KwikChex - Business & Politician Verification

Online Defamation

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:52:49 +0000

Has your business, like so many thousands, suffered from false, malicious and unfair online posts?
KwikChex very quickly gained a great reputation for dealing with online defamation. As reported in the media, we have helped reputable businesses to get libelous and offensive reviews removed, have provided an effective response system - and in extreme cases, (such as a full blown, malicious campaign), we can implement a strategy that counters the actions of the perpetrators and restores reputation.

TripAdvisor Group Action

One of the most frequently reported problems are anonymous comments posted on the TripAdvisor, website There has been an unwillingness by TripAdvisor to address many unfair and false elements on their review site.
As reported on the BBC, KwikChex has been examining this and taking legal advice - and is now launching a group action to press for changes to be made and specific damage to be addressed.

The Action

The action includes:

Insistence on the removal of serious allegations that are unverified and for which there is no evidence, or for which there is evidence that the comments are entirely false. These include. Food poisoning; Accusations of criminal acts; including theft, assault and racism; Misleading and malicious descriptions of the property.
Compensation for businesses that have been singled out in TripAdvisor marketing activities, such as email and 'reports' that are misleading and substantially unrepresentative of the overall reputation of the property / business.
Correction of rankings in cases where the information used to produce a ranking is incorrect, out of date or provably false.

In addition, group members will lobby for the following changes to be made:

In these cases, they are not genuinely representative and have no meaningful value to consumers - but instead mislead and unfairly damage reputations. The management response facility provided is inadequate and does not correct the rankings.
Automatic deletion of all reviews over 2 years old.
Deletion of reviews referring to old criticism that have long been addressed and resolved (i.e., through refurbishment).
More accurate description of the reliability of reviews - qualify that individual reviews are usually anonymous and unverified and may not be from genuine customers. Desist using key phrases in this regard, such as 'From A Trusted TripAdvsior Member' and 'Reviews You Can Trust'
Improve filtering systems to screen out words such as 'poisoning' 'theft' and vulgar expletives.
Cease the use of emails and online lists, using phrases such as 'Hotel Horror Stories - Don't Go There' and 'The Best and Worst Revealed'
An improved response system for owners and managers, enabling them to respond in greater detail

The Case Against TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor claims that they are not responsible for user generated content - but claims ownership of all posts.
TripAdvisor has taken user generated content and used it for commercial purposes, including misleading and damaging statements.
The TripAdvisor ratings system is flawed and inconsistent and distorts reputation.
TripAdvisor has failed to take appropriate action when offered evidence of falsehoods - thus removing their blanket disclaimer defence.
TripAdvisor is not consistently abiding by its stated policies.

Many specific cases have been prepared, and particular instances of serious, unproven allegations and misleading information generated by TripAdvisor have been identified and if necessary will be used in a legal challenge.

Join the group action

If your business has been the subject of the serious, unverified allegations or proven falsehoods as detailed above, you can join the group action for removal of the offending posts. You can also support the lobbying for change.

The cost is GBP£35.00.

See how you can be a part of the "Find It Trust It Revolution". Promote and protect your business, achieve recognition through excellence and work with consumers and customers to create a more trusted worldwide web - All Rounders.

Respond effectively to reviews

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:07:43 +0000

Even when you as an owner or manager are permitted to make a response to a review post, it is not wholly effective because:

You are often only allowed to make a short reply (i.e., 200 characters on TripAdvsor), which is not enough for many situations.
There is a bias of trust engineered by the site towards the 'reviewer'.
Your response does not correct your rating
You cannot demonstrate that a more accurate perspective of your standards.

With All Rounders, you can post a reply that qualifies that you are a member of a more trusted system - one that is provided by the leading online authentication and reassurance resource, KwikChex.com. It effectively challenges the review, promotes your commitment to achieving excellence, supports honesty and invites verification.

An example of the type of response you will be able to post:

If this is a review from a genuine customer, please contact our service verification agent. We are a member of a scheme to raise standards and trust. Click on our ‘All Rounders’ seal on our website.

