Beware the SEO Scam: Why Emails Like This Are Too Good to Be True

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve received an email like this one:

Hi,

Greetings for the morning.

I looked over your website ********* and think both it and your businesses have a lot of potential.

I'd like to send you an audit report of your website with prices and some suggestions on how to significantly enhance these search results, if you don't mind.

These are not hard tasks, and I will provide a detailed report. It will outline precisely what must be done to significantly raise your ranking.

We have the ability to list your (website, design, post, graphics, repair, and screenshot on Google's first page) (including YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yahoo).

Could I email you a quote? In the event that you're intrigued

Regards ahead of time!

Twanda

At first glance, this might seem like a helpful offer to improve your website’s SEO and digital presence. But let’s break it down—and explain why this message is almost certainly a scam.

Red Flags in the Message

1. Vague Language and Poor Grammar
Scam emails often contain strange phrasing like “Greetings for the morning” or “regards ahead of time.” These awkward or overly formal greetings, combined with grammatical errors, signal that the sender is not a professional native English speaker—and likely not part of a reputable company.

2. No Company Name, No Website, No Credentials
Legitimate SEO agencies don’t operate in the shadows. They have real websites, client portfolios, case studies, and clear contact information. This message provides none of that. “Twanda” doesn’t even sign off with a last name or company identity.

3. Overpromising Results
Any message that guarantees “Google first page” rankings is lying to you. No ethical SEO expert will promise top rankings—especially not across Google, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yahoo all at once. That’s not how search engines work. Real SEO takes time, strategy, and consistent effort. It’s not something that can be bought with a vague quote via email.

4. Phishing and Malware Risks
Scammers often use these kinds of emails to get you to click on shady links or download fake “audit reports” that contain viruses or malware. They may also be phishing for your contact details, login credentials, or credit card information.

What Happens If You Respond?

If you reply, here’s what usually happens:

• You’ll receive a generic, copy-paste “audit report” filled with made-up errors and urgent recommendations.

• You’ll be pressured into paying upfront for “quick fixes” or monthly SEO services.

• Once they have your money, the scammers either disappear—or worse, make harmful changes to your website that damage your rankings.

How to Protect Yourself

• Mark it as spam – Never reply to unsolicited SEO offers.

• Work with reputable agencies – Ask for referrals, look at Google reviews, and check credentials.

• Don’t give access to your website or analytics unless you fully trust the service provider.

• Educate your team – Make sure no one in your company falls for this kind of scam.

Final Thoughts

Running a small business is hard work, and it’s tempting to believe that someone out there has a quick fix for your online visibility. But remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Messages like the one from “Twanda” are just modern versions of the old-fashioned snake oil pitch. Don’t fall for them.

If you’re serious about improving your SEO, work with trusted local professionals who are transparent, experienced, and have real client results to back up their claims.

Want help spotting SEO scams or evaluating a real SEO strategy? Let’s talk—no spam, no gimmicks, just honest advice.