Reputation Changer: Scam Allegations are Toxic for Businesses

WEST CHESTER, PA, October 08, 2012

Most consumers know that they cannot believe everything they read on the Internet, and that online scams are both very real and very dangerous. What many consumers may not realize is just how dangerous these Internet scams can actually be. According to ABC News, the FDA has issued a warning to consumers that not all online pharmacies are as reputable as they might claim. Some online pharmacies, offering medications at cut-rate prices, are duping consumers into buying drugs that are expired, contaminated, or simply fake. The report goes to show just how insidious online scams can be; the story has also won the attention of Reputation Changer.

Reputation Changer, considered by many to be the top reputation management agency, has issued a new press statement, responding to the ABC News story. According to company CEO Cliff Stein, the prescription drug scam shows what a dangerous place the Internet can be for consumers, but also how lethal it is for businesses. "The Internet is often likened to the Wild West, and it is not difficult o see why," Stein offers. "People can get away with saying basically whatever they want. As this troubling story makes clear, they can even get away with saying they are selling reputable drugs and medications, when in reality this is not the case. The implication, for consumers, is clear: Be careful, and remember that online scams abound."

With that said, Stein also acknowledges that there is an important flipside to this story. "The inverse is that, because the Internet allows people to say whatever they like, people can allege that a business is running a scam, when in reality it is perfectly legitimate," he explains. "At Reputation Changer, scam allegations like these are taken extremely seriously."

Scam allegations are addressed promptly because they have the power to utterly destroy a business, Stein observes. "Think about is this way," he continues. "More and more people are using the Internet to research products and services, checking up on a brand before they commit to spending money on it. As such, the Internet is growing increasingly powerful in shaping consumer behavior. If an online search reveals that your brand is respectable and trustworthy, then you are in business. If the Internet leads consumers to believe that you are running a scam, then you are in serious trouble."

Stein says it is impossible to overstate just how much "trouble" a scam allegation can lead to. "At Reputation Changer, scam allegations have been known to utterly ruin businesses, and that is not hyperbole," he emphasizes. "Scam accusations can result in lost sales. They can lead to a loss of customers and clients. They can lead to a complete decline in whatever goodwill or respectability that company has amassed. It takes years to build a positive brand reputation, but even the mention of a 'scam' can undo all of that effort."

The Reputation Changer CEO cautions businesses that scam allegations can come at any time, and from any number of sources. "Scam allegations can come from real consumers, but they can just as easily be planted," he explains. "They can be planted by members of a rival company or even from a disgruntled ex-employee. Businesses must constantly be vigilant because defamatory online rumors can start in an instant and then spread like wildfire."

Reputation Changer offers services to companies seeking to minimize the effects of these malicious rumors. "If someone is saying that your company is running a scam, there is little you can do to stop them," Stein advises. "However, a reputation management firm can help you defend your brand and suppress those nasty rumors. We can help ensure that your brand remains a brand of choice and earns respect among consumers."

ABOUT:

Reputation Changer is widely considered to be the top reputation management and defense firm in the world. Founded in 2009 by a team of elite online marketing pros, the company now encompasses social media consultants, content writers, SEO technicians, and more. Reputation Changer is zealous for helping companies and individuals defend their good names online, and has delivered its services to Fortune 500 brands, small businesses, private citizens, politicians, and more.

Website: http://www.reputationchanger.com