Posts Tagged
‘www.kwikchex.com’

KwikChex has just appeared on BBC TV again, having helped the Rip Off Britain team with investigations into Easy Consulting and the many brands they use. For years, Easy Consulting and the many different bargain holiday brands they use, which operate out of Alicante in Spain, have targeted UK consumers with cold-calls and online marketing. […]

KwikChex has once again assisted BBC investigative journalists, providing information on problems with online reviews websites.   Director and Co-Founder of KwikChex, Chris Emmins was also interviewed on Adrian Goldberg’s programme. – discussing how TripAdvisor prioritise Online Travel Agents (OTAs) that pay TripAdvisor in their search results. TripAdvisor now prefers consumers to see ‘deals’ from their OTA […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Relief UK. A complaint was filed with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in October 2015. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether the […]

KwikChex assisted this consumer after they paid £1,000 to Monster Travel. “We would like to express our grateful thanks to KwikChex and staff member Mr Chris Emmins, for the help and understanding of our situation involving a Leisure Credits company. During a visit to the offices of the Leisure Credits company, we were asked to […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Easy Consulting SL t/a www.directresortsinternational.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org which KwikChex manages. The investigation by KwikChex challenged that the ad (“All our luxury resorts are from £99 per […]

KwikChex assisted this consumer with a chargeback claim to Monster Travel. “I have just received a letter from Vanquis Bank regarding my claim over the transaction of £500 to Monster Travel. I was delighted to be informed that the chargeback was successful under the Visa Rules and Regulations and that further action is not needed […]

KwikChex in the capacity of its role leading the Timeshare Task Force, recently received a request for assistance from the Third Age Trust, a registered charity with over 360,000 members dedicated to promoting and assisting education for those no longer in full time employment through the U3A Movement. One of their members had responded to […]

A report has been published by the Direct Marketing Commission (DMC) which is highly critical of the businesses owned by Hollywood Marketing SLU. It recommends that Hollywood Marketing’s membership of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) be terminated. The DMC carried out a lengthy investigation after being contacted by KwikChex, acting in our role leading the […]

Credits: ABC News Australia Influential American travel website TripAdvisor is investigating claims Australia’s largest residential apartment developer is “cheating the system” by preventing guests at its luxury hotels from submitting negative reviews. Above excerpts and read the full article on www.abc.net.au

KwikChex assisted this consumer with relinquishment of their timeshare. “I am more than pleased to be able to tell you that in April this year my request to surrender my ownership of the weeks I owned ​was accepted. Not only that, but they even refunded me to the tune of £1,062.60 for maintenance fees paid […]

Credits: Mail Online By: Tom Rawstorne Disturbing proof the online review that made you book your holiday may be FAKE: Investigation reveals an entire industry is dedicated to generating bogus appraisals for cash ‘If you want to give a good impression or mislead consumers into trusting you, the best way to do it is to […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Senegal Investment www.senegal-investment.co.uk (website down). The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the claim “239% RETURN ON INVESTMENT OVER 5 YEARS” was misleading and could be substantiated. Since the website is no longer live and the claim can no longer be […]

KwikChex assisted this consumer with a refund from Realistix (Timeshare Business Check Profile). “Received my deposit back this morning so all is good in the world. Thank you so much for all your help. Without the exposure you gave them I doubt it would ever have happened.” Mr H, Oct-15 Note – no fees are […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Solutions Ltd. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the testimonials by “Steve”, Mrs P Swift, Vicky Tomgue and Mrs Wilson […]

We just wanted to thank you and all your colleagues at KwikChex for all your assistance with relinquishing the above time share. It is a great feeling to have finally disposed of the week, and I feel that without seeing the article in a national paper where you were shown as an organisation who was […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Rapid Sale www.rapid-sale.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the claim “Stop Repossession/Eviction – Cash in Bank in 7 Days ‘Guaranteed” was misleading and could be substantiated. Rapid Sale provided a statement from their solicitor confirming that, subject to obtaining redemption […]

KwikChex participates in Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio programme “Burned by Online Reviews”. KwikChex mentioned on CBC website – https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcasts/ontario/ontario-today/ Link to podcast for CBC radio programme “Burned by Online Reviews” – https://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/ontariotoday_20150911_81823.mp3. KwikChex on between 25.54 and 34.44.

