Purpose
To advise readers about reports of suspicions and discontent surrounding the marketing activities of the entity known as the WAKA Network. At least one fact-checking site refers to those activities as the "WAKA Network Walmart Survey Scam."
This article is called a "scam advisory," rather than a "scam alert," since the evidence seems strong, but not absolutely conclusive, at this stage of my investigation. In addition to reasonable basic suspicions, the firm's pattern of operation is consistent with the warnings that are issued, from time-to-time, by Internet watchdogs and security firms.
The safe presumption for this article is that it's far better that readers know, than not know about this situation.
Background
The WAKA Network is one of those firms which cold-calls prospective "customers" by email or phone. They entice participation in "consumer surveys," for which they promise Walmart gift cards in return (touted as worth $100, or other amounts). They then proceed to capture valuable information through a prolonged series of "steps" that need to be taken to "qualify" for the reward -- each step involving enticements to purchase one or two products at every stop.
Involvement with this firm may result in unintended dollar withdrawals from user accounts for dubious services rendered and other abuses of personal information.
THE EVIDENCE
A DISTURBING PATTERN:
This Google search, "Waka Network," reveals significant consumer complaints and dissatisfaction. The firm has not disappeared, as yet, as indicated by an 877-phone number which the firm does answer -- SO FAR -- and uses to conduct business. However, what happens during a call and after it is completed, often appear to be unsatisfactory.
This Google search, "Waka Network Scam" also reveals criticism -- as does this FastestFox search "Waka network scam ripoff report."
EXPLICIT VERDICTS:
This article-link to the website, "WafflesAtNoon," which monitors Internet activity, calls this operation, in no uncertain terms, a scam. Note: While no industry reviews of the "WafflesAtNoon" site, itself, were found --- the site has at least a stable Internet presence, as judged by its monthly archives, dating back, continuously, to March 2008. The article, as written, is quite persuasive and also links to two prior related articles. Also, a comment-stream follows the article, relating the experiences of readers.
The Better Business Bureau reports 58 consumer complaints against WAKA over the last 3 years.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
~~ Buyer Beware ~~
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