What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Cerebrum IQ over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Cerebrum IQ - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Cerebrum IQ a company that, at first glance, promises to enhance cognitive abilities through online IQ tests and brain training exercises. However, beneath this veneer of intellectual empowerment lies a labyrinth of deceptive practices, unauthorized charges, and a brazen attempt to silence dissenting voices. Buckle up as we delve into the nefarious world of Cerebrum IQ, exposing the red flags and adverse media that potential investors and authorities should heed.
The Illusion of Cognitive Enhancement
Cerebrum IQ markets itself as a premier platform for cognitive enhancement, luring individuals with the prospect of affordable IQ assessments and brain training exercises. The initial bait? An enticingly low-cost IQ test, often advertised at $0.99. Who could resist such a bargain? However, as countless users have lamented, this modest fee is merely the tip of the iceberg.
A Cascade of Unauthorized Charges
Once the unsuspecting user completes the test and submits their payment information, they often find themselves ensnared in a web of unauthorized charges. Reports abound of individuals being billed amounts far exceeding the advertised price. For instance, one user recounted being charged over $50 after being promised a $0.99 IQ test. Similarly, another individual reported being billed €49 after taking an IQ test with Cerebrum, despite the misleading upsell tactics employed by the platform.
But the financial hemorrhaging doesn’t stop there. Many users have reported being enrolled in recurring subscriptions without their explicit consent, leading to continuous charges that are both unexpected and challenging to halt. A user on a Google Play support thread expressed frustration after being billed $69.99 for a subscription they did not intend to purchase, having only sought a simple certificate following an online test for $0.99.
The Labyrinthine Cancellation Process
Attempting to extricate oneself from Cerebrum IQ’s clutches proves to be a Herculean task. Customers frequently mention encountering roadblocks when trying to cancel their subscriptions. Despite repeated efforts to contact customer service, users report unresponsive or unhelpful support. This lack of transparency and support has fueled more negative feedback about the company.
The Smokescreen of Censorship
Faced with mounting criticism and a tarnished reputation, Cerebrum IQ has allegedly resorted to underhanded tactics to suppress negative reviews and adverse media. The company appears to have engaged in a deceptive campaign to manipulate public perception by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
The Art of the Fake DMCA
The modus operandi of this censorship campaign is as cunning as it is unethical. Here’s how it unfolds:
Creation of a Fake ‘News’ Site: The reputation management company hired by Cerebrum IQ creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance but lacks any genuine journalistic integrity.
Back-Dating Articles: The company copies the negative content and posts it on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author, then gives it a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predates the original publication.
Submission of Fraudulent DMCA Notices: Armed with this fabricated evidence, the reputation company then sends Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.
The Collateral Damage
This strategy not only suppresses legitimate criticism but also undermines the integrity of online platforms that rely on user reviews and feedback. By erasing negative content, Cerebrum IQ creates an illusion of credibility, deceiving potential customers and investors alike.
The Voices of the Victims
A cursory glance at consumer review platforms reveals a litany of grievances against Cerebrum IQ:
John K. from Australia: “Would give this a zero star if I could. Tried to purchase the $1.99 trial, but website ended up charging my $114.99 for a subscription I did not authorise. When customer support was contacted, no personalised help was offered—just bot responses and superficial ‘aw that sucks anyways’ emails, and the repeated ‘terms and conditions’ excuse. What’s funny is that they also lie about your IQ scores. Inaccurate and money baiting. Trying to get this stolen money refunded by bank as they clearly do not care for customers, only money. Please listen to my advice, DON’T FALL FOR THIS PHISHING SCAM.”
Tim K. from Canada: “I signed up for the initial offer which was $1.99 and then they charged another $45 without my consent. Online I can see now that this is their common practice. Don’t sign up unless you want unauthorized charges. I called but they refer to a no refund policy. What a scam!”
Elizabeth W. from Illinois: “They sent me an email and they can’t spell the word training correctly. It’s a full scam, and they make it impossible to login in order to cancel things.”
