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December 6, 2024 43 mins

Welcome to The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger! I’m Danny de Hek, here to expose scams and unethical practices that harm everyday people.

This video uncovers the shocking behavior of Matthew Edwards, founder of Mars Digital, who aggressively sent unsolicited emails promoting his SEO services—violating New Zealand’s Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007.

After receiving two emails from Matthew, I decided to confront him directly. What followed was a heated 30-minute phone call where he repeatedly dismissed the law, ridiculed me, and claimed he wouldn’t provide his services because I’m “not a nice person.” Instead of addressing his blatant disregard for anti-spam regulations, he fixated on accusing me of swearing during our conversation.

WHAT IS THE UNSOLICITED ELECTRONIC MESSAGES ACT 2007?

This legislation, designed to protect individuals and businesses from spam, applies to all commercial electronic messages with a New Zealand link, including emails sent to, from, or within the country. Key points of the law include: Consent is Mandatory: Businesses must obtain express, inferred, or deemed consent before sending commercial emails.

  • Express Consent: The recipient has explicitly agreed to receive messages.
  • Inferred Consent: A prior business relationship implies the recipient would reasonably expect contact.
  • Deemed Consent: The recipient has published their contact details publicly without stating they do not wish to be contacted.

Content Requirements: All commercial messages must:

  • Accurately identify the sender, including valid contact details.

Provide a functional and free unsubscribe option.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance:*

Organizations violating the law can face fines of up to $500,000, while individuals can be fined up to $200,000. HIGHLIGHTS

FROM THE CALL:

1. Matthew’s Email Tactics Exposed:

  • His first email included a pitch for a “Christmas Sleigh-EO Audit,” claiming his team would analyze local e-commerce sites for SEO improvements.
  • A follow-up email three days later insisted the initial email might have been “buried.”

2. Defiance of the Law:

  • During our conversation, I explained the legal requirements for sending unsolicited emails, but Matthew dismissed these concerns outright, insisting he was within his rights.

3. Unbelievable Responses:

  • Instead of engaging professionally, Matthew ridiculed me and accused me of being unkind, pivoting the focus away from his questionable practices.

4. SEO Irony:

  • Despite claiming to be an SEO expert, Mars Digital’s website fails to rank for fundamental search terms like “SEO Website Marketing Services NZ.”

WHY THIS VIDEO MATTERS:

Unsolicited emails are more than an annoyance—they undermine trust in business and infringe on privacy. Many New Zealanders remain unaware of their legal protections, making them vulnerable to these tactics. This video not only exposes one company’s practices but also aims to educate the public about their rights under the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007. By holding businesses accountable, we can push for better compliance and reduce the prevalence of spam in our inboxes.

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