Public Warning: Scam Alert – In recent weeks, we have identified a potential online scam involving an individual operating under the name John Buscema from Nigeria. Using the phone numbers +234 814 788 0084 and +234 904 146 6035, this person approaches businesses and agencies with offers to publish reviews on reputable platforms such as Clutch and Sortlist — claiming to help improve their visibility and ratings.
How the Scam Works:
- Initial Outreach: John contacts companies via email, WhatsApp, or freelance platforms, offering services related to publishing positive reviews on industry websites like Clutch.co or Sortlist.com.
- No Verified Agreement: He avoids working under any official, signed agreement or company registration — instead using personal emails and loosely worded promises.
- Fake Deliverables: After claiming the work is done (often by creating or submitting unverified reviews), he demands payment — in one reported case, $765 total.
- Pressure Tactics: If questioned, he becomes aggressive or insists that the work has been done, without proof of legitimacy, and pressures for payment.
- Violation of Platform Policies: Purchasing or manipulating reviews is strictly against the terms of platforms like Clutch and Sortlist — meaning clients could risk bans or penalties for participating, even unknowingly.
Why You Should Be Careful:
- No legal contract means you have no protection.
- Review manipulation is illegal in many countries and can harm your business reputation.
- No traceable business entity behind the service.
- Multiple reports have now surfaced online about similar scams tied to these phone numbers and name.
What You Can Do:
- Do not engage with unsolicited offers for review posting or profile manipulation.
- Report any messages from these numbers to WhatsApp, your email provider, and scam reporting platforms.
- Contact the actual platforms (Clutch, Sortlist, etc.) if someone claims to work with them or post reviews on your behalf.
- Hire verified professionals only through signed contracts and transparent agreements.
Known Numbers Used:
- +234 814 788 0084
- +234 904 146 6035
Final Note:
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Always verify identities, request official documentation, and never agree to services that involve dishonest practices. If you’ve already been contacted or affected by this scam, consider reaching out to a legal advisor or cybersecurity professional to assist you.
If you’d like help reporting the scam or contacting a Nigerian legal firm to take further steps, feel free to reach out.
Stay safe. Stay alert. Share this with others who may be at risk.
