Extortion - Harassment as a business model WTF?

[sarettah]

Ok, a friend of mine got arrested a while back. It was a bullshit arrest, case of mistaken identity. They had to stay in jail overnight and they were released the next day without any charges and without going in front of a judge.

So, in the mail comes this stuff from a local website. (I have redacted these).

Envelope Front:



Front Page of Letter:



Back of Letter:



So, for $200 they will keep anybody from using their notifications services against you.

The services they offer for sale to anybody who wants to fuck with you:

1. They will canvass your neighborhood putting flyers about you at every residence.

2. For certain crimes they will publically put you up on billboards.

3. They will monitor arrest records for landlords and employers.

But you can get out of all that by just sending them $200.

This is a pretty fucked up deal. Looks like extortion to me. Don't know which side of that thin grey line of legality they are on.

fucking sleazebags everywhere.


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[BlackCrayon]

someone needs to sue them.

[Ayla_SquareTurtle]

Your friend should beat the shit out of the owner just on principle. That's seriously some of the most vile shit I've ever seen.

[Tijuana_Tom]

Epic

[Ayla_SquareTurtle]

Listen to this asshole try to pretend that he's not trying to extort money from people:

"Nightmare, I'm the owner of BlabberMouth, and I'm sure as hell legit. I will assume that it was yourself that was arrested and received a letter from my company, because I personally mailed out the first batch Friday night and people started receiving them Saturday, and since you posted this Saturday evening, either you, a friend or family member was the recipient of that letter... I know word spreads fast, but it doesn't spread THAT fast (again, I'm going to assume it was you, so my post will be directed to you- if it was someone that you know, feel free to substitue their name in).

To answer your question if anyone has ever heard of my company, probably not. Just because you haven't seen a business or company on TV, a billboard, or heard an ad on the radio doesn't mean that they don't exist or aren't "legit".

Now, if what I write in this post doesn't make you think I'm "legit" in what I'm doing, then you're more than welcome to leave your Profile up on my page and call my bluff and pray that no one in the WORLD calls my company and asks us to do a public notification on you. It's obvious that you aren't clear on what we do, how we operate, what the laws in the states in which we operate are, and why you got that letter. Oh, while you read this, maybe I might be more "legit" if I forewarn you that I've worked for the Kansas City Media Outlets (radio & TV stations) for over 15 years, on and off the air, and I have the tools and resources at my disposal to see my commitment to fulfill my company's mision and better our community completely.

First, BlabberMouth started on April 13, 2012, and it does take time before word is spread about a new business... however, in my case, the number of hits on my site since Saturday is about 500,000... so I'm sure that people are now aware of my company... all in 3 short days. And I will correct you because my company doesn't send "mailers"- it's a single letter telling someone they have a Profile on my site.

Second, The main purpose of my company is to make the public aware of the criminal actions of others in their neighborhood and their community, NOT to take off Profiles from my site- I HATE that option, but there is such a thing called "Defamation of Character", so by State Law, I have no choice but to offer an option to those who were arrested and are innocent of the charges brought against them to "opt-out" of being featured in our public notifications.

AS A COURTESY TO YOU AND OTHERS WITH MISDEMEANOR AND LESS SERIOUS FELONIES I allow them to remove their full Profile page, or pieces of information from it, no matter the status of their case or whether they are guilty or were found guilty of their charges. TBH- There is no law or rule that says I have to let anyone that's guilty of their charges come off of the site that I own if I don't want to, and I'm perfectly in my legal right to charge someone for destroying something that I spent my time creating. So, consider it a privilege that I'm even offering to take you off my site. I could just up and drop the removal option and go out and spread public knowledge and fact about anyone on my site if I wanted to under my 1st Amendment right (which has been done and challenged by others and prevailed in court). HOWEVER, I have morals and I want to run my company ethically, so I give people a chance to come off the site before we even consider doing a public campaign on them.

Third, NO, I'm not going to go out and BLAST someone just because I feel like it or because they stay up on my site because they didn't send compensation to my company to remove their profile- I'm not an asshole (sure, I might sound like one right now, but I'll get to why I'm writing in this tone in a second). I give people every opportunity and several options to get off of my site (some options are free, and the ones that cost range from $100-$250). BUT if they choose to stay on my site and someone asks us to spread the information on that Profile to the public, then we might spread the information. Again, we're not going to reveal anything just because someone didn't come off my site- I have a lot of factors that go into whether or not I do a public notification on someone.

