Is Fortuna Gaming a scam?
Today I received a random and unsolicited email from fortunagaming dot org wanting to know the cost of me doing a sponsored post on one of my websites.
My initial reaction was 'ooh, I've finally made it! I'm getting noticed in the online world.'
But unfortately that was extremely shortlived when I realised that the site they are wanting the guest post on has been dormant for many months and probably gets little to zero traffic online.
So, how on earth did Fortunagaming find me?
And is this nothing more than a nasty scam?
Personally I think it feels pretty scammy, but I'm keen for your thoughts and comments on this - and whether you've had emails of a similar nature?
What do you think?
I'd love some feedback from the community on this and to hear if anyone else has experienced a similar thing. Cheers, Karen
Recent Comments
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I have issues with gaming/gambling sites as a member of my family is a compulsive gambler. I know how vulnerable many people are to online gambling, and the misery that can result. I think promoting it is not a positive thing. It all sounds very sketchy. You're smart to stay away from it.
Thanks Wendy, that must be so challenging for you. I'm definitely giving this one a wide berth, Cheers, Karen
If you have a gaming blog it could be legitimate. You could say you are taking on the odd guest blog post, but you are charge $100 per post or something of that nature and that you will allow a link back to their site within your post.
If not, you don't want other people posting content on your website if it is:
(1) Not 100% unique
(2) Isn't valuable to your readers
(3) Is promotional and you are not getting affiliate credit/compensation
You will get people reaching out to you through as your website/blog gains authority and as you establish a brand. If the email is an @fortunagaming.org, then I think this is legitimately from fortuna.
Just be careful about people representing a company, when they are not actually from it. This does happen, as there are lots of vultures out there.
Thanks Kyle, I think I"m going to steer clear of this one. But appreciate your suggestions if I ever get another approach like this in future! Cheers, Karen
Good advice, Kyle. If you can't independently verify the legitimacy of site that should tell you all you need to know.
Steve
Good point Steven/Kyle ... someone below just mentioned that their browser wouldn't even let them open the web page (unsafe site), so clearly one to stay away from. Thanks for all the advice. Cheers, Karen
This is not the ordinary and I am not sure, but Fortuna gaming are a recognised company.
Personally I would ask Kyle Carson or Jay. It is an affiliate link but the poor girl may not have a site of her own.
Who knows it might be good or bad I would go to the main people for this one.
Just in case it might be good it might not be. She might need some training so send her a link to W.A. I would ask the main people here first if it was for me.
I would check it out first for sure.
Let me know the outcome I am intrigued by this one.
Debs ;-)
See Sanders post above.
I think it's dodgy all round so I'm going to give it a wide berth. Cheers, Karen
Hi Elaine, unfortunately I think you are probably right. :( Bugger. But it was a little boost while it lasted LOL. Cheers, Karen
Thanks Jerry. I'm erring on the side of caution on this one... it's been relegated to my junk folder! Thanks for your words of wisdom. Cheers, Karen
Hi Karen.
Yes i agree that at first glance it would have been a very very flattering email to receive.
Gamblings a vice. Most of your websites seem pretty family orientated. If its real is it even a good fit for your niche / brand or your audience?
If it is a scam, at least it was flattering to receive it. It should give you a real confidence boost to now think do I want paid ad's? Should they be post specific or in my sidebar? To me these questions show real business growth.
Make a list of products available in your niche, draft a letter and then send the letter to all the product importers asking for either free products or paid advertising.
Embrace this approach as a sign that your business is growing into a genuine business model. Cheers
Hi there, thanks very much for your feedback, and yes, a post on gambling probably isn't a good fit for my website brand, let alone my personal brand. I'll embrace the fact that I've been noticed by a potential phishing spammer, if only to remind myself (and others) how careful we need to be online. Thanks for your comments and constructive thoughts. Cheers, Karen
Karen,
1. Is your site about the Gaming or Casino world? Or something that could be connected?
2. Ever get comments etc from this person or .org before?
3. Write a guest article and then allow them to post on your site?
To me, all of what you have described sounds a little fishy. Maybe a physhing try (pun intended). I would not respond, being the suspicious type until I had more information.
But, I am not an expert on this type of thing.
Cannot wait to hear what the WA Community has to say.
Sanders
Hi Sanders, your first question was the one that resonated with me most. No my site is not about gaming or the casino world. Seems rather random to receive this email based on that point alone. Thank you so much for your feedback. I will be ignoring this email I thinks! Cheers, Karen
Hi again Karen.
I giggled those guys and it seems that fortuna disolved a few years ago.
Sanders
Hi Sanders, I've been trying to work out what's so funny, when I read your reply, then I realized that you probably meant to type googled... not giggled LOL.
Thanks very much, Cheers, Karen
Karen,
Yes, I do mean Googled but I did write giggled on purpose. I sometimes do not understand myself but I enjoy being me. Its just my way of expressing myself.
Sanders
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I had gotten an email a litle while back, it sounded like the one you got.
And, that is exactlly what I thought, SCAM, I didn't even open it.
Randi
sounds like that was the wisest move. Thanks for sharing cheers, Karen