The FBA Brand Builder (FBABB) has landed in yet another controversy—this time going after former clients who’ve posted honest, critical reviews online. Despite telling clients they’re on a holiday break, the FBABB team has somehow found the time to churn out fake positive reviews on Trustpilot and issue cease-and-desist letters to those sharing genuine experiences.
This move highlights FBABB’s ongoing efforts to suppress dissent and control public perception. With the trademark scandal already under USPTO investigation and now these legal threats, it’s clear the cracks are showing. But here’s the truth: consumers are legally protected when sharing honest reviews, and FBABB’s attempts to silence critics are unlikely to succeed.
The Email That Started It All: A Cease-and-Desist Letter
One former client received an aggressive email from FBABB. Here’s an excerpt:
Subject: Cease and Desist for Breach of Contract and Defamation
“Your behavior has caused significant harm to the company’s reputation, and we must act to protect our business, clients, and community from further damage.”
The letter accuses the client of violating their contract by posting a negative review, citing clauses that prohibit disparaging the company or discussing its operations publicly. It demands that they:
- Remove all “defamatory” posts from platforms including Trustpilot, Google, and Facebook within 48 hours.
- Confirm compliance in writing.
Failure to comply, the letter threatens, will result in legal action for breach of contract and defamation.
This tone-deaf response to valid criticism speaks volumes about FBABB’s priorities: controlling its public image rather than addressing client concerns.
FBABB’s Flawed Legal Argument
At the center of FBABB’s cease-and-desist letters are claims of contractual breaches and defamation. But do these claims actually hold up? Let’s break down the legal reality:
1. Defamation Requires Falsehood
For FBABB to succeed in a defamation claim, they would need to prove that the client's review was:
- False.
- Harmful to the company’s reputation.
However, reviews based on personal experiences and supported by factual evidence are not defamatory. Even if the criticism is damaging, it’s protected as long as it’s truthful.
2. Consumer Protections Override Gag Clauses
FBABB’s contracts may include non-disparagement clauses aimed at stifling criticism, but consumer protection laws often render these clauses unenforceable. Courts have repeatedly ruled that companies cannot use contracts to silence genuine consumer feedback.
3. Public Interest Defense
Negative reviews play a vital role in serving the public interest, helping others make informed decisions. The client's review, which likely reflects the client's genuine experience with FBABB, would likely be protected under public interest defenses in many jurisdictions, including the UK.
Trustpilot’s Stance: Protecting Genuine Reviews
After reports of FBABB’s actions surfaced, Trustpilot’s Content Integrity Team stepped in with a clear response:
“We take reports of threats or intimidation in response to reviews very seriously. Our platform exists to enable consumers to share their genuine experiences openly, and we do not tolerate any attempts to silence reviewers unfairly.”- Trustpilot’s Content Integrity Team
Trustpilot’s policies are clear: protecting genuine reviews is a top priority to ensure the platform remains a space for honest, uncensored consumer feedback. Companies that resort to intimidating reviewers risk serious consequences, including being removed from Trustpilot entirely.
A Pattern of Suppression and Censorship
This latest scandal fits a familiar pattern for FBABB. From aggressive legal threats to censorship within its community, the program has shown time and again that it won’t tolerate dissent. Here’s how:
1. Deleted Posts in Private Communities
Clients have repeatedly reported that FBABB deletes posts from its internal Mighty Networks platform the moment they question costs, processes, or Darren Campbell’s leadership. Some who dare to speak up have even been removed from the program entirely.
2. Fake Reviews
The program has also been accused of filling Trustpilot and other platforms with fabricated testimonials, undermining the authenticity of reviews that prospective clients rely on to make informed decisions.
Here are some of the most obvious fake reviews which talk about "mindset" and "life-changing" experiences:
- Johnny C (5 stars)
"Supportive, detailed, and life-changing. Darren and the team truly care about your success and are always pushing you to dream bigger." - Kyle Beggs (5 stars)
"The FBA Brand Builder is truly one of a kind... It’s not just what this does for you in terms of business but what it does for you in life too." - Lee (5 stars)
"It’s not even the money for me. It’s the person I have now become. And I cannot wait for the future now."
3. Now, Legal Intimidation
The cease-and-desist letters are just the latest in a series of attempts to silence critics and control FBABB’s public image. However, as Trustpilot’s firm response shows, these tactics are unlikely to succeed.
The Broader Implications: What This Means for FBABB Clients
FBABB’s heavy-handed approach to silencing criticism reveals deeper systemic issues within the program:
1. A Lack of Transparency
Instead of addressing client concerns head-on, FBABB doubles down on suppression tactics, further eroding trust and fueling frustration among its clients.
2. Escalating Risks
Between the trademark scandal and the backlash from these legal threats, FBABB’s reputation is in free fall. Clients are now taking to platforms beyond Trustpilot to share their experiences, making it harder for FBABB to control the narrative.
3. Financial Fallout for Clients
Legal battles—whether initiated by FBABB or clients forced to defend themselves—are expensive. While FBABB scrambles to protect its image, it’s the clients who endure the financial strain and emotional toll.
What You Can Do if You’ve Been Threatened
Here’s what to do if you’ve been targeted:
1. Understand Your Rights
Truthful, genuine reviews are protected by law. If your review reflects your personal experience and is backed by factual evidence, it cannot be considered defamatory.
2. Report FBABB’s Actions
Reach out to Trustpilot’s Content Integrity Team with the details of the cease-and-desist letter and your review. Trustpilot takes reviewer intimidation seriously and will act to protect honest feedback.
3. Consult a Solicitor
Seek legal advice to fully understand your rights and options. Many consumer rights organizations offer free consultations to help you navigate situations like this.
4. Share Your Story
Use platforms like our Guestbook to anonymously share your experience. It’s a safe space for FBABB clients to speak openly without fear of censorship or retaliation.
FBABB’s Strategy Is Backfiring
Instead of addressing its clients’ legitimate grievances, FBABB’s aggressive tactics are backfiring, prompting even more people to speak out. Trustpilot’s firm response, coupled with the growing transparency provided by platforms like our Guestbook, signals a turning point: clients are no longer willing to stay silent.
From the trademark scandal to fake reviews and now legal intimidation, FBABB’s pattern of deflection and suppression is crumbling under its own weight. Darren Campbell and his team cannot suppress the truth forever—and with every cease-and-desist letter they send, they only deepen the accountability gap.
If you’ve been affected, don’t back down. The law, platforms like Trustpilot, and supportive communities like ours are here to stand with you.