Lastly, your statement that I blackmail people has no merit and shows me that you either haven't been to my site, or you didn't read the information pages on my site throughly or the letter throughly. Blackmail in the state of Kansas and Missouri, in laymen terms, is trying to get cash from someone by threatening to reveal information about them. I'm not threatening to reveal a damn thing because I already revealed it the second I, or someone that works for me, put up a Profile page with your information, and when we print our envelopes to mail the letters in because we put the mugshot, name, and address of the person smack-dab on the front of the envelope (which I'm sure you're aware of this) so that any person that handles it or views the envelope is made aware that that person was arrested (and that's usually a good 20-30 people, plus the guys at the post office I mail these from LOVE looking at the mugshots, and there's a good 40 people working there too). That is all done before a person is even aware that they are up on my site and before they read any correspondence from me about being on my site and the options available to them to remove their Profile. Hell, some people sat up on my site for over a month before I even sent out my letters, and I had 8,000 hits to my site while the temporary layout was being decided. Does it FEEL like blackmail? It might to you, but the law says that it isn't, and I have spent THOUSANDS of dollars with lawyers to make sure that what I'm doing isn't blackmail, extortion (which, BTW, there are no laws on extortion in Kansas), slander, and a slue of other crimes or accusations that people have and want to throw at me.

Yes, I could save myself the $1.69 it costs to print and mail each letter, but I have morals and felt that people should know their information and address is up on my website, rather than have them find out and be embarrassed because a friend, co-worker, or family member tells them because they did a search on that person's name, or they see a FaceBook post with their mugshot and link to my site. There are straight "mugshot industry/removal" sites that put people up, print them in newspapers that they sell FOR PROFIT in stores, and not even bother telling the person and then charge you over $400 to get your stuff off of one site... God forbid it's up on more than one site! THOSE are the companies that you should question about being "legit". I could charge a LOT more to let people come off my site, but as I'm NOT out to "line my pockets" and get "phat wads of cash", and I understand that most people in today's economy DON'T have a ton of extra cash laying around, I chose to set my price to simply cover my costs. If you would rather me not take the time to manually fold, stuff, and stamp over 1,000 letters per week to those on my site, OR if you think I'm being too nice for sending out these letters, please let me know, because I spend well over $1,500 per week in postage and printing costs to mail those letters and I had to ignore my 2-year-old son and listen to him cry for my attention for 2 days to do that, just so I could give you an opportunity to salvage what you can of your reputation. Hell, that money could be given to my employees as raises because they all work their ass off for me and put up with a LOT of pissed off people calling up and cussing them out and threatening them (which in itself is a crime) simply because they jump to the conclusion that I'm "blackmailing" them.

In conclusion, Nightmare, my tone in this post is as such because it's obvious that you want to talk trash about my company, and it's apparent that you either don't understand what our purpose is and are deciding to not take us seriously.

So, Nightmare, is BlabberMouth Kansas City legit? "

[SiMpLe]

That's really fucked up

[SiMpLe]

He's going to send that letter to the wrong person and get himself killed lolz - The ballz on that guy

[anexsia]

Yeah that's pretty messed up

[Ayla_SquareTurtle]

Here is a rapidly growing thread where locals are discussing this

http://www.kcsr.org/showthread.php?t=125790

[Bugbee]

Originally Posted by SiMpLe

That's really fucked up

No shit...

[L-Pink]

Originally Posted by Tijuana_Tom

Epic

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[cashbizdude]

IRL trolling. Turning a profit. Sure, you're exposing yourself to the ire of criminals but if you're willing to risk it...

[moeloubani]

nothing wrong with this, seems legal. would you rather you couldn't get your name off the site at all?

[cashbizdude]

Originally Posted by moeloubani

nothing wrong with this, seems legal. would you rather you couldn't get your name off the site at all?

That's what I'm saying. Mugshots are public record.

[sicone]

The info he's posting and sharing is all public info, however he may run into some issues with the pay to harass part of his business model

[anexsia]

Originally Posted by sicone

The info he's posting and sharing is all public info, however he may run into some issues with the pay to harass part of his business model

Here's a great example of bullshit:

"Expungement Policy:
If you have a Profile up on our site that has not been removed, and you were found NOT GUILTY, or some or all of the charges were dropped against you, we will gladly remove those charges from that Profile at no charge. We require legal documentation of the status of your case, including proof of the status of the charges brought against you in writing. If you are unable to submit this information and wish for us to go to the courthouse ourselves and verify the status of your case, there will be a $75 charge to verify the status of your case. In order to start the expungement process, please call us at: (913) 888-BLAB. "

[JFK]

Originally Posted by sicone

The info he's posting and sharing is all public info, however he may run into some issues with the pay to harass part of his business model

would'nt it be similar to those guys who collected all the government loan/ grant availabilities then sold them ? They got busted for doing so, hope they do it to these guys

[anexsia]

Originally Posted by Ayla_SquareTurtle

Here is a rapidly growing thread where locals are discussing this

http://www.kcsr.org/showthread.php?t=125790

Thanks, it was an interesting read.