The All Rounders seal on your website will link to verification of your membership, details of the initiative - and to a form that will enable posters to safely provide information that establishes that they have been a genuine customer.

Note - you can also further strengthen your defence and reputation by commissioning a True Review Report, which can also be given prominence on your website and on your membership - click here

Back to 'Services for Hotels & Restaurants'

Group Defamation Action

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:32:07 +0000

As reported recently by the BBC, the existing action is against TripAdvisor. Thousands of unfounded, malicious and wholly unproven allegations are on their site which are damaging the reputation of blameless businesses. These include accusations of:

Food poisoning
Fraud and theft
Racism
Assault

The Case Against TripAdvisor

Expert legal advice has been provided that indicates TripAdvisor must take remedial actions or face a class action defamation lawsuit principally, but not solely based on the following. In addition, disclosure of the identity of each defamatory poster will be sought.:

TripAdvisor claims that they are not responsible for user generated content - but claims ownership of all posts.

TripAdvisor has taken user generated content and used it for commercial purposes, including making misleading and damaging statements.

TripAdvisor has singled out businesses and directly advised consumers not to trust them - even when the majority of their own posters recommend these businesses.

The TripAdvisor ratings system is flawed and inconsistent and distorts actual performance and perspective.

TripAdvisor overstates the level of trust that can be placed in an individual review on their site. They are thus directly seeking to influence consumer opinion.

TripAdvisor has failed to take appropriate action when offered evidence of falsehoods - thus removing their blanket disclaimer defence.

TripAdvisor is consistently not abiding by its stated policies.

Overall Standards

In addition, the action will seek the removal of the thousands of posts that:

Do not qualify as reviews, but are instead offensive insults of no possible value to consumers - but which nevertheless damage reputation and specifically lower the TripAdvisor ratings.
Are over 2 years old, as they are almost certainly irrelevant - and again can grossly distort ratings, which is also misleading for consumers.
Advise viewers of the ratings on a property to go to a named competitor instead.

Back to 'Services for Hotels & Restaurants'

All Rounders – more information

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:16 +0000

All Rounders is a unique initiative created by KwikChex.com, the leading online reassurance and reputation resource that enables outstanding restaurants, hotels, bars to work together with consumers and their customers to improve quality and achieve excellence in hospitality - and to be recognised for doing so.

Improving Honesty, Fairness & Accuracy

All Rounders answers the problems being caused by anonymous and fake online review posters, who mislead consumers and damage the reputation of decent, hardworking businesses.

Why it's great for owners - A high profile declaration of your commitment to the highest all round standards

- Visible support of consumer rights and protection
- Feedback that you can trust and use for continual improvement
- Exceptional promotion of your business online and in the media
- Increased capability of reducing and managing customer concerns and complaints
- Ability to easily query and check validity of feedback
- Effective protection for you against rogue and unfair online comments and reviews
- Additional services available to help you improve standards even further
- Additional, cost effective marketing of offers, promotions and special events

Why it's great for consumers - A More reliable way to help find Outstanding Businesses

- Ensures that views are trusted
- Assistance with complaint and disputes
- Opportunities to earn money for providing consumer reports and consultancy
- Information regarding special offers and events
- Alerts about scams and consumer warnings

Back to 'Services for Hotels & Restaurants'

Greenwood Serviced Apartments Ltd – Authenticated Accreditations

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:39:52 +0000


Greenwood Serviced Apartments website	Greenwood Serviced Apartments Ltd
	www.greenwoodservicedapartment.co.uk
	Greenwood Serviced Apartments provides expert temporary accommodation services in London and across the UK. All of our accommodation can be rented for a few weeks, months or years at amazing value. Our residences are also ideal for vacations and corporate lets.

Organisations:	London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Associations:	To be advised
Accreditations:	Member of the scheme - The Property Ombudsman Lettings.
	KwikChex Accredited Member. Click here to see profile
Copyright & Reporting:
KwikChex confirms that the above accreditations have been manually checked from the issuing authority that this business has been accredited. KwikChex does not endorse any product, service or business. KwikChex Business Profiles are provided to assist you in your decision to use a particular business or website. Information in this KwikChex Business Profile has been manually checked from reliable sources, but cannot guarantee its accuracy. KwikChex Business profiles are subject to change at any time. Last update: 24/08/2010 If you believe any of the information in this profile to be incorrect or have concerns about this company please contact us.

