What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Holton Buggs – Organo Gold 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 Holton Buggs – Organo Gold - 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
Holton Buggs, a prominent figure in the multi-level marketing (MLM) industry, has faced numerous allegations and red flags throughout his career, particularly during his tenure with Organo Gold (OG). These issues have cast a shadow over his reputation and raised concerns about the legitimacy of his business practices. Below is a summary of the major allegations, red flags, and adverse news associated with Buggs and Organo Gold, along with an analysis of how these stories harm their reputation and why they might seek to suppress such information, even through illicit means.
Major Allegations and Red Flags:
1.Pyramid Scheme Accusations: Organo Gold has been repeatedly accused of operating as a pyramid scheme, a business model that prioritizes recruitment over product sales. Critics argue that the company’s revenue primarily comes from signing up new distributors rather than selling its coffee and wellness products. Such allegations are damaging as they suggest the business is unsustainable and potentially illegal.
2.Misleading Income Claims: Former distributors have accused Buggs and Organo Gold of exaggerating income potential. Testimonials and presentations often highlight extraordinary earnings, but many participants claim these are misleading and not representative of the average distributor’s experience. This has led to accusations of exploitation and false advertising.
3.High Attrition Rates: Reports indicate that a significant percentage of Organo Gold distributors fail to make a profit, with many losing money due to upfront costs and inventory purchases. This high attrition rate is a common red flag in MLMs and suggests that the business model may not be viable for the majority of participants.
4.Regulatory Scrutiny: Organo Gold has faced investigations and warnings from regulatory bodies in various countries. For example, in 2013, the company was flagged by the Norwegian Consumer Authority for operating without proper registration. Such scrutiny undermines the company’s credibility and raises questions about its compliance with legal standards.
5.Ethical Concerns: Buggs has been criticized for his aggressive recruitment tactics and the pressure he places on distributors to recruit others. Former members have described a culture of relentless optimism that discourages questioning or criticism, which some argue fosters a toxic environment.
Adverse News and Reputational Harm:
Stories about pyramid scheme allegations, misleading income claims, and regulatory scrutiny have significantly harmed the reputation of Holton Buggs and Organo Gold. These narratives paint a picture of a business that prioritizes profit over the well-being of its distributors, eroding trust among potential recruits and the general public. For an MLM company, reputation is critical; negative press can deter new sign-ups and lead to increased regulatory oversight, both of which threaten the company’s bottom line.
Motivation for Cyber Crime:
Given the damaging nature of these allegations, Buggs and Organo Gold have a strong incentive to suppress negative information. Removing or discrediting adverse stories could help them maintain a positive public image, attract new distributors, and avoid further regulatory scrutiny. In extreme cases, this motivation might lead to cyber crimes such as hacking, doxxing, or deploying bots to manipulate online narratives. Such actions, while illegal, could be seen as a desperate attempt to control the narrative and protect their business interests.
In conclusion, the allegations against Holton Buggs and Organo Gold highlight significant ethical and legal concerns. The reputational damage caused by these stories provides a clear motive for attempting to remove or discredit them, even if it means resorting to cyber crime. However, such actions would only deepen the controversy and further erode trust in their business practices.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40260788
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/39755641
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41161561
- March 20, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- April 29, 2024
- www.businessforhome.org
- Businessforhome.org
- MLM Scam News
- https://www.businessforhome.org/2018/10/organo-offers-greater-details-about-its-joint-venture-with-digital-skynet/
- https://www.tumblr.com/mlmscamnews/748628858139557888/holton-buggs-organo-gold-iq-chain-heres-what?source=share
- https://behindmlm.com/companies/holton-buggs-organo-gold-iq-chain-heres-what-we-know/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
About the Author
The author is affiliated with Harvard University and serves as a researcher at both Lumen and FakeDMCA.com. 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.
He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
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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?
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.
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Average Ratings
2
Based on 7 ratings
Sawyer Mitchell
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it's totally fraud
Naomi Jenkins
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This is not a business, it’s a pyramid scheme. They pressure you to recruit more people instead of actually selling products. Stay far away!
Everett Simmons
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I got completely scammed by this company. They promised financial freedom, but all I got was an empty wallet and a lot of regrets!
Eliana Cook
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I can’t believe people still listen to Holton Buggs.
Lily Grant
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Another day, another scam linked to Holton Buggs. His involvement in crypto-related ventures and Ponzi schemes is a disgrace to the industry. No matter how well his marketing team spins it, this man’s track record speaks for itself
Owen Wright
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I trusted Holton Buggs and Organo Gold at one point, but after learning about the lawsuits and cross-recruiting issues, I regret ever getting involved. It's all about making money for himself, not helping others succeed. I’ve seen many people lose their hard-earned money following his lead
Paisley Hayes
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I trusted Holton Buggs and Organo Gold at one point, but after learning about the lawsuits and cross recruiting issues, I regret ever getting involved.