www.bonusboosters.co.uk

[lennoxlewis]

Found these today whilst looking on eBay.

[mercinary]

I was just looking at www.money4today.com, and its another one of these cryptic "make a bunch of money sites". It would appear at my first look, that they give you a website similar to theirs, and then you place a link to refer people. When you refer people you get money.

By definition, I think that makes the scheme fall under MLM/Pyramid/Ponzi. Maybe someone else can take a look and see if I am missing something that makes the scheme legit.


www.bonusboosters.co.uk, on the other hand, is a complete 100% matrix site. This one wasn't in our database, so I have added it. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!!!


-Merc

[mercinary]

And a little interesting thing here....

On bonusboosters, look who is at the top of the "15 signal boosters" list....D. Smith (sounds a bit like DaveyBoySmith?).

-Merc

[weirdid]

Well, as of today, it does not matter who is at the top of the list, this site is no more.

Gone, bit the dust etc etc.

What a pity they did not read paypal's AUP before opening the site.

weird

[mercinary]

As you may or may not have known, our paypal account had come under investigation by paypal. This was due to an impatient customer who paid for a booster over the christmas period. We were not here over the christmas period and so all purchases were dealt with on the 04/01/05. This is when we realised we had been suspended. This certain individual had sent numerous emails to paypal implying that our business was corrupt. By the 04/01/05 the damage had been done and because the vast quantity of complaingts sent by this person, paypal have now terminated our account with them. They say it is a "'high risk' account?

As from now, we can no longer use out paypal account to accept payments. This means bonusboosters an no longer provide boosters or free gifts to customers.

We are absolutely devastated but there is nothing we can do as this is covered in paypals terms and conditions, and we agreed to it when we joined.

We will not be issueing anyone with refunds. You have all been sent exactly what you paid for on this site. That is, the mobile phone boosters. If you are unhappy with us, please read the terms of our site (left) before contacting us. If you made a purchase from our site, you have agreed and understood these terms, and are therefore bound by them.

If you were promised a playstation 2 (or any other free gift) when purchasing a link from an ebay member, then you can get your money back from this ebay member by going through ebay's buyer protection programme.

Please respest the fact that we (bonus boosters) never guaranteed anyone, anything else than a mobile phone signal booster when making a purchase from our site. You understood and agreed to this when purchasing a booster from our site. remember, anything other than the mobile boosters was a 'bonus' if certain criterias were met.

You bonus place on a gift list is not refundable.

We sincerely apologise for this, but of our site is out of our hands.

We'd like to thank you all for your custom and hope that we can be of assistance again in the future.

Bonus Boosters


I don't even know where to start in my complaints about this explaination.

#1: Their grammar is afwul. Did an 8th grader own this site?

#2: They tell the customer that there is nothing they can do to get a refund. B.S.! Customers of this site need to file a complaint with paypal!!! Paypal froze this person's paypal account so that the victims of the scam could get refunded. If that doesn't work, file a chargeback against your credit card.

#3: The owner is trying to pawn off responsabilty to this mysterious person who reported them. It isn't that person's fault....THEY BROKE THE RULES. Heck..they even admit that their operation was against paypal's TOS!!!!

I can't rant anymore...people like this drive me nuts.

-Merc


EDIT: Note that I had to copy this by hand from the website, as they were using a non-copy-pastable flash presentation to display this message. The grammar was taken word for word, but if there are spelling mistakes, it potentially could have been by my hand accidently.

[jokach]

We will not be issueing anyone with refunds.


Once again it shows the true "honest" nature of the matrix site owner :rolleyes: . When everything comes crashing down, its not their fault, its everyone elses. They walk away with the money.


We are absolutely devastated


I somehow doubt this, if they were really devastated, they would be responsible enough to refund the money they scammed and give it back to the customers.

Merc makes a great point that the reason Paypal froze the account is to allow for refunds. Its critical that any customers file their complaint with Paypal to avoid this scammer from running away with your money ...

shame shame on the matrix site owner.....

jokach

[concerned]

If you are unhappy with us, please read the terms of our site (left) before contacting us. If you made a purchase from our site, you have agreed and understood these terms, and are therefore bound by them.

