Key Points

• Robby Blanchard is known for “Commission Hero,” a course teaching affiliate marketing, but it has sparked significant controversy.

• Evidence suggests misleading claims, hidden costs, and consumer complaints about financial losses and account bans.

• Allegations include fraudulent DMCA notices to suppress criticism, raising ethical concerns.

• No confirmed lawsuits or criminal proceedings exist, but potential legal risks remain.

• The course carries reputational and financial risks for students due to its high cost and questionable practices.

Overview of Robby Blanchard

Robby Blanchard, a Massachusetts-based entrepreneur, transitioned from owning a CrossFit gym to becoming a prominent figure in affiliate marketing. His flagship product, Commission Hero, promises to teach novices how to earn substantial income through Facebook ads and ClickBank products. However, the course’s high price tag and bold claims have drawn scrutiny.

Concerns and Allegations

Research suggests that Blanchard’s business practices raise several red flags. Consumers report losing thousands of dollars after enrolling, often due to unexpected advertising costs and Facebook account bans. There are also allegations of Blanchard using questionable tactics, such as fraudulent DMCA notices, to remove negative reviews. These actions point to potential ethical issues, though no legal action has been confirmed.

Risk Assessment

For those considering Commission Hero, the evidence leans toward caution. The course’s high cost, combined with reports of financial loss and limited success, suggests significant financial risk. Additionally, associating with Blanchard could harm one’s reputation due to the controversy surrounding his methods. While some students report success, the overall picture indicates that results are not typical.

Exposing Robby Blanchard: A Comprehensive Investigation

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of online affiliate marketing, few names generate as much controversy as Robby Blanchard. Known for his course “Commission Hero,” Blanchard promises novices the chance to earn substantial incomes through affiliate marketing. However, behind the glossy marketing materials lies a trail of complaints, allegations, and red flags that paint a far less rosy picture. In this in-depth investigation, we delve into the world of Robby Blanchard, examining his business practices, the allegations against him, and the potential risks associated with his operations. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, fact-based analysis that sheds light on the truth behind the hype.

Who is Robby Blanchard?

Robby Blanchard first made his mark as the owner of CrossFit Reach, a gym in Acton, Massachusetts. His journey into the digital realm began with Facebook advertising and ClickBank affiliate marketing, where he claims to have achieved significant success. This success led him to create Commission Hero, a course designed to teach others how to replicate his affiliate marketing strategies.

Blanchard is often portrayed as a self-made millionaire, with claims of being the “#1 ClickBank Affiliate in the World.” His marketing materials emphasize his transition from a struggling gym owner to a digital marketing mogul, but the reality behind these claims is more complex and controversial.

Background Details

• Location: Acton, Massachusetts

• Initial Venture: CrossFit Reach gym

• Current Focus: Affiliate marketing through Commission Hero and related programs

• Public Persona: Promotes himself as a top affiliate marketer with a large social media following, including over 62,000 YouTube subscribers and 1 million Instagram followers.

The Business of Commission Hero

Commission Hero is marketed as a comprehensive training program that teaches students how to use Facebook ads to promote digital products and earn commissions. The course comes with a hefty price tag of $997, with additional costs for advertising and upsells such as “bulletproof ad accounts.” Students are promised the potential to earn up to $1,000 per day, but many report falling short of these expectations, often incurring significant losses.

Course Structure

The course includes the following components:

• Module 1: Basics of affiliate marketing

• Module 2: Setting up a Facebook business account

• Module 3: Tracking and fine-tuning ad campaigns

• Module 4: Miscellaneous topics like email marketing

• Live Training Events: Face-to-face presentations

• Ad Material: Extensive resources for ClickBank offers, including ad creatives and landing pages

Cost Breakdown

While the course offers some value, critics argue that much of the content is available for free online, and the methods taught often lead to Facebook ad account bans due to violations of platform policies.

Investigation Findings

An investigation by Cybercriminal.com has unearthed several concerning aspects of Blanchard’s operations. Below, we outline the key findings:

Business Relations

• Commission Hero: Launched as a course with an initial fee of $997, plus additional costs for Facebook ads and upsells like “bulletproof ad accounts.”