The Call to Action
The evidence against Cerebrum IQ is both compelling and alarming. Their deceptive business practices, unauthorized billing, and attempts to censor negative feedback constitute a trifecta of consumer exploitation. It is imperative that potential investors exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough due diligence before associating with this company.
Moreover, regulatory authorities must take swift action to investigate Cerebrum IQ’s operations. The allegations of fraud, impersonation, and perjury are serious offenses that warrant legal scrutiny. By holding Cerebrum IQ accountable, we can protect consumers and uphold the principles of transparency and integrity in the digital marketplace.
Conclusion
Cerebrum IQ’s facade of cognitive enhancement masks a darker reality of deceit and manipulation. Their predatory practices not only harm individual consumers but also erode trust in online services. As an investigative journalist, I urge all stakeholders—be it consumers, investors, or regulatory bodies—to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by such unscrupulous entities. Only through collective awareness and action can we hope to foster a safer and more honest digital landscape.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44381463
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44400791
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44408682
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44408741
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44398372
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44493843
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44484892
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44379383
- September 06, 2024
- September 07, 2024
- September 07, 2024
- September 06, 2024
- September 09, 2024
- September 07, 2024
- September 07, 2024
- September 06, 2024
- September 06, 2024
- September 09, 2024
- September 06, 2024
- Jonas Media Productions
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- Lint Media Inc.
- JH Media Limited
- Spector Media International
- KD Media Corporation
- JH Media Limited
- Lint Media Inc.
- Usher Media Corp.
- Spector Media International
- CPM Media International LLP
- Cameron Media Corp
- https://timesofcolumbus.com/2019/09/06/cerebrumiq-com/
- https://timesofnewyork.org/2024/09/09/cerebrumiq-com/
- https://timesofcolumbus.com/2019/09/06/cerebrumiq-com/
- https://trustpilot.com/review/cerebrumiq.com/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.8
Based on 14 ratings
by: Kylian Lockwood
Tried to cancel immediately after the charge hit my card. No response for 10 days. Then they had the nerve to say it’s “my fault” for not reading their hidden terms. Avoid!
by: Milena Landers
Absolute scam. Took the $0.99 test, then suddenly I’m hit with a $49 charge for a subscription I never approved. Customer service? Nonexistent. Stay far away.
by: Mihai Popescu
Be cautious of any company willing to fake news stories and misuse DMCA takedown notices just to hide negative reviews. Cerebrum IQ is a clear red flag.
by: Sara Hossain
Cerebrum IQ’s actions suggest a company more interested in tricking users into recurring payments than genuinely helping them improve their cognitive abilities.
by: Oliver Gray
Deceptive practices, unauthorized fees, and a reputation manipulation campaign Cerebrum IQ’s business tactics are a textbook example of consumer fraud.
by: Nadia Akhtar
Cerebrum IQ’s shady cancellation process and fraudulent charges show their real goal isn’t cognitive enhancement, but milking unsuspecting customers for every penny they can get.
by: Chen Wei
Cerebrum IQ’s ‘affordable’ test is just the bait in a much bigger scam unauthorized charges and deceptive tactics make it clear this is a business model built on exploitation.
by: Cruz Sheppard
Unauthorized billing, misleading ads, and inaccessible support.
by: Milena Kirk
This organization appears to be in violation of basic consumer protection norms. Authorities should investigate.
by: Will Knox
honestly, cerebrumiq is overhyped af. their customer service? non-existent. waited 3 weeks for a reply, got some copy-paste nonsense. plus, their software crashes every other day. how they still in business is beyond me
by: Vera Dunn
i trusted cerebrumiq wit my data, but man, their security sucks! got hacked last month n’ they didn’t even apologize properly. never again smh
by: Uri Cole
dis company cerebrumiq is a total scam! they take ur money n’ don’t deliver wat they promise…stay away!!
by: Scarlett Diaz
They fraudulently charged me after I chose the option. Canceling didn’t help, as their webchat keeps redirecting me to cancel again. I’m unable to reach anyone..
by: Chloe Morgan
I feel cheating. After opting for one-time payment, I noticed money being deducted monthly. Customer support has been useless, only sending canned responses. It’s frustrating and feels fraudulent.
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