When you agreed to the terms, you agreed to them assuming that they are all legal and legit. Whenever they do something illegal, in the eyes of the law, or when they break their terms with another company, those terms become null and void. That is what happened in this case. While you might have agreed to the terms, you cannot legally be bound to a contract that breaks laws or rules.

The example would be that you signed a contract with a killer to murder someone for you if you pay them $50,000. When that murderer kills that person, and then comes to collect, what will they do (besides kill you) to collect their money? Do you think they can sue you?

[Bob Williams]

I agree, this is a particularly poor example of a matrix site that has closed.

Firstly, they don't even seem that apologetic !

Secondly, they are pointing the blame at Paypal & their own customers for their closure.

If this person/company had actually done their homework they would have realised that Paypal are particularly unfriendly to some Matrix sites. But then, there are plently of matrix friendly payment solutions out there (Stormpay for example). I think blaming Paypal is just their excuse.

I believe that a good matrix site should provide customers with plenty of information about what they are purchasing and a variety of innovative ways that they can receive their free gift, that are not totally dependent on waiting on a list.

Its also worth noting that I have stated this in an unbias fashion on this site before only to have it removed.

[DaveyBoySmith]

And a little interesting thing here....

On bonusboosters, look who is at the top of the "15 signal boosters" list....D. Smith (sounds a bit like DaveyBoySmith?).

-Merc

Dont assume. Thats shocking. There must be thousands of of Dave Smiths about. Besides my name isnt Dave or Smith. People do have nicknames. Or do people call you Merc Inary....

[Bob Williams]

I wouldn't take too much offence, this is coming from person who has never joined a matrix site, yet seems to think they are an expert on them....

[jokach]

...innovative ways that they can receive their free gift, that are not totally dependent on waiting on a list.


Do you consider referrals to be an 'innovative way' to receive their free gift? If not, then I haven't seen much effort in trying to find another way to move a list, except to get more people on it ........ isn't that the basis of how the matrix system works or did I miss something? When so many people sign up, you get the free gift ... can you elaborate what type of innovations are out there?

I've asked the similar question of how "honest" matrix site owners plan to cycle everybody on their lists like they claim they will, and yet, no response, maybe you have one.

Also remember that nobody here claims to be a matrix expert, we just have different opinions on them based on the facts we've produced.

btw, your sarcasm is unnecessary and not beneficial to the conversation... :)

jokach

[mercinary]

Bob Williams,

Your comments in your last post have no purpose other than to be disrespectful. Consider this a warning....we are open to hearing everyone's thoughts (pro-matrix included), but everyone is subject to the forum rules.

To answer your accusation that my expertise has nothing to back it up, I spent 20-30 hours a week doing volunteer work at Matrixwatch. In that work, I frequently visit each of the ~140-150 active matrix websites that exist. In the year that I have been doing this work, I have visited over 400 of these sites in total (many of which are now defunct). Long story short, I don't think I have to be a participant of one of these schemes in order to be an expert. If you want to discuss this further, please bring it to the <a href="http://www.matrixwatch.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=69"> Anti-Matrix vs Pro-Matrix Discussion discussion forum</a>, as it is way off the topic of this thread.

Daveyboysmith: If that wasn't you on that list, then I apologize. At the time of my post, I thought it was an interesting coincidence. Note that I never actually said that it was you 100%....just speculation.

Its also worth noting that I have stated this in an unbias fashion on this site before only to have it removed.
We do not delete posts here at Matrixwatch. Recently we have had a number of software (and hosting provider) issues that has resulted in lost data. At one point, this wiped out ALL data that spanned a few days. This means that everyone lost their posts (Admins included).

-Merc

[DaveyBoySmith]

Dont worry about it Merc i see where your coming from.

British Bulldog

[Bob Williams]

"We do not delete posts here at Matrixwatch. Recently we have had a number of software (and hosting provider) issues that has resulted in lost data. At one point, this wiped out ALL data that spanned a few days. This means that everyone lost their posts (Admins included). "

If my previous comments were slightly negative, then this was based upon my annoyance of writing what I regarded to be a good constructive post about matrix sites etc, only to have it lost.