Current Suspect Review Reports

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:48:06 +0000

(Reports will be deleted when the suspect reviews are removed)

Report Number: 112

@your service 19 Cherington, Bristol BS15 3AG

By locost - 9 Jul 2010

Very Disapointed With my printing and Distribution Would not use them again‎
Posted on Google Maps.

Reason for report - suspected malicious spam
Evidence offered to Google suggests this has been posted by a competitor of @your service. There is evidence of spam reviews by this competitor and they have also been reported to South Gloucestershire Trading Standards on several occasions regarding their business practices and on consumer protection issues.

Report Number: 113

True Colors Salon, Spa, Boutique1281 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, FL 32960, United States

That place is Horrible‎‎

By lala1437 - 27 May 2010

First off when I walked into the Salon is Stunk so bad, and there was a Gentlemen at the counter who looked homely, skinny, and sloppy looking. He was actually the owners husband he was very unprofessional and strung out looking like he was on hardcore drugs. When i checked in for my Hair appointment with Kristen they read off a different service that i was suppose to have, so that made me mad. This women which is the owner had walked up and she look homely, and sloppy looking to i mean very trashy for a Professional buisness smelt like a ash tray and she try to apoligize for the mistake on my appointment. So i get this hairdresser Kristen and talk about loud and rude and stunk like body odar so bad, i mean if your going to be a hairdresser and be lifting your arms all day, please wear deodarant. She totally messed my hair all up the color came out orange and the cut came out tacky. They charge me way over then what it should of been. I will never ever go back there again it's dirty and the people who own/run that salon are trashy and very rude. So if your looking for a run down trashy salon to get your hair done and be way overcharge then go to True Colors...If your smart and classy STAY AWAY!
Posted on Google Maps

Reason for report - malicious and defamatory
Evidence offered to Google that this has been posted by a person solely wishing to damage a reputable business. The comments are libelous and offensive and their publication does a disservice to consumers and encourages others to attack reputable businesses, their owners and employees.

Report Number: 114

TravelStay.com

503 Clerkenwell Workshops, 27-31 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0AT

By megha - 5 Apr 2010

DO NOT BOOK your hotels through this site. Their contact number is FAKE and is actually someone's residence!! The hotel we booked did not even have our reservation in its records and travelstay deducted the deposit from our account!!!!! now i dont know how to get my money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...‎

Reason for report - malicious, false and offensive
Reported to Google that the contact number and address have been verified and that the business is registered with a long trading history. It is therefore false and should be treated as malicious. In addition the language used is offensive and in contravention of Google policies.

Report Number: 115

The Hackney PearlGround Floor Oslo House East Wing, 11 Prince Edward Rd, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LX
By Nathan - 23 Jun 2010

If you go in for dinner, note that no one else is really eating. That's the first warning. If you decide to forgo your instincts and eat anyway you'll be rewarded with dinky portions of try-to-hard gastro fare with little flavour. Several friends have had disappointing experiences with a £10 meze plate involving a few olives, a tablespoon of hummus and a single cube of feta or single rashers of bacon with a 'big breakfast' that leaves you hungry. Mine was a flavourless Pollock with an even more flavourless puy lentil base. I think the casual creative folks in the area would probably prefer well executed favourites at a reasonable price rather than overwrought attempts at euro centric gastro cuisine.‎

Reason for report - inaccuracies throughout
After evaluation of the content, KwikChex reported to Google that descriptions of menus and prices are so inaccurate as to cast doubt on whether the reviewer has ever eaten there or else has malicious intent.

