Unauthorized websites posing as Forbes editions are offering paid articles for thousands of dollars. Press Gazette uncovered the scheme, with AI-written content and questionable PR agency links. Forbes confirmed both sites are fake.
Media professionals face new risks as unauthorized websites impersonating Forbes are selling AI-generated articles for up to $10,000 per post. Press Gazette reported that two sites, Forbes LA and Forbes Liechtenstein, have been offering paid placements, despite not being part of Forbes' official network. Forbes confirmed to Press Gazette that both sites are fraudulent and stated that it is taking action against them.
According to the investigation, these fake platforms publish dozens of AI-written articles daily, attributed to AI-generated authors. Links to both sites appear on the pages of PR agency Baden Bower and its associated Global Recognition Awards. Press Gazette obtained pricing details from conversations with sellers: a post on Forbes LA was offered for $10,000, with a written proposal listing a single Forbes publication at $9,900 after a 35% discount. Other prices included $25,000 for Forbes US with a three-month timeline, $2,000 for Forbes Georgia, and $100,000 for The Wall Street Journal. An interview on Bloomberg TV with an Emmy winner was also offered for $9,900. The seller claimed that only The Guardian and The New York Times were not for sale.
Press Gazette noted that the agency representative had a strong Russian or Eastern European accent. When asked about disclosure, another agency employee said that some placements are marked as sponsored while others are not. This employee also targeted clients seeking US work visas, offering articles as part of their application process. He insisted the agency only works with licensed regional Forbes editions-such as those in Georgia, Israel, India, Mexico, Colombia, Australia, and Ukraine-and denied any connection to Forbes LA or Forbes Liechtenstein, stating that labeling is the responsibility of the platform itself. He further claimed commercial relationships with more than 1,980 publications, including Press Gazette, which the publication denied, stating it has never published paid content from the agency.
Forbes operates around 50 licensed editorial editions in 80 countries, but neither Los Angeles nor Liechtenstein is among them. The company has reiterated its commitment to protecting its brand and taking action against fraudulent sites.
Forbes, founded in 1917, is a leading global business media brand with a network of licensed editions spanning over 80 countries. The company is known for its influential rankings, business journalism, and digital reach, attracting millions of monthly readers worldwide. Its licensing model allows regional partners to operate under the Forbes name, but all official editions are vetted and approved by the company.