• ClickBank Affiliation: Blanchard promotes ClickBank products, leveraging his status as a top affiliate.

• Suspected Partnerships: Potential ties to rogue “Online Reputation Management” agencies for censorship, though specific entities are not named.

Personal Profiles

• Identity: Robby Blanchard, based in Massachusetts, presents himself as an affiliate marketing guru.

• Social Media Presence: Active on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where he shares marketing tips and success stories.

OSINT Findings

• Tools Used: Investigators employed Lumen, SecurityTrails, and Maltego to analyze Blanchard’s online activities.

• DMCA Notices: Evidence suggests fraudulent DMCA takedown notices were used to suppress critical reviews, as documented in the Lumen Database and Lumen Database.

• Purpose: These notices aimed to remove unfavorable Google search results and critical media.

Undisclosed Business Relationships

• Reputation Management: Blanchard is suspected of collaborating with agencies to censor adverse media, though no specific partners are identified.

• Lack of Transparency: The absence of clear disclosures about these relationships raises ethical concerns.

Scam Reports

• Suppression Tactics: Allegations include using fraudulent DMCA takedowns to silence critics.

• Consumer Complaints: Numerous individuals report significant financial losses, with examples including:

  • Stella Sullivan: Lost $7,500

  • Hunter Wells: Lost $8,200, Facebook account banned

  • Madeline Stone: Lost $6,400, comments silenced

  • Hazel Reid: Lost $997 plus $5,800 on ads, account banned

• Emotional Impact: Complainants describe feeling “emotionally wrecked” and “deceived.”

Red Flags

• Misleading Earnings Claims: Promises of $1,000 daily are not typical, with fine print acknowledging no guarantees.

• Hidden Costs: Additional expenses for effective Facebook advertising are not transparently communicated.

• Dubious Marketing Practices: Strategies often conflict with Facebook policies, leading to account suspensions.

• Refund Challenges: Money-back guarantees are difficult to enforce, with some refunds only obtained through credit card disputes.

• Aggressive Upselling: Additional services and software, costing thousands, are heavily promoted.

• Digital Scrubbing: Efforts to remove negative reviews and send cease-and-desist letters to critics.

• Astroturfing: Suspected use of fake positive reviews to bolster reputation.

Allegations

• Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation: Investigated by Ethan Katz (Case No: 1462/A/2025).

• Potential Accomplice: Blanchard may be complicit in scams by knowingly benefiting from or facilitating fraudulent activities.

Criminal Proceedings

• Status: No explicit criminal proceedings are documented, but the investigation suggests potential for legal action due to alleged violations.

Lawsuits

• Status: No explicit lawsuits are mentioned, but the use of fraudulent DMCA notices could lead to legal complaints.

Sanctions

• Status: No sanctions are reported.

Adverse Media

• Targeted Reviews: Critical reviews targeted for removal include those on Birsbanetimes.org and Thomas-sage.com.

• Content: These reviews highlight the course’s high cost, risk of ad account bans, and lack of value.

Negative Reviews and Consumer Complaints

• Common Themes: Deception, financial loss, emotional distress, and difficulties obtaining refunds.

• Platforms: Complaints appear on Trustpilot and Ripoff Report.

Bankruptcy Details

• Status: No bankruptcy details are mentioned.

Consumer Complaints and Reviews

Online reviews of Commission Hero are mixed, reflecting the polarizing nature of Blanchard’s business:

Critical Reviews

• Birsbanetimes.org: Rates the course 2.4/5, calling it overpriced at $997 and noting that much of the content is available for free online. It warns that the methods taught may lead to Facebook ad account bans and criticizes the lack of focus on building a brand or audience.

• Thomas-sage.com: Echoes these concerns, highlighting the risk of ad account bans and recommending John Crestani’s Super Affiliate System as a better alternative.

• Zuubly.com: Labels Blanchard a “snake oil salesman” and questions the legitimacy of his claims.

• Gighustlers.com: Expresses skepticism about the course’s promises and its high cost.

