain=promolnk.com&addomain_id=89&uniclk=true

I believe this is a ProductTestPanel site, and has nothing to do with Nick Brown regardless of his domain "gift90.com" directing to it. Anyone can link a site to another, but the question is why? Why wouldn't you link to your own? gift90.com was created on March 18, 2011. It expires March 12, 2012 according to this whois report.

whois info:



Is the gift site above even the real "gift90.com"? Did the owner tear down the original site? If so, did Nick Brown manually redirect his audience to onlinerewardsclub.com, a Product Test Panel site? I fail to understand that because he is giving his business to another company... What if DIY companies are paying textspammers to promote their sites? Now THAT sounds more like it! Next comes the name Nick Pereyra under 'technical contact.' I am lost again. There are two Nicks in this whois report! Two Nicks with completely different last names. We discussed the possibility of fictitious names in September's blog. Usually the person listed as the registrant and administrative contacts are made the 'technical contact.' And that individual would only have one last name in his/her registrant information-- unless there really are two men named Nick, and one was listed under 'technical contact.' Why are there two names on a whois report instead of just one person as the 'registrant', 'administrative' and 'technical contact'?

Something else is wrong with the whois report. In the administrative and technical contact information there are two zip codes for the same address. I will copy and paste the addresses from the whois report for our review.

Administrative Contact:

Nick pereyra (support@gift90.com)
+1.6463388558
Fax: +1.5555555555
244 fifth avenue
New York, NY 11776
US

Technical Contact:

Nick pereyra (support@gift90.com)
+1.6463388558
Fax: +1.5555555555
244 fifth avenue
New York, NY 10001
US

When you Google "244 Fifth Avenue New York, NY" it pulls up the following zip codes: 10016, 10001, 10003; the numbers are in the 10000s. That sounds about right for 244 Fifth Avenue. What doesn't sound right is the 11776 zip code, which I researched last night. The 11776 zip code is for Port Jefferson Station in Suffolk County, while zip code 10001 is in New York county...



So why two zip codes for two counties on the same street? And shouldn't this address have an apartment, building, unit, or suite number? Manhattan's 5th Avenue is mostly shops and apartments and condominiums, how can someone find you by the street address alone? lol. *sigh* Do I think Nick Brown/Pereyra? Maybe. I only say maybe because of the 'contact us' page on his businesses' web site: www.bestworldmedia.com -- On that page is a personal e-mail: nick.brown@bestworldmedia.com. Now if it wasn't for that e-mail address, I would say "No." From the whois report, it appears as if both names were made up to register gift90.com. That is what it looks like. I do think Nick Brown/Pereyra IS a textspammer based on my findings. If Nick Brown/Pereyra is in fact a real person, perhaps he just uses names he dreams up to register domains.



Since we know Nick Brown/Pereyra's sites have linked to CRS in the past; and I am pretty sure that onlinerewardsclub.com is PTP; then Nick Brown/Pereyna can't be with CRS or ProductTestPanel. The chances of a connection between two DIY companies and one man is very slim. The only way I see that happening is if DIY companies are paying textspammers to promote their sites. That would explain one man's domains linking to multiple company sites. To be sure onlinerewardsclub.com is ProductTestPanel, I will revisit the site and scrutinize it. No stone is left unturned in my investigations. The evidence before me is examined and analyzed to it's fullest to determine what is real, and to solve the whodunit mystery.

For our next DIY discussion... Consumer Gain. I understand some of you have experienced problems with the company, and I'd like to know exactly what those problems are. I can contact Consumer Gain directly and discuss with them the issues their members are having, and if they'll allow me to, work with them to better service their members. Below are messages between myself and a member who sent Consumer Gain a support ticket. He/she has given me permission to post our exchange.

Member:

i am signed up at a newer consumer gain site (free samples of tide lol) just to check out the offers out there. the offers page is broken. i opened a support ticket and he did get back to me. he took a few days longer than he used to, but he responded to both of my ticket questions. seems OK to me.

Me:

Do you know why some members are having issues with Consumer Gain? Or is that why you were poking around their sites? I am just trying to figure out what happened to make people think that. Would you mind sharing your correspondence with me? It might help people to know that their customer support is actually responsive.

Member:

hold on about that correspondence, i have to login and get it. the offers page is still broken after i asked him to fix it. that is the only thing thats wrong with the site that i can see. and no i poked around on my own i never thought CG would have any problems like acquisis had. i still dont

Member to Consumer Gain:

here is my correspondence, please block out the dates and times

xxxx by Member

The page to complete more offers does not appear to be working.

Consumer Gain to member:

xxxx by Customer Support

Hello,

We are working on your account. We apologize for this inconvenience.

We hope to have this resolved within the next 24-48 hours.

Thank you,

Customer Service

Member to Consumer Gain:

xxxx by Member

It's been a few weeks and it is still not working.

Consumer Gain to member:

xxxx by Customer Support

Hello,

We apologize for this issue. We are currently working on getting this site back up.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Thank you,

Customer Service

Me to member:

Hi again,

If you wouldn't mind, could you check that CG site again to see if they finally got it working properly?? I am writing about Consumer Gain now, and was hoping to see a positive result on your issue with them, so I could report that, too.

Thanks!!

wozniack

Member's reply to me:

hi,

so the offers page works now. i figured it out on my own. my profile under my account was blank. not sure if i erased it, or never filled it out, or its their error. after filling in my profile, the offers page works. the offers are dissappointing. not a lot of new offers. that is what i wanted to know. but they were not the best at updating offers either

sorry there is not much of a story here :(

Do what this member did above if you're having trouble with their sites' pages. It may be that their registration form isn't properly storing the data. If the problem is with Consumer Gain's customer support, or if it's some other technical issue, please contact me: diyfreebies@gmail.com -- Whatever it is, I will try to work with Consumer Gain on how to fix these bugs, and/or what they can do to improve their support.




More loot from MyPoints and two market research panels. It started with a $20.00 check from Toluna, then a $45.00 check from HCD Research... THEN! $200.00 in Target gift cards from MyPoints. So a total of $265.00 for taking surveys and shopping in between my usual freebie pursuits. Not bad I'll say. And you can make money, too!! Drop me an e-mail if you're interested in these marketing research panels and the MyPoints program: diyfreebies@gmail.com -- I will show you the way. If you didn't get an invite for a research company or one to MyPoints, please contact me and I'll work on that. Toluna's referral page had errors, but they may have fixed them.

Alrighty. This concludes our Part 2. of the Halloween blog. I hope you all enjoyed it! Please see, "A night of tricks and treats, Part 1." for our Halloween link list, and for the rest of this month's exciting details!

Please have a safe and enjoyable evening when/if you celebrate Halloween.

Good-bye,

wozniack

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