IM Academy
We are investigating IM Academy for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
PARTIES INVOLVED : IM Academy
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 29 June 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 9112/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 28 Nov 2024
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into IM Academy 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 IM Academy - 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
A History of Legal Troubles
IM Academy’s legal woes are both extensive and international. In 2016, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in Quebec permanently banned IM Academy and its owner, Christopher Terry, from offering financial services in the province. Despite this, the AMF observed that the company’s website remained accessible to Quebec residents and that promotional events were being organized in the Montreal area, targeting a young audience through social media. The AMF warned that forex trading is highly speculative and carries significant risks, potentially leading to substantial financial losses for investors.
The European Parliament has also taken notice. In June 2023, members raised concerns about IM Academy luring young people into banned pyramid schemes, circumventing the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. The company encourages members to recruit friends and acquaintances, reducing their subscription fees with each new referral—a classic hallmark of a pyramid scheme. Belgium found IM Academy guilty of organizing such a scheme, and arrests have been made in Spain related to their operations.
Further afield, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand issued warnings about IM Academy, noting that several overseas regulators have raised alarms about the company’s practices.
Rebranding as a Tactic
In a move that can only be described as an attempt to distance itself from its tarnished reputation, IM Academy rebranded to Iyovia. This rebranding appears to be a strategy to avoid negative publicity and potential legal consequences tied to its past operations.
However, a fresh coat of paint doesn’t change the structure underneath.
Censorship and Information Suppression
IM Academy’s efforts to control the narrative are both overt and insidious. Former members have reported that any dissent or questioning of the company’s practices is met with swift ostracization. One individual recounted how, after expressing concerns about the legitimacy of IM Academy and referencing factual information such as court documents from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) against the company in 2018, they were met with ridicule and expelled from the group. This cult-like behavior discourages critical thinking and isolates members from external perspectives.
Moreover, the company has been known to leverage legal threats to silence critics. Such tactics create a chilling effect, deterring individuals from speaking out and allowing the organization to maintain a facade of legitimacy. This strategy of censorship is not unique to IM Academy; it’s a common playbook among organizations with questionable practices.
The Impact on the Vulnerable
The primary targets of IM Academy’s recruitment efforts are young individuals, often with limited financial literacy. The allure of quick wealth and financial independence is a powerful motivator, making them susceptible to the company’s high-pressure recruitment tactics. Once ensnared, these individuals are encouraged to recruit others, perpetuating the cycle and expanding the company’s reach. This exploitation of ambition and naivety is both unethical and damaging, often leaving participants in worse financial situations than before.
A Call to Action
The evidence against IM Academy is overwhelming. Regulatory bodies across the globe have issued warnings, levied fines, and, in some cases, pursued legal action against the company. Yet, despite these efforts, IM Academy continues to operate, adapting its strategies to evade scrutiny. This persistence underscores the need for more robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to dismantle such organizations.
Potential investors and participants must exercise due diligence. The red flags are numerous: a history of legal issues, a business model resembling a pyramid scheme, aggressive recruitment tactics, and attempts to suppress negative information. These indicators should serve as a stark warning to steer clear.
In conclusion, IM Academy’s pattern of adverse media coverage, legal challenges, and information suppression paints a clear picture of an organization operating in bad faith. It’s imperative for authorities to intensify their efforts to protect vulnerable populations from such schemes and for individuals to remain vigilant, critically assessing opportunities that promise quick riches with minimal effort. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42634724
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42683398
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42656806
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42634864
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42606834
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42606580
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42500021
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/42429600
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41123379
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41123376
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41022347
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/37992517
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/37962076
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40706689
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40755131
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36383060
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36515017
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36490561
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36351257
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36317939
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36294660
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40754692
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/41611815
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- https://parisgazzetta.com/2024/04/27/how-the-harvard-of-trading-ruined-thousands-of-young-peoples-lives/
- https://yemenherald.org/2024/04/26/im-academy-review-2024/
- https://crismictimes.org/2024/01/22/avis-im-academy-attention-a-cette-arnaque/
- https://bostonupdater.com/2024/04/19/how-the-harvard-of-trading-ruined-thousands-of-young-peoples-lives/
- https://istanbulherald.com/2022/04/27/enquete-sur-im-academy-une-organisation-quiendoctrine-des-milliers-de-jeunes-francais-en-quete-dargent-facile/
- https://baytalkers.com/2021/08/08/pourquoi-im-academy-est-une-arnaque/
- https://dubainationalpost.com/?p=5114
- https://nycchronicles.com/2022/04/24/arrests-made-in-spain-over-so-called-crypto-cult/
- https://dubainationalpost.com/?p=5114
- https://nycnewsgroup.com/how-the-harvard-of-trading-ruined-thousands-of-young-peoples-lives/
- https://nycchronicles.com/2023/10/01/im-mastery-acadey-leaders-arrested-in-luxembourg/
- https://nycchronicles.com/2022/04/24/arrests-made-in-spain-over-so-called-crypto-cult/
- https://bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-05-14/the-stock-market-multilevel-marketing-company-for-teens/
- https://bullishbears.com/im-academy-review/
- https://www.bullishbears.com/im-academy-review
- https://bullishbears.com/im-academy-review
- https://www.bullishbears.com/im-academy-review
- https://www.warning-trading.com/trading-forex-cfds-options-binaires/im-academy-avis
- https://bostonupdater.com/2024/04/19/how-the-harvard-of-trading-ruined-thousands-of-young-peoples-lives/
- https://crypto-neet.fr/guides/pourquoi-im-academy-est-une-arnaque/
- https://www.konbini.com/popculture/im-academy-enquete-organisation-endoctrine-jeunes-argent-facile
- https://behindmlm.com/companies/imarketslive/im-mastery-academy-leaders-arrested-in-luxembourg
- https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2022/05/05/arrests-made-in-spain-over-so-called-crypto-cult/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-05-14/the-stock-market-multilevel-marketing-company-for-teens/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
Bloomberg.com
IM Academy promises a Wall Street education. But instead of riches, many of its members have lost everything.
- Adverse News
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.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts
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
1.7
Based on 1 ratings
by: Chelsea Harper
IM Academy has been found guilty of organizing pyramid schemes in Belgium, leading to arrests and legal actions, highlighting the fraudulent nature of their operationsuk5
by: Zoe Hayes
Former members have faced ridicule, silencing, and even legal threats just for speaking out. That’s not the behavior of a legitimate company.
by: Kevin Simmons
IM Academy thrives on illusion fast money, easy life, no risk. But behind the marketing is a web of legal action, rebranding, and pressure tactics. It doesn't teach people how to trade, it teaches them how to recruit. And that...
by: Mia Gray
Banned in Quebec, exposed in Belgium, warned about in New Zealand how is this still running?
by: Emily Davis
A real investment company wouldn’t need you to recruit your friends to make money.
by: Sarah Thompson
The way they manipulate young people is disgusting. They prey on ambition and desperation.
by: James Walker
This whole thing just sounds like a scam wrapped in a different name. Rebranding won’t change that.
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