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Exclusive Weeks https://exclusiveweeks.co.uk/. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged the display of a countdown clock promotion which renewed and did not expire on […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Direct Resorts International https://directresortsinternational.co.uk/. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether testimonials on the www.directresortsinternational.co.uk website were genuine because the same testimonials were […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Rapid Sale trading as https://repossessionsos.co.uk/ (website down). The investigation by KwikChex challenged the claim on the Repossessions SOS website ​”We sell house fast in just 48 hours! We buy any house” was misleading and questioned whether this could be substantiated. […]

KwikChex mention in Daily Telegraph article about fake online reviews: KwikChex, an online investigations body, said it had identified and exposed thousands of online fake reviews, both negative and positive. A spokesman said: “Whilst that exposure has pressured some reviews sites to invest more in fraud detection, there are still many problems on a vast […]

KwikChex has once again been working with the BBC to highlight dangers to consumers. As part of the Timeshare Task Force initiative, KwikChex contacted the BBC 4 Radio You & Yours programme about a product known as Realistix Solutions. This is a product which is the subject of many consumer complaints. Consumers are approached with [...]

We would like to advise that the ASA recently contacted KwikChex with regard to a phrase we used on our website – “World-leading Online Reputation and Reassurance Services”. The ASA pointed out that: “The ASA and CAP view ‘leading’ claims as generally relating to market share, and for other meanings to be accepted (such as […]

Selltimesharetoday continues to flout advertising rules after an investigation found its claims to be misleading. The original complaint brought forward by the Timeshare Task Force…Timeshare Task Force uses a reputation management firm known as “KwikChex” to challenge adverts for timeshare exit services that it thinks is misleading. Above excerpts and read the full article on […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) annual report for 2014 clearly demonstrated that there are very justifiable concerns regarding misleading content in online /digital advertising and promotion. They reveal a 35% increase in complaints about online advertising. In 2014, the Internet overtook television for the first time as the most complained about medium, with 13,477 […]

I cannot thank you enough for all you have done and are doing for us. Words cannot express how grateful we are. Mr & Mrs L, Aug-15 Note – this relinquishment was achieved without any fees being applied by the developer / resort – and there are no fees whatsoever charged to consumers seeking help […]

KwikChex has been successfully working for some time with Trading Standards Officers in support of identifying and taking action against rogue businesses. This is particularly true within the holiday sector and even more so in terms in terms of timeshare and related products, where we lead the Timeshare Task Force, which is helping protect and […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Sell Business Fast https://sellbusinessfast.co.uk (website now down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a statement on the Sell Business Fast website “We Buy Any […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Sold Faster https://www.soldfaster.co.uk (website now down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a statement on the Sold Faster website “Get a guaranteed CASH offer […]

Credits: Mail Online By: Antonia Hoyle ‘Gumtree is unquestionably one of the favourite and most prolific resources used by criminals,’ says Chris Emmins, co-founder of KwikChex, an online investigations and authentication business. ‘It is inherently dangerous for consumers — both buyers and sellers — and the utmost caution is required when using it.’ Above excerpts [...]
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Refund UK www.selltimesharetoday.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged that references made on the www.selltimesharetoday.co.uk website stating "Timeshare Refund UK is a 100% [...]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Solution For Timeshare https://www.loveallinclusive.com The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged that references made on the Love All Inclusive website regarding affiliations and memberships with […]

In addition to the pure nuisance factor, many scams commence with an unsolicited call. Using the new Which? resource will help ensure that reports are sent to the appropriate regulators. The complaint form is on the Which? website

