In the intricate world of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands as a cornerstone for enhancing online visibility and driving organic traffic to websites. Central to effective SEO strategies is the practice of obtaining backlinks from websites with high domain authority (DA). However, a disturbing trend has emerged involving rogue SEO specialists, particularly from India and Pakistan, who exploit publishers of high DA websites by ordering articles with do-follow links to their own sites but then neglect to pay for these services.
One such website is called SS Marketing Solutions, which ordered a SEO article on our website here, but never paid for it.
The article was ordered by a probably fictional character, Ladiya Brownsmith at brownsmithladiya@gmail.com.
A quick check established that the website’s WhatsApp telephone number, +923155228866 is located in Islamabad, Pakistan, despite the UK telephone number, +447845452638, and street address, 20 Lingerwood Lane, Edinburgh EH16 4WW, UK, listed on ssmarketing[dot]solutions with e-mail ssmarketingsolution.co@gmail.com. Their Facebook profile is here.
The person we spoke with had a thick Pakistani accent, and when the conversation continued on WhatsApp chat, he read, but did not respond to any of our payment requests for 24 hours. A guilty behavior of a person, caught in committing fraud online. The following day he denied having ordered such an article to be published, leading to the conclusion that Ladiya Brownsmith at brownsmithladiya@gmail.com must be a SEO angel or Robin Hood, ordering such articles to the benefit of random 3rd parties, and to the publisher’s expense. Of course this makes no sense.
Publishers, beware.
Understanding SEO and the Importance of High DA Backlinks
SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. One of the most significant factors influencing a website’s ranking is the quantity and quality of backlinks—links from other websites that point to the target site. Search engines like Google view backlinks as endorsements; thus, the more high-quality backlinks a site has, the more authoritative and trustworthy it appears.
Domain Authority, developed by Moz, is a metric that predicts a website’s ability to rank on SERPs. It ranges from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater ability to rank. Websites with high DA scores are considered valuable in SEO strategies because backlinks from these sites can significantly boost the DA and overall SEO performance of the linked site. To capitalize on this, businesses often seek to publish articles containing do-follow links on high DA websites, thereby improving their own site’s SEO metrics.
The Fraudulent Practices of Rogue SEO Specialists
Rogue SEO specialists from India and Pakistan have been identified as perpetrators of a growing fraud trend against publishers of high DA websites. The modus operandi of these fraudsters involves contacting high DA website publishers to order articles that contain do-follow links to their clients’ or their own websites. Once the articles are published and the links established, these specialists vanish without settling their bills, leaving publishers with unpaid invoices and compromised trust.
Here’s a deeper look into how these fraudulent activities unfold:
- Initial Contact and Negotiation: The rogue SEO specialists reach out to high DA website publishers under the guise of legitimate businesses or SEO agencies. They negotiate terms and prices for publishing articles with embedded do-follow links to their clients’ websites, often presenting a facade of professionalism and urgency.
- Submission and Publication: Once terms are agreed upon, the SEO specialists submit the articles, which are typically well-crafted to meet the publishers’ standards. After a thorough review, these articles are published on the high DA websites with the agreed-upon do-follow links.
- Disappearance: After the articles go live, the SEO specialists either delay payment under various pretexts or completely stop responding to the publishers’ communications. Eventually, they disappear, leaving publishers with no compensation for their services.
Impact on Publishers and the SEO Industry
The fallout from these fraudulent activities is significant for publishers and the broader SEO industry:
- Financial Losses: Publishers incur direct financial losses as a result of unpaid invoices. For many high DA websites, this can amount to substantial sums given the premium rates charged for publishing content with do-follow links.
- Trust Erosion: Trust is eroded between publishers and genuine SEO specialists. As incidents of fraud increase, publishers become more cautious and skeptical, potentially impacting legitimate business transactions and collaborations within the industry.
- Content Devaluation: The insertion of unauthorized or unpaid links can devalue the content and credibility of high DA websites. If a site becomes known for hosting low-quality or spammy links, its DA score and reputation can suffer, undermining its SEO value.
Combating Rogue SEO Fraud
Addressing and mitigating this issue requires concerted efforts from publishers, industry associations, and platforms. Here are several strategies to combat rogue SEO fraud:
- Stringent Verification Processes: Publishers should implement rigorous verification processes before engaging with new clients. This includes verifying the authenticity of the business, checking references, and possibly requiring partial or full upfront payment.
- Contracts and Legal Recourse: Establishing clear contracts that outline payment terms, publication guidelines, and legal repercussions for non-payment can protect publishers. Legal recourse should be pursued against fraudulent entities to deter future incidents.
- Industry Collaboration: Publishers and SEO professionals can benefit from collaborating and sharing information about fraudulent entities. Industry associations and online forums can serve as platforms for reporting and tracking rogue SEO specialists.
- Use of Escrow Services: Utilizing escrow services for transactions can ensure that payments are secured before articles are published. This adds a layer of protection for publishers against non-payment.
Conclusion
The rise of fraudulent activities by rogue SEO specialists from India and Pakistan highlights a pressing issue within the digital marketing and SEO industry. While the goal of obtaining high DA backlinks remains crucial for SEO success, it is imperative that publishers protect themselves against these unscrupulous practices. Through stringent verification, legal safeguards, industry collaboration, and innovative payment solutions, publishers can safeguard their interests and maintain the integrity of their websites, ensuring that the SEO landscape remains fair and effective for all parties involved.
