> All of which makes me wonder why these SEO/"reputation management" companies even bother with this, given all the risks.
The companies all seem to be fronts for the same individual. Its not unheard of for one individual or a small group to come up with a moneymaking scam that involves exploiting the legal system when they believe that they have constructed enough cutouts (e.g., separate front companies) to protect themselves from liability (and maybe even identification.)
The companies all seem to be fronts for the same individual. Its not unheard of for one individual or a small group to come up with a moneymaking scam that involves exploiting the legal system when they believe that they have constructed enough cutouts (e.g., separate front companies) to protect themselves from liability (and maybe even identification.)
Consider, e.g., the case of Prenda Law. [0]
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenda_Law