Serengeti Ballon Safaris Ltd

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:50:09 +0000


Serengeti Balloon Safaris website	Serengeti Balloon Safaris Ltd
	www.balloonsafaris.com
	Serengeti Balloon Safaris commenced operations in 1989 and have been flying daily ever since. We have 6 balloons operating from two bases in the Serengeti National Park & one base on the private Grumeti Reserve. We have six pilots & 60 support staff and 14 x 4 wheel drive vehicles (Landrovers & custom Toyota Landcruisers). Serengeti Balloon Safaris is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority as a commercial airline and as such, is subject to the same rigid scrutiny by the authorities as any airline. Our pilots are licensed commercial balloon pilots and are amongst the most experienced in the world.

Business Name:	Serengeti Balloon Safaris Ltd
Business Address:	UK OFFICE The Old Rectory The Shallows Saltford BS31 3EU TANZANIA OFFICE PO BOX 12116 Arusha Tanzania
Trading Since:	1989
Type of Entity:	Limited
Incorporated:	Yes
Company No:	02622173
Principal:	Tony Pascoe
Office Hours:	Daylight Hours
Phone Number:	UK +(44) 01225 873756 TAN +255 (0) 27 2548967
Fax Number:	UK +(44) 01225 874101 TAN +255 (0)27 254 8997
Email Address:	info@balloonsafaris.com
Social Networks & Directories:
KwikChex Membership Level:	Accredited Business Member
Date of Joining:	August 2010

Security
SSL Certificate:	No
Secure Payments:	Not required
Secure Personal Data Transfer:	Not required
Privacy
Privacy Policy:	No - pending
Terms & Conditions:	No - pending
Returns/Refund Policy:	No - pending
Disclaimer:	No - pending
Email Disclaimer:	No - pending
Email Usage Policy:	No - pending
Spam Checked:	Yes
Malware Checked:	Yes
McAfee Checked:	Yes

Organisations:	To be advised
Associations:	To be advised
Other Accreditations:	Not verified

Authenticated Reviews & Testimonials:

Website URL:	www.balloonsafaris.com
SEO Score:	0%
Alexa Trend Rank:	#7,305,577: for the last three months.
ICANN Register:	TUCOWS INC.
Created:	25-Mar-1997
Name Server:	NS.HOSTEUROPE.COM
IP Address:	94.136.57.185
Registrant:	Cirrus UK Ltd
Technical Contact:	hostmaster@mistral.net
Dedicated Hosting:	No
Semantic Information:	None

Copyright & Reporting:
KwikChex does not endorse any product, service or business. KwikChex Business Profiles are provided to assist you in your decision to use a particular business or website. Information in this KwikChex Business Profile has been manually checked from reliable sources, but cannot guarantee its accuracy. KwikChex Business profiles are subject to change at any time. Last update: 24/08/2010 If you believe any of the information in this profile to be incorrect or have concerns about this company please contact us.

TheNetShop

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:44:00 +0000


TheNetShop	TheNetShop.co.uk
	www.thenetshop.co.uk
	We help businesses boost their online reputation with Flying Start Websites from £499. We are proud to be involved in the development of the KwikChex Website.

Business Name:	TheNetShop.co.uk
Business Address:	Suite 2 Canford House Discovery Court Business Centre 551-553 Wallisdown Road POOLE Dorset BH12 5AG United Kingdom
Trading Since:	May 2009
Type of Entity:	Trading name of Elevated Communications Ltd Click here to see profile
Incorporated:	See Elevated Communications Ltd profile Click here
Company No:	See Elevated Communications Ltd profile Click here
Principal:	Mark Barclay
Office Hours:	Mon - Fri: 09:00 – 17:00 Sat - Sun: Closed
Phone Number:	+44 (0) 845 519 3021
Fax Number:	+44 (0) 870 803 4756
Email Address:	webmaster@thenetshop.co.uk
Social Networks & Directories:
KwikChex Membership Level:	Accredited Business Member
Date of Joining:	August 2009

Security
SSL Certificate:	No
Secure Payments:	Yes
Secure Personal Data Transfer:	Not Required
Privacy
Privacy Policy:	Yes
Terms & Conditions:	Yes
Returns/Refund Policy:	No - pending
Disclaimer:	Yes
Email Disclaimer:	Yes
Email Usage Policy:	Yes
Spam Checked:	Yes
Malware Checked:	Yes
McAfee Checked:	Yes

