One of the reasons I started this blog and my forum at www.LoanSafe.org, was to create safe and predator free websites where homeowners can visit and obtain timely and free information without being scammed.
I have been offered thousands of dollars by foreclosure consultants and loss mitigation companies to advertise on my high traffic websites and I refuse them every-time.
Let me tell you, I do need the money but I am not willing to compromise my values and integrity over making a buck. That’s why you do not see advertising all over my sites or even Google ads because these predators are advertising in Google and other search engines also.
January 2, 2008
SEO Company CEO Arrested, Jailed: Accused of Foreclosure Scam
Traffic Power earned an infamous reputation as a search engine optimization firm, allegedly using “black hat” tactics that may have resulted in bans by Google, Yahoo and other search engines.
Now Traffic Power’s CEO is behind bars, jailed for allegedly running a housing foreclosure scam.
Search Engine Watch reader Julie Vazquez tipped us off to the online news story and video by KVBC investigative reporter Mitch Truswell.
Truswell interviewed Carolyn Ellsworth with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office, who said at least sixty homeowners thought Marlon — at times using four different aliases and 45 corporations to allegedly buy homes — could help save them from foreclosure. But he didn’t really buy the house or pay off the mortgage, according to Ellsworth, who told KVBC that Marlon would get the rightful owners out of the house under false pretenses and would, instances, rent the houses to tenants.
KVBC’s report invites viewers who recognize Matt Marlon as the person who tried to buy their house or they thought bought their house, to call the Nevada Secretary of State’s Securities Division at 702-486-2440.
Matt Cutts confirmed that Google has removed traffic-power.com and domains promoted by Traffic Power from Google’s index because of search engine optimization techniques that violated Google webmaster guidelines.
Cutts advises clients or former clients of Traffic Power with site(s) not in Google, to learn what steps to take to be reincluded in Google’s index.
In December, Traffic-Power’s litigious CEO, Matt Marlon, was profiled by Dave Kesmodel in The Wall St. Journal , while the SEO firm’s tactics have been discussed in the Search Engine Watch Forums, Threadwatch and other industry forums.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at January 2, 2008 11:25 PM source http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080102-232527
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Thanks for putting this guy on Blast Moe, at least they caught one of these guys and he can do no more harm!
Thanks. I’m glad Google banned his websites. It’s like the wild wild west on Google. People need to be very careful on the internet.
Way to go Mr. Lents. An inspiration for us all.
He may not be able to do any harm, but I’m sure one of his “discipiles” will continue on. One of the things I’ve seen in the industry is that if somebody sees somebody else being successful, is to learn what they are doing and implement it for themself. Then that person will put their own spin on it and twist it into their own. So they got one guy, but there are plenty more out there still predating on consumers.
Unfortunately, we can’t stop them all. Where there’s $$$$ to be made, greed kicks in and the criminal minds begin churning out new ideas. Even with all the new laws being put into place, the criminal types will work up new ways and schemes, no getting around it.
It all comes back to consumer/client education, and blogs such as this, that allow you to put your own experiences for everybody to see. Jacmac, as I said, I for one truly appreciate your questions, as it’s made me realize that no matter how much I think I’m educating, if my client doesn’t understand what i’m explaining, then I’m not doing my job. your posts have made me more aware of how i’m educating my clients, and for that, I thank you moe for this site and you jacmac for your input and questions.
i think it should be “disciples” sorry
That’s one of the best commnet I have ever had and I am touched that you have taken a look at your business from a different angle.
I can tell you are one of the “good” guys MiMortgageguy. Thanks for your comments thoughts and input. It ios greatly appreciated and thanks for paying it forward!
Wow, Mlmortgage guy, that’s just great. It takes a person of real, genuine integrity to say, “I can do this better” — I like your style, and believe me, I have considered and reflected on everything that you’ve written here, and what the other MBs that I sometimes butt heads with have said as well, such as Chris, for example.