"What I find most interesting is the notification services. Canvassing a neighborhood with flyers of someone charged with a crime and thinking that an "innocent until proven guilty" disclaimer puts you on the right side of the law? This company will be hit with more than one lawsuit."

[Vjo]

Tell em you or your friend have long wanted to be "popular" like Britney and Lindsey and see if maybe they would put a pic on multiple sites or pages. Tell em the font is too small ect ect

IE They can go fuck themselves.

Then if it really bothers you, start hot linking or auto reloading their site a few thousand times, auto submitting forms, (using proxies) or just fuck with them.

KEEP sending email requests for MORE EXPOSURE DAMN IT you fucking DICKHEADS

Tell em you are a huge murder afficinado and HOPE to be like Charles Manson someday while sending some "cute" Manson "murder scene" pics ALL fucking day with HUGE attachments.

Or not Who gives a fuck.

God, people fucking suck.

[Ayla_SquareTurtle]

Originally Posted by moeloubani

nothing wrong with this, seems legal. would you rather you couldn't get your name off the site at all?

Getting your name off the site does nothing, since all the info is still available elsewhere. This guy is a scumbag, plain and simple.

[sarettah]

Originally Posted by moeloubani

nothing wrong with this, seems legal. would you rather you couldn't get your name off the site at all?

If the "you" in there is directed at me. This time "A friend" is that, a friend, not me. If it was me, I would handle it my own way and would not be talking about it at all.



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[Sly]

Legal or not, the guy sounds like a parasite. He will mess with the wrong person.

[cashbizdude]

Originally Posted by JFK

would'nt it be similar to those guys who collected all the government loan/ grant availabilities then sold them ? They got busted for doing so, hope they do it to these guys

Psh, the freedom of information act. A decent lawyer would eat that suit alive. Scummy? Yes. Dicking with the wrong people? Probably. Illegal? No.

[Vjo]

Set up Teleport Pro to HAMMER their site with proxies 24/7 should also help

[xNetworx]

This guy better have a high tech security system and a bodyguard

[anexsia]

Originally Posted by cashbizdude

Psh, the freedom of information act. A decent lawyer would eat that suit alive. Scummy? Yes. Dicking with the wrong people? Probably. Illegal? No.

Not if someone is found not guilty and has their record expunged, there's already been lawsuits where a background company has not removed information and it cost someone a potential job.

[sicone]

Originally Posted by JFK

would'nt it be similar to those guys who collected all the government loan/ grant availabilities then sold them ? They got busted for doing so, hope they do it to these guys

Except he's not charging for info that is available for free, he's charging for this info to be removed form his pages. However I did notice that even if a person pays to have the info removed, some of the info is left... Specifically the home address. I can see this being a huge issue as people move and new people move in.

As for the Expungement Policy, I don't understand why you see that as bullshit. If I called you up and said hey, something you have on your page is mine and I want it removed, would you simply remove it or require some sort of legal proof or claim (Think DMCA)?

All arrestees/defendants are given paperwork regarding the charges and disposition of their case(s), this is the proof he is asking for. As for the charge if he has to go get himself, it's cheaper than what a attorney or other legal service would charge to obtain them. Why don't you go down to the local courthouse and request a copy of the files on any random case. Yes these are available to you for a charge, not a cheap one either.

I can't speak on all counties/states but that's more then my county will do. If you are arrested, your info is forever available to the public in their system. Including full name, mug shot, address, address of crime/arrest, charges filed, disposition of case, if you are currently in custody and if you have any upcoming court dates. Even if you end up with no charges or the charges are later dropped, all of this info is still there for all to see. The only way to have it removed (Not really removed just blocked to the public) you have to go to court and request a expungement hearing at which a judge can order the records sealed. But that will cost you a lot more then the $200 this guy wants.

I'm not saying I agree with what he's doing and how he does it, but it's legal. So bitch all you want, It only gives his site more attention.

[Vjo]

After running teleport pro, setup their entire site as a mirror on NASTY domain.

What are they gonna do? Get an attorney? Let em spend the money then pull it down after the c&d.

Then KEEP fucking with them for sport. You will soon be off the site.

[SuckOnThis]

Someone needs to dig up some dirt on the scumbag that owns the site.

[Vjo]

Edit: Eh.. I better settle down lol

[AmeliaG]

That is unbelievably evil.

Also, I'm pretty sure that site is illegal. All that innocent until proven guilty stuff is still on the books. I realize their flyers might only say "arrested" and that may be technically true, but he clear intent is to embarrass and communicate possible guilt.

[signupdamnit]

Originally Posted by AmeliaG

That is unbelievably evil.

Also, I'm pretty sure that site is illegal. All that innocent until proven guilty stuff is still on the books. I realize their flyers might only say "arrested" and that may be technically true, but he clear intent is to embarrass and communicate possible guilt.