Organisations:	To be advised
Associations:	To be advised
Other Accreditations:	Not verified

Authenticated Reviews & Testimonials:

Website URL:	www.thenetshop.co.uk
SEO Score:	93%
Alexa Trend Rank:	#11,110,208: for the last three months.
ICANN Register:	N/A
Created:	02-Apr-2004
Name Server:	ns1.thenetshop.co.uk
IP Address:	74.53.248.218
Registrant:	Mark Barclay
Technical Contact:	Mark Barclay
Dedicated Hosting:	No
Semantic Information:	None

Copyright & Reporting:
KwikChex does not endorse any product, service or business. KwikChex Business Profiles are provided to assist you in your decision to use a particular business or website. Information in this KwikChex Business Profile has been manually checked from reliable sources, but cannot guarantee its accuracy. KwikChex Business profiles are subject to change at any time. Last update: 24/08/2010 If you believe any of the information in this profile to be incorrect or have concerns about this company please contact us.

KwikChex featured on BBC Radio4

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:06:08 +0000

KwikChex featured on BBC Radio 4's 'You and Yours' - consumer affairs programme.

Note: KwikChex features at 38 minutes into the programme (through to 43 minutes) - use the sliding bar to jump forward to this time if you prefer.

THAT Computer Chap

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:59:39 +0000


THAT Computer Chap website	THAT Computer Chap Ltd
	www.thatcomputerchap.co.uk
	THAT COMPUTER CHAP offer a fast, reliable local service, so you have the reassurance of computer support being close-by when required. Specialists in Microsoft Windows XP, 2003 and Vista Support Services for the HOME and BUSINESS Users, either onsite or remotely. You will speak to an IT consultant, for all your computer requirements, technical support, customer service and sales, without the frustrations of being passed from pillar to post as with bigger companies.

Business Name:	THAT Computer Chap Ltd
Business Address:	4 Washbrook Road Bridgnorth Shropshire WV15 6BH United Kingdom
Trading Since:	22 July 2009
Type of Entity:	Limited
Incorporated:	Yes
Company No:	06969910
Principal:	Ivan Bennett
Office Hours:	Mon - Fri: 09:00 – 17:00 Sat - Sun: Closed
Phone Number:	+44 (0) 1952 457 235
Fax Number:	To be advised
Email Address:	info@thatcomputerchap.co.uk
Social Networks & Directories:
KwikChex Membership Level:	Accredited Business Member
Date of Joining:	August 2010

Security
SSL Certificate:	No
Secure Payments:	Yes
Secure Personal Data Transfer:	No
Privacy
Privacy Policy:	Yes
Terms & Conditions:	Yes
Returns/Refund Policy:	No - pending
Disclaimer:	No - pending
Email Disclaimer:	Yes
Email Usage Policy:	No - pending
Spam Checked:	Yes
Malware Checked:	Yes
McAfee Checked:	Yes

Organisations:	To be advised
Associations:	To be advised
Other Accreditations:	Not verified

Authenticated Reviews & Testimonials:

Website URL:	www.thatcomputerchap.co.uk
SEO Score:	85%
Alexa Trend Rank:	#3,753,642: for the last three months.
ICANN Register:	N/A
Created:	10-Apr-2006
Name Server:	ns1.safeukdns.net
IP Address:	83.170.127.205
Registrant:	Ivan Bennett
Technical Contact:	Ivan Bennett
Dedicated Hosting:	No
Semantic Information:	None

Copyright & Reporting:
KwikChex does not endorse any product, service or business. KwikChex Business Profiles are provided to assist you in your decision to use a particular business or website. Information in this KwikChex Business Profile has been manually checked from reliable sources, but cannot guarantee its accuracy. KwikChex Business profiles are subject to change at any time. Last update: 24/08/2010 If you believe any of the information in this profile to be incorrect or have concerns about this company please contact us.