UPDATED 2:10 P.M. EDT (U.S.A.) Walmart’s name is being used in a domain registered Aug. 27 that promotes the MPB Today multilevel-marketing (MLM) company.
The domain name begins with Walmart’s name, although the website is not registered in the retail giant’s name. Instead, the domain is registered in the name of a Tampa-based company that appears also to sell duplicate sites in a bid to help MPB affiliates recruit new members.
It was not immediately clear if the MPB Today affiliate had Walmart’s permission to use Walmart’s name in a domain name. Also unclear is whether the duplicate sites will use Walmart’s name in their URL.
As a “Special Offer,” prospects can purchase a duplicate site for a set-up fee of $150 and a monthly hosting fee of $10, according to the site. The site includes a “Join Now!” link that redirects to an MPB Today affiliate site.
The word “walmart” takes up the first seven letters of the domain name, which uses two additional full words comprising 13 additional letters to complete the name. Taken as a whole, the domain name implies that Walmart provides free groceries.
Some MPB Today affiliates have claimed Walmart endorses the MPB Today MLM program. Walmart’s name was removed from the homepage of MPB Today last week. It is unclear if Walmart forced the removal.
Walmart has not responded to a request for comment about MPB Today from the PP Blog.