Credits: Daily Mail By: Sarah Bridge Mail on Sunday article about serial timeshare fraud offender Frank Madden reveals problems Trading Standards face – and includes how KwikChex is cooperating with them to assist investigations and prosecutions. All consumer reports to KwikChex and the Timeshare Task Force are also made available to the relevant authorities regardless […]

KwikChex were featured on the 6 O’Clock BBC News after our investigations team worked with BBC reporters to uncover review fraud involving a Payday Loan company that had fake reviews posted on Trustpilot. The reviews used stolen identities – including one of a deceased young mother. KwikChex is now in the process of launching a […]

A study by KwikChex has shown that loss of reputation caused by association with gastro-intestinal illness comes at a huge price – whether the accusations are true or false. The worst hit you can take as a hospitality business owner is when there is news and online content that says you have made your customers […]

BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast Show Fake online customer reviews – includes interview with Chris Emmins, KwikChex. Above excerpts and read the full article on – www.bbc.co.uk From 1hr 56m Other BBC stories featuring KwikChex – Click here

Bournemouth Echo By: Steven Smith, Chief Reporter THE latest investigation into a convicted conman from Bournemouth is at “an advanced stage” – but Trading Standards officers face not being able to bring a prosecution because of the cost. Kwikchex, a Bournemouth-based firm that manages a website advising consumers regarding businesses that operate in the timeshare […]

BBC coverage of release of a report by the UK Competition & Markets Authority on Online Reviews. KwikChex were one of the key participants in the CMA investigation. KwikChex is now in the process of launching a comprehensive, verifiable resource to solve the problems caused to consumers and businesses by fake reviews. The resource is […]

KwikChex were featured on the 6 O’Clock BBC News after our investigations team worked with BBC reporters to uncover review fraud involving a Payday Loan company that had fake reviews posted on Trustpilot. The reviews used stolen identities – including one of a deceased young mother. KwikChex is now in the process of launching a […]

Global issues need global solutions – and for 5 years, KwikChex has been helping businesses and consumers from all over the world. That’s meant using several languages (our employees and consultants are very much multi-national too) and an understanding of relevant laws in many jurisdictions). Here’s a list of where our client locations so far […]

KwikChex probably gets more recognition for helping businesses in the hotel and restaurant sectors than any other – but we have assisted an extraordinary range of businesses that have been attacked with fake and malicious reviews. Here are a few of the types of business we have helped. Lawyers – yes, even qualified lawyers come […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding CRP Properties https://www.crpproperties.co.uk/ (Website down) The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a client testimonial on the CRP Properties website by connected company CP Berry […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Pennington McClane https://www.penningtonmcclaneassociates.co.uk/ (Website down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged the following statements on the Pennington McClane website: “We are an experienced, internationally […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Sell Your Timeshare Now https://www.sellyourtimesharenow.co.uk/. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged the following statements on the Sell Your Timeshare Now website: “We are a […]

With the permission of the consumers that contact KwikChex and in particular those that do so via the Timeshare Task Force and Timeshare Business Check resources, we are now going to provide access to information on every case we receive to the relevant authorities. Organisations such as the European Consumer Centre, (The ECC network), UK […]

KwikChex recently attended a meeting with the UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) in London in response to a request to assist the CMA’s fact-finding initiative concerning online reviews. The meeting and subsequent follow-up covered a wide spectrum, including identifying businesses that use fake good reviews to deceive consumers and the impact of fake bad […]

Today I received a letter officially terminating my membership. I believe that this has been achieved mainly due to your invaluable input for which I thank you profusely. Mr R, May-15 Note – this relinquishment was achieved without any fees being applied by the developer / resort – and there are no fees whatsoever charged […]

KwikChex receives and acts upon many reports, concerns and complaints from people from all over the world. In many cases, our investigations reveal criminal behaviour and severe threats to consumers. We gather evidence on these and ensure that they are reported to the correct authorities and whenever necessary we provide further support for prosecutions. But […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Solution For Timeshare/. The complaint includes the Swedish version of the site Slapp Din Timeshare The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether reviews on […]

