Although deVere v Opinion Corp has received little attention beyond some US law journals in the days immediately after that ruling, it was considered a key case by some in the ongoing war between websites like PissedConsumer, and the thousands of companies that are finding their reputations coming under increasing attack by the anonymous postings of individuals on such sites.
The case in question initially brought by deVere in July 2011 against a New York-based company officially known as Opinion Corp, which does business online as PissedConsumer.com highlights the difficulties and expense that even very large companies like deVere can incur when they attempt to silence such online criticism.
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - From restaurants to retailers, digging up details about a company isn't very difficult these days. "More than 60% of us go online before we buy or hire," says Angie's List Director of Communications Cheryl Reed.
(MONEY Magazine) -- Press 1 if you're delusional enough to think that the customer service rep you just spoke with actually gives a damn about your $5,000 cellphone bill, your exploded microwave or cancelled-without-notice flight.
"Unethical behavior by Beachbody...watch out!" wrote one customer on PissedConsumer.com, an online forum, in June. The customer railed against the Santa Monica, California -- based maker of fitness videos, claiming that it charged for something the customer didn't intend to order online. In the comment box, Tiana, a customer service representative from Beachbody, wrote, "I'm so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience." She left her contact information and added, "I would be glad to assist you and help to restore your faith in our company."
Roni Deutch, television's "Tax Lady," was sued Monday for perpetrating a"heartless scheme" that swindled thousands of people across the nation into paying huge fees to stop the IRS from collecting back taxes.
After hearing stories about complaints at the state's second largest dental HMO, Western Dental, people have asked what can a consumer do? Of course, knowledge is power. If you have questions about any dentist, check out their license and if they have been disciplined at the California Dental Board website
Does web whining work? Private websites with names like ComplaintsBoard.com and PissedConsumer.com have developed an enormous following among consumers who feel cheated by companies. But are these complaint magnets filling an important role in protecting consumer rights or do they merely serve as online bitch sessions?
Consumers should start their search for complaints about a company online at my3cents.com, according to a report released on Monday by the Consumer Federation of America.