Believe it or not it's probably legal. We allow all sorts of personal information to be published online in America by saying it is "public information". There are few privacy protections as in other countries. For a site which only lists mugshots and some other info check out arrests.org. Basically anyone in the world can stalk a U.S. citizen. We make it incredibly easy.

[L-Pink]

I'll bet this ends badly.

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[signupdamnit]

Originally Posted by L-Pink

I'll bet this ends badly.

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No kidding. I wouldn't be surprised if the owner turns up one day in a back alley or in some river after being skinned alive. There are some things you just should not do.

[Vjo]

He keeps the price at $200 cause one letter from any attorney and you are off there. Legal or not. If you had his name I suppose.

[Zarathustra]

definitely illegal. legal to post mugshots but not legal to extort

[Vjo]

Originally Posted by sarettah

1. They will canvass your neighborhood putting flyers about you at every residence.

LOLOL That is such BS

Like they are gonna drive to someone's neighborhood. If I'm understanding that right.

That is almost comical.

I guess if you live in Watts you have nothing to fear.

"Canvas" LOL

Have fun walking around before someone takes a pop at you if they ever spent money and traveled.

Do they have a "dirtball network" to go out and canvas?

Comical shit.

[Zarathustra]

Reading the guy's email you can tell he never took a law course in his life and just spewing BS. He's depending on the criminals being dumber than he his, which is probably the case.

But anyone who knows anything knows that what he is doing is illegal and will be shut down soon.

Extortion is illegal. It's like saying "yeah Bill Clinton, if you give me $10,000 I won't tell anyone you smoked weed which would ruin your career"

Then saying "yeah it's not extortion, im just giving you an 'option'"

lol

[Vjo]

OK I see it's only KC. Same deal.

They aint gonna canvas shit.

[Captain Kawaii]

Originally Posted by SuckOnThis

Someone needs to dig up some dirt on the scumbag that owns the site.

[Freaky_Akula]

Complain to Godaddy and have them take down the domain. Also complain to his free hosting company weebly.com to have the pages removed. Mention their TOS.

[Vjo]

Ok after a lil investigation looks like he has about 120 crackheads all against the same grey wall.

Prob works for the jail or in archiving somewhere. Certainly those mugshot pics are not all published in the local paper like that.

All mugshot files are named.jpeg so he is a crap wm to boot.

Unranked Alexa. Lame. He is fucken lame

And his server is slow to boot lol

His crafty lil directory naming was no match LOL

[moeloubani]

Originally Posted by sarettah

If the "you" in there is directed at me. This time "A friend" is that, a friend, not me. If it was me, I would handle it my own way and would not be talking about it at all.



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just meant it generally not you specifically

me personally i would pay the guy or if the information on the site is false sue him

[Vjo]

Oops maybe a bit higher.. more secret directories.

BTW how is the public supposed to see the pics to shame you. It does not link in very easily to the pics. In fact it is only searchable.

He claims 1373 "profiles" we shall see

Most of the folks in the pics dont look like they got a pot to piss in much less $200. Pretty pathetic.

[raymor]

You have the home addresses of everyone on the site. Some of them are violent felons. Send them all HIS address.

[Vjo]

"By law we have to allow you to opt out but we must charge you a fee"



Titanium option $249.99 Still takes 36 Hours! That lazy bastard LOL

I bet he dont get ONE mofo to send the $200 for the "Standard" opt out... May take up to 96 hours.

Oooh damn. Better go with Titanium I guess lol

For $99.99 (Silver Option) you can remove ONE item, YOUR choice LOLOLOLOLOL

Copper Option: Free after 180 days of charitable work LOLOLOLOL

OMG, this guy is too much.

[Vjo]

OK The Nickle option: He is just goofing around now. 90 Meetings in 45 days. 2 a day.

What a jackball.

[sarettah]

Originally Posted by moeloubani

just meant it generally not you specifically

me personally i would pay the guy or if the information on the site is false sue him

Well, I passed the expungement link on to them so they could go that route if they want.

Myself, I at least would be talking to a lawyer about it. I personally, do not think it is legal and would come under extortion, but I am not a lawyer and thats why I would talk to one before doing anything.

It is a low life shit way to do biz at best. Makes Wall street bankers look good in comparison.


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[Vjo]

He isnt kidding about the number. Has about 900 with pages and all the info and another 400 with no page and just a pic.

Some rough customers this guy is messing with. All at the same jail all wearing the little purple haircut smock for their mugshot.

Anyhow indeed this may end badly for this guy.

Why would you want KC's entire criminal underground (the ones who got caught especially) pissed at you?

Plus he writes them to let them know and YET he has no traffic anyhow. Balls of steel. Must be highly insulated so he thinks.

[Ayla_SquareTurtle]

He's not hiding his identity and has said that his wife has already been threatened. He's going down in a fiery blaze.