Feds Arrest Online Seller Who Tried To Drive Up Google Ranking By Scaring People

Feds Arrest Online Seller Who Tried To Drive Up Google Ranking By Scaring People: "

Pushing the 'there's no such thing as bad publicity' mentality to the extreme, an online retailer allegedly stalked and threatened customers in order to boost his search engine visibility. The seller reportedly went to such extremes that federal authorities stepped in and arrested him on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, making interstate threats and cyberstalking.

The New York Times reports the man, who sold eyeglasses online, threatened sexual assault against a customer and sent her a picture of her front door to intimidate her. The Times had reported earlier that the reason for the seller's behavior, other than outright creepiness, was to generate bad buzz to boost his profile on Google search engine rankings.

Google responded by announcing it has changed its algorithm, causing searches to bury companies that provide customers with 'an extremely poor user experience.'

Threatening Online Seller Arrested [The New York Times]

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Google Fixes Algorithm So Harassing Your Customers Doesn't Boost Your Page Rank

Harassing Customers As A Business Model

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Movie Studios Blocking Special Features On Rental DVDs

Movie Studios Blocking Special Features On Rental DVDs: "

In an apparent effort to give customers a reason to buy DVDs instead of renting them, movie studios have begun disabling certain features of new releases on discs rented out by Blockbuster and Netflix.

Consumerist reader Joseph brought this to our attention after he spent $3.99 to rent the DVD of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World from Blockbuster. When he went to the disc's main menu and attempted to watch the Blooper Reel special feature, he was greeted by a screen telling him: 'This disc is intended for rental purposes and only includes the feature film. Own it on Blu-Ray or DVD to view these bonus features and complete your movie watching experience.'

Over at HackingNetflix, they have the same report from a reader who rented the disc from Netflix. The site also claims that the Netflix version of the disc for hit Disney/Pixar film Up contains no captions for the same reason.

Let's go back to a frustrated Joseph for his final thoughts:

I didn't pay $3.99 to just watch the movie itself; I paid $3.99 to rent the physical DVD for a week. To have full access to the entire DVD and everything contained within the menus. What made it worse was that Blockbuster gave me absoutely no warning that the DVD had its Special Features locked. There was no warning label or sticker or anything of the sort.

Should rental companies be alerting customers that the special features are blocked on these discs?

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Wachovia's Lame Attempt To Get You To Sign Up For Overdraft Fees

Wachovia's Lame Attempt To Get You To Sign Up For Overdraft Fees: "

Wachovia sent out an eblast trying to get people to sign back up for overdraft protection, and the fees that 'service' entails.

The email warns of the embarrassing consequences that can happen when you try to buy stuff you don't have money to pay for it.

'Having your debit card declined when you are making a purchase - such as buying groceries or paying for your restaurant meal - can be frustrating, especially if you do not have an alternative form of payment like cash or a credit card to complete your purchase. That is why Wachovia offers Debit Card Overdraft Service as an optional new service to help you avoid declines.'

Or, you know, you could just bring enough money to pay for what you're buying and if you don't have it, don't buy it.

'The subject line of 'Avoid Debit Card Declines' had me imagining some pretty awful things,' writes tipster Alyssa. 'Luckily, though, just a bad pitch for Overdraft Protection!'

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The Fuel Doctor FD-47 Is More Of A Fuel-Savings Quack

The Fuel Doctor FD-47 Is More Of A Fuel-Savings Quack: "

A basic understanding of physics should tell you that the Fuel Doctor--a small device that you plug into the 12-volt power outlet in your car--will not work. The gadget claims that by 'conditioning' your car's electrical systems, it increases power and gas mileage. But...why have none of the major automakers thought of this? Is it all a plot between the car and gas companies... or is the Fuel Doctor just automotive snake oil?

To find out, Consumer Reports plugged the device in to cars set up with sensitive fuel mileage meters, and also tested the vehicles' power with and without the Fuel Doctor. Their verdict? Well, there are some pretty red and green lights on the Fuel Doctor, so it makes a festive holiday decoration. That's about it.

Fuel Doctor FD-47 fails the Consumer Reports mpg test [Consumer Reports Cars]

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FBI Warns Video Camera Barbie Could Be Used For Kiddie Porn

FBI Warns Video Camera Barbie Could Be Used For Kiddie Porn: "

The FBI is downplaying a leaked internal memo that reminded field agents that 'Barbie Video Girl', which has a video camera embedded in her necklace, could be used by pervs to produce child pornography.

However, 'There have been no reported incidents of this doll being used as anything other than as intended,' said an FBI spokeswoman at a news conference. She clarified the purpose of the alert was to make sure law enforcement didn't overlook the doll while executing a search.

'Budding filmmakers, take note: Barbie doll now doubles as a video camera!' reads the copy on the Mattel website advertising the toy. 'Girls can record and play back clips with this multi-tasking doll, which has a video camera built right in. Capture everything from a doll's-eye-view, then watch it instantly or upload to your computer. There's an LCD screen on Barbie doll's back, and a camera lens hidden discreetly in her necklace. Talk about making movies in style!'

In a statement released to the press, the doll's manufacturer said, 'Mattel products are designed with children and their best interests in mind. Many of Mattel's employees are parents themselves and we understand the importance of child safety -- it is our number one priority.'

FBI Memo: Video Barbie Doll Could Be Used For Child Pornography [KIRO]

FBI: New Barbie 'Video Girl' doll could be used for child porn [CNN]

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