There are many websites out there that list illicit businesses.
If you are getting a lot of requests for illicit services, the first thing to do is to Google your phone number and see if you are listed on any of those websites.
Steps to Remove Unauthorized Listings of Your Massage Business on Websites Promoting Sexual Services
If your name, business, or contact information appears on a website without your permission, take the following steps to notify the website owner of the unauthorized listing, request its removal, and escalate the matter if necessary. If the listing includes your photo, business logo, or content you created, you may also have grounds for a copyright infringement claim under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
1. Notify the Website Owner
Send a letter or email to the website owner requesting the removal of the unauthorized listing. Many websites hosting classified ads or service directories do not monitor posts, but notifying them helps establish that the post is unauthorized.
Steps to Notify the Website Owner:
- Locate Contact Information: Find the website’s email or physical address. If the site uses an online form, paste your letter into the form.
- Reference Violated Terms: Identify terms in the website’s “Terms of Use” or “Policies” that the post violates. Example links:
Contact Information for Common Websites:
- Bedpage.com
- Address: BEDPAGE INC, 355 S Grand Ave., Ste. 2450 PMB 898, Los Angeles, CA 90071
- Email: bedpagers@gmail.com, abusebedpage@gmail.com (for DMCA)
- Rubmaps.com
- Address: Media Star s.r.o., Na Hřebenkách 815/130, Smíchov, 150 00 Praha 5
- Email: info@rubmaps.ch
Filing a DMCA Notice:
If the post uses your copyrighted materials (e.g., photos, logos, or website text):
- Search for a copyright or DMCA policy on the website.
- Use their contact information to submit a takedown request.
- Attach proof of ownership (Exhibit A).
Follow-Up:
- Send your letter by email and physical mail.
- Follow up after one week if there’s no response.
2. Notify the Website’s Hosting Server
If the website owner does not respond, escalate your complaint to the hosting server, which may share responsibility for the content.
Steps to Notify the Server:
- Identify the Hosting Server:
- Use tools like AccuWebHosting’s “Who Is Hosting This” or HostingChecker.
- If the result shows “Cloudflare,” submit an abuse report to identify the actual server: Cloudflare Abuse Form.
- Contact the Server:
- Locate the server’s contact details.
- Send a detailed letter (or use their online form) referencing the unauthorized post and any copyright violations.
- Reference Violated Terms:
- Review the server’s Terms of Use and note violations in your letter.
- File a DMCA Notice (if applicable):
- Attach proof of ownership of any copyrighted material used without permission.
- Follow-Up:
- Email and mail your letter to the server.
- Check back after one week if needed.
3. Additional Steps if the Post is Not Removed
If the website and server do not cooperate, consider these options:
- Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice for further action.
- File a BBB Complaint: Visit BBB.org to file a formal complaint.
- Contact Your State Attorney General: Many offices have dedicated departments for online scams or fraud.
By following these steps, you can take action to protect your business and reputation.
