Public relations firms are supposed to build trust, but Mogul Press and its founder, Nabeel Ahmad, have taken a different route. By leveraging paid placements in prestigious publications like Forbes, Yahoo News, IB Times, and Haute Living, they present themselves as one of the “world’s top PR firms.” But beneath the glossy media mentions lies a troubling reality — a growing trail of bad reviews, complaints on platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and exposés on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
This investigation aims to expose how Mogul Press uses paid media to present a picture of credibility while complaints about their tactics and services continue to grow.
How Mogul Press Uses Paid Media to Build Credibility
Paid Features in Prestigious Media Outlets
Mogul Press, under the leadership of Nabeel Ahmad, has successfully inserted itself into major publications. However, these appearances aren’t organic features. They’re paid placements disguised as editorial content.
Key Evidence:
- Forbes Middle East: Nabeel Ahmad maintains an author profile where he publishes self-promotional articles, a clear indicator of the pay-to-play model.
- Entrepreneur Magazine Author Profile: Nabeel Ahmad’s author profile on Entrepreneur mirrors the strategy used on Forbes. Paid contributors are granted author access, allowing them to submit self-promotional content.
- USA Today Paid Listicle: Nabeel Ahmad was featured in a “Top Entrepreneurs to Look Out For in 2024” list. While it appears like an editorial highlight, the link reveals that this is a “Contributor Content” feature, a euphemism for paid media.
The Trail of Complaints For Mogul Press
1. Trustpilot Complaints
One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Mogul Press is its Trustpilot page, which is filled with negative reviews from disgruntled customers. Users consistently accuse the company of failing to deliver promised results, misrepresenting the service, and ghosting clients after payment.
Key Evidence:
Common Complaints:
- Ghosting after Payment: Multiple users claim that after paying for a press package, communication stops.
- False Guarantees: Users allege that Mogul Press guarantees coverage on major sites like Forbes, but the promised articles never materialize.
- Refund Issues: Customers mention being denied refunds, despite the company’s failure to deliver on its commitments.
2. BBB (Better Business Bureau) Complaints
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) page for Mogul Press paints a similar picture. Complaints focus on deceptive practices and the company’s refusal to honor refund requests.
Key Evidence:
Notable Complaints:
- Misleading Promises: Customers claim that Mogul Press promises features in top-tier publications, but clients are ultimately left with articles on low-tier blogs.
- Lack of Customer Support: Complaints about ignored emails and phone calls are prominent.
3. X (Twitter) Complaints
Public complaints on X (formerly Twitter) offer firsthand accounts of dissatisfaction with Mogul Press. These complaints come from former clients and industry insiders.
Key Evidence:
- Thread by @el_tragon_de_LA
- In this thread, users call out Mogul Press for “scamming” clients and using paid media to create a false image of success.
- Thread by @DanNeidle
- Dan Neidle, a well-known figure on X, discusses how shady PR firms are “buying credibility” through paid platforms like Forbes and Entrepreneur.
The Bigger Picture: Exposing the “Pay-to-Play” PR Industry
The case of Mogul Press highlights a broader issue in modern media. What used to be “earned media” — where companies are featured on merit — is now being replaced by “paid media,” where anyone with money can buy their place in major publications. The results? A dilution of journalistic integrity and a PR industry that prioritizes money over merit.
Nabeel Ahmad and Mogul Press exemplify the dangers of pay-to-play PR. While they may present themselves as leaders in the industry, the complaints, BBB warnings, and customer experiences tell a different story. Their paid placements on Forbes, Entrepreneur, and USA Today are misleading signals of credibility.
For consumers, it’s a critical reminder to dig deeper. Just because someone is “featured” on a reputable site doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy. Platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and X expose the truth behind the brand.