Secondly, Merc, you spent 20-30 hours a week looking at Matrix Sites??!!

I can respect your efforts, but seriously do you not have a better way to spend your time !? I mean you could half the time spent on looking at sites that are often poorly designed (i.e. not even nice to look at !) and work on getting some donations, as the funds are looking a little dry on the home page.....

[mercinary]

Bob,

If you re-read my last post, you will see that my 20-30 hours is spent volunteering for Matrixwatch. That includes (among other thingg) administrative duties, moderation duties, heading up the auction watchdog team, interfacing with government agencies, and tracking matrix sites. And I think this is a fine way to spend my free time. I work a 50+ hour a week job, volunteer for 3 different organizations in my home town, and when I'm not doing all of that I'm here. I'm sure the thousands of people that Matrixwatch has protected from the matrix scam appreciate my work.

-Merc

[jokach]

work on getting some donations, as the funds are looking a little dry on the home page.....


We'd rather have no funds at all then scam people out of funds like matrix sites do. What we do is honest and for the good of the community, what matrix sites do is misleading and dishonest, regardless of what you say to try and protect it ...

My example? The matrix sites that brag about having 112 new signups or so in a week, thats alot of money collected from people who will never cycle, unless someone has an answer to how the people at the bottom of the list will cycle ... (which nobody has answered yet), its wrong.

jokach

[Bob Williams]

We'd rather have no funds at all then scam people out of funds like matrix sites do. What we do is honest and for the good of the community, what matrix sites do is misleading and dishonest, regardless of what you say to try and protect it ...


As usual, its a very 1 sided opinion given here.

As mentioned before, not all matrix sites are as bad as you make out. You views are continually one-sided. What ever happened to Cybertrax on this site? It was pleasing to actually read an unbiased view for a change, even though you guys seemed to never accept any of his suggestions or opinions.

If he has left, or been banned, then it is a shame to loose his voice of reason.

I don't expect you to state which matrix sites are better than others, but it would be refreshing for you to actually consider that matrix sites are evolving. Many of these sites are now moving towards less reliance upon cycling and lists and more about credits/points/referrals, which can be gained without spending any money.

Also, I find it amazing that you have stated on your home page "Why is pyramiding prohibited" with a reference to pyramid schemes, when surely as pioneers for "The Fight for Justice", your matrix 'expertise' would have led you to realise the clear differences between matrix sites and that of a pyramid system.

[mercinary]

Bob,

All matrix sites are scams. Show me a matrix site where customers do not "get in line" to potentially win a free prize, and I might change my mind. We have asked pro-matrix folks (repeatedly) to show us a matrix site where everyone get's their free gift. Until that happens, this WILL be a one-sided view, as it is the truth. If you want to shut me up, then provide me some matrix scheme where everyone gets their gifts.

95%+ of ALL matrix customers will never get their "free gift".

-Merc

P.S. I'm not going to get into the pyramiding / ponzi / matrix arguement once again. That has been discussed over and over. Search the forums.

[redmist]

My example? The matrix sites that brag about having 112 new signups or so in a week,

:nono: i never bragged about it :nono:

[jokach]

As usual, its a very 1 sided opinion given here.


I don't necessarily believe you making that comment is fair since I am willing to admit that there are some matrix sites that appear better than others in certain respects (as far as responding to customers upfront, offering products that people want). That shows that there are some people trying to make it work, but they, like all others, will fail regardless of how they treat customers up-front.

If the new evolution of matrix sites comes down to having to get referrals, and earning referral points, etc, its starting to look more like a pyramid-type scheme than anything else, and the customer should be told that the only way they will cycle is to provide referrals. This is what I mean by there isn't much honesty with the customer when they make the purchase.

I ask the question again, and whether you own a matrix site or not .... how do the 'evolving' matrix site owners intend to cycle everyone on their lists? If you don't plan on cycling everyone on your lists, then something is wrong, and you (or they) are misleading people ...