Positive Reviews

• Ebackers.com: Presents a positive view, noting Blanchard’s recognition as ClickBank’s top affiliate and sharing positive results from testing the course.

• Jefflenney.com: Praises the course’s actionable strategies and comprehensive training but notes it’s not a “get-rich-quick” scheme.

Mixed Reviews

• Trustpilot: Shows a mix of praise and warnings, with some users reporting success and others calling it a scam. One user complained about outdated content and lack of refunds, while another praised the AI tools in Commission Hero AI.

• Ripoff Report: Hosts complaints about hidden refund policies, unauthorized charges, and unfulfilled promises.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Despite numerous complaints, there are no publicly available records of lawsuits or criminal proceedings directly against Robby Blanchard related to his business practices as of April 14, 2025. However, the investigation suggests potential legal vulnerabilities due to:

• Fraudulent DMCA Notices: Alleged use to suppress criticism, which could lead to legal challenges.

• Unethical Practices: Misleading earnings claims, aggressive upselling, and lack of transparency.

• Policy Violations: Methods conflicting with Facebook’s advertising policies, resulting in account bans.

The absence of confirmed legal action does not negate the ethical concerns. The pattern of behavior, including digital scrubbing and legal intimidation, raises questions about Blanchard’s commitment to fair business practices.

Risk Assessment

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Risks

• Transaction Volume: The high volume of transactions through Commission Hero, with course fees and upsells, raises concerns about the legitimacy of funds.

• Consumer Losses: Reports of significant financial losses suggest potential for misuse of funds.

• Transparency Issues: Lack of clear financial disclosures increases the risk of money laundering or other financial crimes.

Reputational Risks

• Negative Publicity: Consumer complaints and critical reviews erode trust in Blanchard’s brand.

• Suppression Tactics: Efforts to remove adverse media damage credibility and deter potential customers.

• Association Risks: Partners or affiliates risk reputational harm by aligning with Blanchard.

Financial Risks for Students

• High Costs: The $997 course fee, plus thousands in ad spend, poses a significant financial burden.

• Low Success Rate: Many students report no returns, with some losing $5,000–$10,000.

• Account Bans: Facebook’s strict policies increase the likelihood of ad account suspensions, rendering investments useless.

Expert Opinion

Based on the available information, Robby Blanchard’s operations present several red flags that warrant caution. While there is no concrete evidence of criminal activity as of April 14, 2025, the pattern of consumer complaints, ethical concerns, and potential legal liabilities suggests that associating with Blanchard or investing in his courses carries substantial risk. The high cost of Commission Hero, combined with the risk of financial loss and account bans, makes it a high-stakes venture with uncertain rewards.

Blanchard’s business model relies heavily on aggressive marketing and upselling, which may generate short-term revenue but at the cost of long-term trust and credibility. The lack of accountability and transparency in his operations is particularly concerning in an industry where ethical standards are already under scrutiny.

For those considering Commission Hero or similar programs, we recommend exploring alternative training programs with a proven track record of transparency and ethical practices. Examples include courses by established marketers like Anik Singal or John Crestani, which emphasize sustainable strategies. Prospective students should:

• Research thoroughly before investing.

• Verify claims with independent reviews.

• Budget for additional costs beyond the course fee.

• Consider free or lower-cost resources to learn affiliate marketing basics.

Conclusion

Robby Blanchard’s journey from a gym owner to an affiliate marketing guru is intriguing, but the trail of discontent left in his wake cannot be ignored. The evidence suggests a pattern of misleading claims, financial losses, and questionable tactics that overshadow his success story. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, consumers and investors must remain vigilant and informed. In the case of Robby Blanchard, the risks may outweigh the rewards.

Key Citations

• Cybercriminal Investigation Report on Robby Blanchard

• Lumen Database DMCA Notice 45460664

• Lumen Database DMCA Notice 45461247

• Birsbanetimes Commission Hero Review

• Thomas Sage Commission Hero Review

• Trustpilot Reviews of Commission Hero

• Ripoff Report Complaints on Robby Blanchard