Credits: The Independent By: Chris Green Chris Emmins, co-founder of the online reputation management firm KwikChex, said customers who received legal letters should try not to panic. “For consumers that have genuine cause for complaint, they should not be intimidated by such threats,” he said. Above excerpts and read the full article on www.independent.co.uk

Credits: Above the Law By: Matthew Adams Online posts often enjoy an anonymity that lures people into a false sense of security. Coupled with the inherently impersonal nature of the internet, the impact from user generated online content can be devastating to a business. A word of caution is due to the unscrupulous business that […]

Further to an exchange of emails between KwikChex and the Timeshare Consumers Association (TCA) regarding International Timeshare Refund Action (ITRA). https://www.timeshareconsumerassociation.org.uk/2014/11/28/itra/ Contained within this article are the following statements: “ITRA is the most successful company who actions claims against the timeshare industry and who act on behalf of consumers against resorts.” “we have not had […]

Credits: The Guardian By: Will Coldwell TripAdvisor’s fraught relationship with the travel industry. Mention of KwikChex’s group action against TripAdvisor over reviews believed unfair and damaging to businesses. Also investigation launched by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in 2011 into TripAdvisor after KwikChex filed a complaint on behalf of business owners upset at what they […]

Credits: Financial Mail on Sunday By: Sarah Bridge Another great report about KwikChex in the Sunday Mail. Further information available on our website www.timesharetaskforce.org Above excerpts and read the full article on www.thisismoney.co.uk

Credits: Uproxx Web Culture By: Andy Issac Most of our coverage of online reviews has a very serious element – businesses being destroyed by bad fake reviews, rogue businesses planting fake good reviews etc. But this one is in a somewhat lighter note – the story of a ‘reviewer’ that has an unique way of […]

Credits: Mail on Sunday By: Sarah Bridge Fears of bigger bills for timeshare owners stall EU’s war on rogue firms * Many timeshare owners now desperate to quit unwanted properties * Some contracts continue after death, with costs passing to children * EU plan to clean up industry on hold after claims it might make […]

Update: The “Right to be Forgotten” absurdity continues https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28157607 Original Blog: Robert Peston, the BBC Economics Editor reports on the BBC website how an article he wrote on his blog in 2007 is to be blocked in searches by Google on the basis of the ‘Right to be Forgotten ruling by the European Court of […]

Robert Peston, the BBC Economics Editor reports on the BBC website how an article he wrote on his blog in 2007 is to be blocked in searches by Google on the basis of the ‘Right to be Forgotten ruling by the European Court of Justice. If correct (he has apparently had notification from Google) and […]

KwikChex discusses the laws concerning outdated and irrelevant online reviews on BBC Radio 4 programme You & Yours. KwikChex is taking a number of new actions following recent rulings and changes in the laws, including applications under the Right to be Forgotten principles and defamation. We are also pursuing an international ethical campaign to improve […]

The recent ruling by the European Court of Justice in which Google were held responsible for the effect of links containing unwelcome information about an individual and were ordered to remove the links has sparked great debate – but this is just the beginning of potential legal issues affecting many Internet companies – and potentially […]

Credits: Phuket Gazette By: Bill Barnett Another interesting site, KwikChex, is seizing an opportunity to lead the space in online reputation and internet defamation. Here, proof of quality is meant to assure customers that what they read online is credible and real. Above excerpts and read the full article on www.phuketgazette.net

L’annuncio che l’Autorità Italiana garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato stia indagando sulle recensioni false di TripAdvisor è l’ultimo di un numero crescente di iniziative legali che cercano di garantire correttezza e la precisione nelle informazioni fornite ai consumatori. Le autorità di tutto il mondo stanno riconoscendo che le imprese di siti web che trasportano […]

The announcement that the Italian Competition Authority are investigating TripAdvisor over fake reviews is the latest in a growing number of legal initiatives that seek to ensure fair play and accuracy in information being provided to consumers. Authorities around the world are recognising that website businesses carrying reviews and complaints are hugely influential when it […]

