In recent years, the online forum Black Hat World (BHW) or otherwise known as Scam Hat World “blackhatworld.com” has come under scrutiny for its troubling reputation as a breeding ground for scams and deceitful practices.
With a user base that often includes aspiring entrepreneurs from developing and non-English speaking countries, the forum has been criticised for enabling a range of fraudulent activities under the guise of marketing expertise.
Brian from Spain said, ” Black Hat world is stinky little hovel where people sell outdated “SEO”. Services are backed up by clueless mods who spend their time trying to impress the 13 year old children who congregate in this $#*!e forum,”
Another user said “There is 0 to learn about the site and it is full of trolls and scammers. Just save your time and use google, research your topics and study your craft,” he said.
“Mones from India said,” Moderators are nothing but waste of time. If I complain about vip sellers they dont respond they only needs money,”
“They respect scammers and vip sellers. Its waste of time better avoid. Another thing if you say scammer to moderators they will ban you,” said Mones
Jorge D. from France said,” First of all, this forum is a mess and it is full of advertisement. Then, when you ask a question people pretend to answer but they don’t add any value,”
“This forum is packed with trolls. They pretend to know and be expert. They pretend to be winners and in fact, they know nothing and are unhelpful. BHW is a big waste of time,” he said.
According to sitejabber.com Black Hat World has a rating of 2.6 stars from 28 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases.
A Scammer’s Paradise
At the heart of the controversy is the owner of Black Hat World Damien Trevatt, also known online as Diamond Damien who has been labelled a “global scammer” by numerous users.
Allegations suggest that he profits from the forum by allowing scammers to operate unchecked, reaping financial rewards from their sales threads.
Many members have voiced concerns that BHW’s structure protects these scammers, making it a hazardous environment for those seeking legitimate business advice.
The Dark Side of SEO: Scams and Outdated Methods on Black Hat World
Search engine optimisation (SEO) remains a critical component for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence. However, many freelancers on platforms like Black Hat World (BHW) have turned this essential service into a breeding ground for scams, offering outdated link-building methods that are little more than spam.
1. A Marketplace of Deception
Many users seeking legitimate SEO and link-building services on Black Hat World quickly discover that a significant portion of what is offered is either ineffective or outright fraudulent.
Freelancers frequently promote methods that have long been debunked, including tactics that Google and other search engines now classify as spam. These outdated strategies not only fail to yield results but can also lead to penalties that damage a business’s online reputation.
2. Spammy Link-Building Practices
One of the most concerning trends is the prevalence of spammy link-building techniques. Many service providers on BHW rely on low-quality backlinks from dubious sources, which can harm a website’s credibility rather than enhance it.
Techniques such as creating links from irrelevant sites, using automated software to generate links en masse, and leveraging private blog networks (PBNs) contribute to a cycle of spam that undermines the integrity of online marketing.
3. False Promises and Lack of Accountability
Freelancers often make grand claims about their services, promising quick results and high rankings. However, once payments are made, many users find that the promised results never materialize.
The lack of accountability on platforms like BHW means that those who fall victim to these scams have little recourse. Reports of unresponsive service providers and refusal to issue refunds are common, leaving entrepreneurs frustrated and out of pocket.
4. The Cost of Bad Advice
The consequences of engaging with these unscrupulous freelancers and wannabe’s who know almost nothing about real technical SEO can be severe.
Businesses that invest in outdated or spammy SEO practices risk not only wasting their resources but also incurring penalties from search engines, which can lead to decreased visibility and traffic.
The long-term damage to a brand’s reputation can be devastating, particularly for small businesses trying to establish themselves in a competitive marketplace.
5. Navigating a Minefield
For those seeking effective SEO strategies, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and do thorough research before engaging with freelancers or services promoted on Black Hat World. Relying on proven, ethical SEO practices is essential for sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek out reputable platforms and industry experts who adhere to best practices, ensuring that their investments lead to genuine improvements in their online visibility.
6. Toxic Community and Troll Culture
Users of Black Hat World have reported a pervasive culture of trolling, where discussions are frequently derailed by individuals pretending to offer expertise but ultimately contributing little to meaningful dialogue.
Many posts appear to be little more than self-aggrandising tales of quick riches, often lacking any practical value. “This forum is packed with trolls,” one user lamented. “They pretend to know everything, but in reality, they know nothing and are unhelpful.”
7. Moderators and Support System
Compounding the problem is a moderation team that users claim is indifferent to their concerns. “If I complain about VIP sellers, they don’t respond; they only care about money,” a frustrated member explained.
Reports of users being banned for simply calling out scams are alarmingly common, with some even alleging that moderators actively support the very scammers they should be policing.
8. A Waste of Time and Resources
Many users have come to the conclusion that participating in Black Hat World is not only unproductive but a complete waste of time.
The forum is saturated with outdated SEO services and dubious methods that fail to deliver real results. “Every post that isn’t a sales pitch is just someone stroking their own ego,” said one user, highlighting the disillusionment that pervades the community.
Black Hat World operates with full knowledge of the scams
This environment of deception is not just an oversight; it is the site’s bread and butter. By allowing these fraudulent SEO services and dodgy, worthless offerings to flourish, BHW profits from commissions on every sale, effectively promoting the very scams that mislead its users.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale
For anyone considering engaging with Black Hat World, the message is clear: stay away. The forum, rife with scammers, trolls, and ineffective moderators, offers little to no genuine value.
Instead, prospective entrepreneurs are urged to seek out more reputable platforms where constructive dialogue and honest support can be found.
Black Hat World stands out as a problematic platform for SEO services, potentially even worse than the multitude of digital marketing, search engine optimisation, and link-building scams found on sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
The combination of outdated methods, spammy practices, and a culture that protects scammers creates an environment where genuine entrepreneurs are often misled and exploited.
For those serious about improving their online presence, it’s essential to steer clear of Black Hat World and instead seek reputable resources that prioritise ethical and effective marketing strategies.
Black Hat World and similar spaces thrive on exploiting desperate beginners or uninformed business owners.
You’ll encounter low-quality freelancers, link farms, and dodgy automation tools that don’t work in the long run. Instead of boosting your site, these “shortcuts” could get it de-indexed entirely.
If you’re serious about SEO or digital marketing, invest in learning from trusted sources or hire a reputable agency with a proven track record.
Look for transparency, “real” testimonials, and ethical practices that align with search engine guidelines. Remember, true success in SEO requires time, effort, and scalable strategies—not quick fixes.
Your online presence is your business’s foundation. Don’t gamble with it by venturing into murky waters. Choose wisely, and your efforts will pay off in sustainable growth and lasting results.
Instead the forum providing of a treasure trove of marketing and search engine optimisation insights, BHW seems more like a breeding ground for scams, shady practices and outdated tactics
Other Platforms To Stay Well Clear Of – For Various Reasons
- Fiverr.com
- Seoclerks.com
- UpWork.com
- Vettted.com
So, if you’re dipping your toes into the world of SEO or digital marketing, consider this your final warning: stay as far away from platforms like Black Hat World as possible.