THat’s what it is all about. Individuals cannot not ever alone foster change, but individually, if we change the way we do things and make it better, then together the sum of our actions can change the world.
Sounds a little cheesy, I know, but it’s so true.
People reading here will benefit from all of this dialogue and become educated, which I know was Moe’s intent on creating this site.
Get out of the house you scum bag.You don’t own the house you loser
Joseph Lents is nothing but a squatter should be sent off to a lawless, corrupt, 3rd world country. Shame on him.
There is a differance between knowing what right and proving in a court of law.
Joes my hero and brokers are lame. I assume that is who leaves these lame comments. Shit, they have all the time in the world to comment and be asses since they cant pawn loans no more. I love that I can come here and see truly how you pigs really are. Hopefully there are some politicians that read this blog. One of the few blogs that keep it on the real.
wow….i am puzzled by what i am reading from some on this issue. you are actually applauding this guy? one quick question -he is unable to pay his mortgage but can afford 120k in legal fees? i really don’t care if he is pulling one on the lender, it is just out of balance for what i thought this blog is supposed to represent. your are that blinded by your disgust of brokers that you cling to this fat cat as your hero?
you better hope no dem politician reads this or they may just use this fat cat as a poster child for their claim that a bailout will benefit the exact opposite of who are most in need of help.
This is not the example that should be endorsed or coveted because it works against the cause for foreclosure help…..how about the mother of 4 who had a serious illness hit her family and is unable to pay her mortgage for several months on an average salary and does not have the ability to hire an attorney for 120k…. talk about being real and an ass
curious on your thoughts moe….
he must be a victim of the exploding “toxic” mortgage he was duped into taking….
i will put money on the table that he has a “toxic” option arm.
This is exactly the type of client who will typically choose the otion arm…clients who know the use and benefit of the program…he is a cpa so he should be familiar with finances.
i am still puzzled by the comments this guy is an inspiration….his company was slapped with pumping and dumping securities…and you are bashing brokers??
any other thoughts on this guy????
Thank God Joseph is here as an example for defending your rights. All our rights. 90% of us have a “consumer mentality” that has been created and reinforced by those who want us to consume. Joseph is no squatter, that’s HIS home. He is on the title. And he has the right, and the courage and determination to keep it, defend it, and enjoy it. Lenders have been amassing tremendous wealth at the expense of we “consumers”. If Joseph paid off that hous to within $30,000 of satisfying the mortgage, and then became ill, or lost his income, or any one of a dozen different scenarios, they would try and take it just as feverishly as they are trying to take it now. And make grotesque amounts of profit from the property again, and would not give a second thought to Josephs circumstances or all the money and love and time and work that he put into the property.
It’s time for us all to grow up! We’ve been trained and treated and spoken to as sheep. Joseph Lents is simply defying the wolves. I stand with him, and with Moe, and with the other brave men and single moms who will not apologize for keeping THEIR HOMES.
ROFL….man, this guy IS not really a HERO, but is he wrong? FUCK NO! He’s using the legal system in order to stave off eviction – period. If the system is wrong, change it. But do the rest of us a favor (David, Buck and “Mr. Bait”), if you’re too busy to buttonhole your Congressman to change the law, don’t get pissy with Joe here.
He is LEGALLY within his rights – ethics have NOTHING to do with it ! Who really gives a crap if he really (proof?) WAS involved with “pump-n-dump” operations, legally he is within his rights to ask lenders to produce paperwork THEY SHOULD LEGALLY HAVE IN THEIR POSESSION.
If I get pulled over by the police, and they demand my drivers license – I HAVE TO PRODUCE IT. It is a legal document which, as a citizen, I safeguard and have available for LEGAL scrutiny when asked. Conversely, LARGE CORPORATIONS (defined as a PERSON – under the same legal system I – and Joe – adhere to) MUST submit documentation when required. Period.
So, if you hate Joe – fine. BUT…he is WITHIN his legal rights to use our legal system with as much cleverness as Corporations do.