Google held responsible by the European Court of Justice for links to online content considered ‘irrelevant’ and harmful to individuals. Much has been made of the ruling by the European Court of Justice against Google, which obliges them to ensure that there are no links to past ‘irrelevant’ personal data concerning a Spanish individual. Most […]

Credits: Saint Peters Blog By: Rick Outzen ‘A Philadelphia judge has ordered the owners of Philly.com to disclose the identity of a person who posted a comment online calling the plaintiff a pedophile.’ Above excerpts and read the full article on www.saintpetersblog.com

As reported in the international media, investigations by KwikChex regarding the effectiveness of review fraud detection have led to the exposure of a major flaw in the TripAdvisor systems. The abuse was carried out using the daodao.com site – TripAdvisor’s site in China. Just a handful of ‘reviewers’ were responsible – posting an extraordinary number […]

Credits: Travel Mole TripAdvisor has removed at least 10,000 reviews from its Chinese website daodao following complaints that they were fake. Online reputation management company KwikChex is now calling for the site to be suspended until a “very thorough audit” can take place and new systems installed to better detect fraud. It claimed that the […]

Credits: Tnooz By: Karthick Prabu Daodao, the local imprint of TripAdvisor in China, is the subject of an investigation after a damning report into the validity of its reviews. The report by KwikChex, the UK-based online reputation management company which has been a ongoing thorn in the side of the user review service for years, […]

Credits: The Sydney Morning Herald By: Jolyon Attwooll The authenticity of TripAdvisor reviews is under the spotlight again after new research revealed thousands of suspect postings on the Chinese version of the website. The study, carried out by Kwikchex, an “online reputation management” company that has been a regular critic of TripAdvisor, uncovered what it […]

Credits: The Telegraph By: Jolyon Attwooll New research has highlighted thousands of suspect reviews on the Chinese domain of TripAdvisor The authenticity of TripAdvisor reviews is under the spotlight again after new research revealed thousands of suspect postings on the Chinese version of the website. The study, carried out by Kwikchex, an “online reputation management” […]

Since June 2012, KwikChex has provided a resolutions service that enabled customers of Simply Electronics with complaints to raise their issues with KwikChex – a form of ‘complaint escalation’ Throughout that time, (with the exception of one case which was more complex) all cases have been resolved with either the goods being delivered, a replacement […]

Credits: news.com.au ‘A BEAUTIFULLY restored boat serving Michelin-starred food. Divers on hand to catch any fish on the menu. Countless reviews describing the cooking as ‘simply divine’. This restaurant sounds too good to be true. Trouble is, it was. Because when dozens of foodies headed to Oscar’s to sample the ‘mind-blowing’ food after reading its […]

Credits: Fox News ‘Fake reviews of a restaurant named Oscar’s, billed as having “Michelin-starred food,” reportedly had diners looking for the eatery in an alley filled with garbage cans.’ ‘“The listing featured over-the-top reviews for a fake business, but it went undetected for more than two months,” Chris Emmins, co-founder of the online reputation management […]

Credits: Yahoo News UK & Ireland ‘The TripAdvisor profile for Oscar’s boasted that staff in diving gear would swim down to catch whatever fish the customer wanted’ ‘It was billed as one of the best places to eat in Britain with “amazing” and “mind blowing” Michelin-starred food on offer. And its setting sounded especially magical: […]

Credits: The Telegraph By: Victoria Ward ‘Its “mind-blowing” food was said to rival the best in the world while its romantic setting in the hull of a ship left awestruck diners raving about the experience.’ ‘With staff dressed in diving gear ready to catch whatever fish the customer ordered and a changing location dependent on […]

Credits: Mail Online By Eleanor Harding * Oscar’s was billed as one of the best places to eat in Britain * The staff ‘would swim to catch whatever fish the customer wanted’ * Bookings began to flood in after the eatery supposedly opened on May 1 * Diners were baffled when they arrived at an […]

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