The ACE Family
We are investigating The ACE Family 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 : The ACE Family
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 20 Jan 2023
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, FakeDMCA, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 5737/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 19 Nov 2024
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into The ACE Family 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 The ACE Family - 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
The ACE Family, a popular YouTube vlogging channel run by Austin McBroom, Catherine Paiz, and their children, has amassed millions of followers and significant wealth through their family-oriented content. However, their rise to fame has been marred by a series of controversies, allegations, and red flags that have damaged their reputation and raised questions about their authenticity and ethics. Below is a summary of the major allegations and adverse news associated with The ACE Family, along with an analysis of why they might seek to suppress this information, potentially resorting to extreme measures like cybercrime.
Major Allegations and Red Flags
Scam Allegations (ACE Family Coin): In 2021, the McBrooms launched a cryptocurrency called “ACE Coin,” which was marketed as a way for fans to engage more closely with the family. However, the project was quickly labeled a scam after investors reported losing significant sums of money. Critics accused the family of promoting the coin without proper disclosures, failing to deliver on promises, and abandoning the project when it faced backlash.
Fraudulent Giveaways: The ACE Family has been accused of organizing fake giveaways to boost engagement and followers. Viewers have alleged that promised prizes, such as cars and cash, were never delivered, leading to accusations of deceptive practices and exploitation of their fanbase.
Luxury Lifestyle vs. Financial Transparency: The family’s lavish lifestyle, including their multi-million-dollar mansion and luxury cars, has drawn scrutiny. Critics have questioned the source of their wealth, especially given their lack of traditional employment outside of YouTube. Allegations of unpaid debts and lawsuits from contractors and event organizers have further fueled skepticism.
Exploitation of Children: The ACE Family has faced criticism for exploiting their children for content and profit. Child advocacy groups and viewers have raised concerns about the long-term impact of exposing their children’s lives to millions of followers, with some accusing the family of prioritizing views over their children’s privacy and well-being.
Legal and Financial Troubles: The family has been involved in multiple lawsuits, including disputes over unpaid bills and breach of contract. In one notable case, they were sued for allegedly failing to pay $1.6 million to a company that organized their “ACE Family Carnival” event. These legal issues have painted a picture of financial mismanagement and irresponsibility.
Toxic Work Environment: Former employees and collaborators have accused the McBrooms of creating a toxic work environment, including allegations of verbal abuse, unpaid wages, and unprofessional behavior. These claims have further tarnished their public image.
Reputation Damage and Motives for Suppression
The allegations against The ACE Family have significantly harmed their reputation, transforming their image from a relatable, aspirational family to one associated with scams, exploitation, and financial mismanagement. The ACE Coin scandal, in particular, has led to accusations of dishonesty and greed, while the fake giveaway claims have eroded trust with their fanbase. The exploitation of their children and legal troubles have further alienated viewers and critics alike.
For The ACE Family, maintaining their brand is crucial to their financial success. Negative publicity can lead to lost sponsorships, declining viewership, and reduced revenue from their content. The desire to remove or suppress damaging stories is driven by the need to protect their image, retain their audience, and continue monetizing their platform. In extreme cases, this could lead to unethical or illegal actions, such as hacking into websites, deleting negative reviews, or orchestrating cyberattacks against critics to control the narrative.
Conclusion
The ACE Family’s controversies highlight the darker side of influencer culture, where the pursuit of fame and wealth can lead to ethical lapses and reputational damage. While their content continues to attract millions of viewers, the allegations of scams, exploitation, and financial mismanagement have cast a long shadow over their brand. The potential use of cybercrime to suppress negative information underscores the lengths to which influencers may go to protect their image and livelihood.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/30379089
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/30214860
- January 20, 2023
- January 6, 2023
- Ary Corporates
- Lee Corporates LLC Asia
- https://www.deccanlive.in/2022/06/the-ace-family-accused-of-promoting.html
- https://centennialbeauty.com/the-ace-family-promote-gambling-to-young-audience-children/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
sportskeeda.com
“They came from multiple scams and scandals”: Austin McBroom irks netizens after messaging models
- Adverse News
dexerto.com
Ace Family accused of scamming fans by hand-picking winner in Tesla giveaway
- Adverse News
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and serves as a researcher at
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.
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?
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.
You are Never Alone in Your Fight.
Generate public support against the ones who wronged you!
Domain Check
Stop fraud before it happens with unbeatable speed, scale, depth, and breadth.
Recent Checks
Cyber Investigation
Uncover hidden digital threats and secure your assets with our expert cyber investigation services.
Recent Investigation
Our Community
Your trusted source for breaking news and insights on cybercrime and digital security trends.
Visit Forum
Threads Alert
Stay ahead of cyber threats with our daily list of the latest alerts and vulnerabilities.
Threads Alert
Recent Investigations
Aaron Sansoni Group
Investigation Ongoing
DX Exchange
Investigation Ongoing
Finxflo
Investigation Ongoing
Average Ratings
1.8
Based on 9 ratings
Jacob Stern
Share
The Ace Family is a scam. They keep pushing their fans to buy stuff, but half the time, it’s a rip-off. They’re just in it for the money, not their fans.
Camila Diaz
Share
I used to love The Ace Family, but now I see they’re just greedy. They exploit their fans and don’t care about anyone but themselves. Disappointed
Lina Hassan
Share
These guys are frauds. They keep promoting shady stuff and then act like victims when called out. The Ace Family is a joke.
Sean Thomas
Share
Promoting gambling to kids is beyond irresponsible. Disappointed but not surprised
Rachel Green
Share
It’s shocking to see a family channel with such a young and impressionable audience promote gambling sites like Lootie. This isn’t just irresponsible; it’s exploitative. The fact that they didn’t even disclose the age restriction speaks volumes about their priorities. Parents need to be cautious about what their kids are watching.
Quinn Wright
Share
How low will they go for sponsorship money
Valeria Ruiz
Share
The Ace Family is all about the money. They don’t care about their fans or the people they hurt with their scams. Unfollowed and never looking back.
Eli Katz
Share
ACE FAMILY IS A SCAM FAMILY Y'ALL
Yara Ibrahim
Share
I bought merch from The Ace Family, and it was trash. Poor quality, overpriced, and they didn’t even respond when I asked for a refund. Scammers!