Answers anyone?

[jokach]

i never bragged about it


Maybe bragging wasn't the right word, but the fact that its now announced each week how many new signups you have, is certainly trying to show that you are bringing in a good amount of money .... Do you plan on just providing the current weeks statistics or all weeks statistics? Regardless, we'll keep adding those numbers of sales each week for you and compare it to the number of cycles in total on your page that you're providing.

jokach

[ycchen]

As usual, its a very 1 sided opinion given here.

As mentioned before, not all matrix sites are as bad as you make out. You views are continually one-sided. What ever happened to Cybertrax on this site? It was pleasing to actually read an unbiased view for a change, even though you guys seemed to never accept any of his suggestions or opinions.

If he has left, or been banned, then it is a shame to loose his voice of reason.

I don't expect you to state which matrix sites are better than others, but it would be refreshing for you to actually consider that matrix sites are evolving. Many of these sites are now moving towards less reliance upon cycling and lists and more about credits/points/referrals, which can be gained without spending any money.

Also, I find it amazing that you have stated on your home page "Why is pyramiding prohibited" with a reference to pyramid schemes, when surely as pioneers for "The Fight for Justice", your matrix 'expertise' would have led you to realise the clear differences between matrix sites and that of a pyramid system.

Of course, our forum is one-sided, a better side :) Since the many pro-matrix forums have closed down (I wonder why??), you can still find your buddies at moneymakergroup.com. I strongly recommend you join their forum cause you will feel at home there.

It is amusing to see pro-matrix people emphasizing "reason", and they can't even defense why 98% of the customers will have to be donors in the matrix. Well, that's fine, it is a free world and anyone can think whatever they like.

If you really want to "reason", here is a report for you -- Why is Matrix-site a pyramid scheme. It is 100% free ebook :)

http://www.matrixwatch.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=99

[redmist]

Note that I had to copy this by hand from the website, as they were using a non-copy-pastable flash presentation to display this message. The grammar was taken word for word, but if there are spelling mistakes, it potentially could have been by my hand accidently.

just a note if that ever happens again - find somewhere on the page where you can right click (without coming up with the macromedia flash player right click), then go to view source, and it will come up with the html, scroll through and you will be able to copy and paste what they said:

12/05/04<p><p>As you may or may not have known, our paypal account had come under investigation by paypal. This was due to an impatient customer who paid for a booster over the christmas period. We were not here over the christmas period and so all purchases were dealt with on the 04/01/05. This is when we realised we had been suspended. This certain individual had sent numerous emails to paypal implying that our business was corrupt. By the 04/01/05 the damage had already been done and because of the vast quantity of complaints sent by this person, paypal have now terminated our account with them. They say it is a &apos;high risk&apos; account?.<p><p>As from now, we can no longer use our paypal account to accept payments. This means bonusboosters can no longer provide boosters or free gifts to customers. <p><p>We are absolutely devastated but there is nothing we can do as this is covered in paypals terms and conditions, and we agreed to it when we joined.<p><p>We will not be issuing anyone with refunds. You have all been sent exactly what you paid for on this site. That is, the mobile phone boosters. If you are unhappy with this, please read the terms of our site (left) before contacting us. If you made a purchase from our site, you have agreed and understood these terms, and are therefore bound by them. <p><p>If you were promised a playstation 2 (or any other free gift) when purchasing a link from an ebay member, then you can get your money back from this ebay member by going through ebay&apos;s buyer protection programme.<p><p>Please respect the fact that we (bonus boosters) never guaranteed anyone, anything else than a mobile phone signal booster when making a purchase from our site. You understood and agreed to this when purchasing a booster from our site. Remember, anything other than the mobile boosters was a &apos;bonus&apos; if certain criterias were met. <p><p>Your bonus place on a gift list is not refundable.<p><p>We sincerely apologise for this, but continuation of our site is out of our hands.<p><p>We&apos;d like to thank you all for your custom and hope that we can be of assistance again in the future.<p><p>BonusBoosters<br>


and it wasnt your copying - their grammar is awful!!