In today's digital age, writing online reviews has become a common practice. Consumers can leave feedback on anything from products to services, and the internet is filled with platforms where people can share their experiences. However, when a business receives a negative review, they may resort to sending a cease and desist letter to the reviewer. This can be an intimidating experience, but it's essential not to let it scare you. ConvrtX have sent me two variations of a Cease and Desist - both of which made, in my opinion, outrageous claims and demands. Including, but not limited to, saying I was now owe them money! I have not complied with their demands, my reviews still stand, and I have yet to see them actually take any meaningful further action against me.
The first Cease and Desist was sent back in July 2022.
You can view the original cease and desist that I received in the above file. I do not live at the address listed any more.
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand what a cease and desist letter is. It's a legal document that demands the recipient stop an alleged illegal activity. In the context of online reviews, businesses can use this letter to intimidate reviewers into retracting or modifying their review. However, receiving a cease and desist letter does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong. I certainly did not do anything wrong - I provided reviews of my honest account. Where they pulled the figure $25,000 from is beyond me. I also never posted a review on Glassdoor - that is a website which allows for employees to review current or previous employers. This is of course not appropriate given that I was a client, which is why I never posted there. You will also notice that ConvrtX do not provide any examples of defamatory statements that I apparently made - that's because there has been none. All have been factual. ConvrtX have been asked multiple times to provide examples of anything I've said which can be considered defamatory, and to my knowledge have never done so.
As long as your review is truthful and not defamatory, you have the right to share your opinion. This is the reason that I have not removed my reviews, and why I continue to share my experiences with Josh Adler and ConvrtX.
Moreover, many businesses use cease and desist letters as a scare tactic. They hope that the recipient will feel intimidated and retract the review, even if it's honest. I believe this to be the motivation behind ConvrtX sending me Cease and Desists. However, it's essential to remember that a cease and desist letter is not a lawsuit. It's merely a warning that legal action could be taken in the future. The business would need to prove that the review is defamatory or false, which can be challenging to do.
I received a further email from an individual named David Mandel, legal credentials unknown and so far unable to be traced, acting on behalf of ConvrtX. He contacted me regarding me reposting my reviews after an agreement with Josh Adler and myself soured, and I was accused of contacting multiple clients. Full disclosure; I have contacted a small number of clients. However, a far larger majority sought me out to advise they were in a similar position to me.
Above is the email received from David Mandel on 20th February 2023. However, what is particularly interesting is that the letter states it will also be sent by regular mail. I did indeed receive a letter via regular mail a short time later. See the below images.
Again, I do not live at the listed address of Anton Drive.
Why is this letter interesting though?
They DON'T match up.
The physical letter shows to be sent on the 18th of February - two days before the email was sent. The physical letter claims I must pay £16,524.25. The email claims I must pay £6,524.25. The physical letter gives me until 28th February 2023 to remove my reviews. The email gives me until 6th March 2023. The physical letter ends with "Govern yourself accordingly". The email does not include this. So which is it ConvrtX? I can't be expected to take nonsense like this seriously, and I won't.
There has since been some ridiculous back and forth emails with David Mandel who has contacted my solicitor directly to advise that I clearly have mental health issues, that I earn most or all of my income with the products ConvrtX made for me (LOL), and advised they will pursue criminal charges against me and ask that I get a custodial sentence via the UK Crown Courts. I have to admit, I laughed pretty hard at that one. My solicitor has since responded that I am firm that I believe they have no basis for legal action, and that they will not engage with ConvrtX any further unless proceedings are started.
The ridiculous email sent to my solicitor, with red text annotations by me. My point is; in my experience, ConvrtX have tried every tactic they can employ to scare me. But I am sound in the knowledge that I am legally entitled to share my experience provided I am honest.
It's also important to note that a business cannot force you to take down your review. They may request it, but they cannot make you do it. If the review is honest and not defamatory, you have the right to keep it up.
In conclusion, receiving a cease and desist letter can be a scary experience, but it's crucial not to let it scare you. If you have written an honest review based on your experience, you have the right to share your opinion. A cease and desist letter is not a lawsuit, and the business would need to prove that the review is defamatory or false, which can be challenging to do. Don't let a business intimidate you into retracting or modifying your review, and remember that you have the right to free speech.
Don't be bullied. I know I won't be. I have forwarded all correspondence from David Mandel, and all other ConvrtX employees, straight over to Police Scotland.
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