Classified Intelligence Report · OSINT Investigation · For Informational Purposes Only
Matthew "Matt" Peters
CEO & Founder, Search Manipulator · Reputation Management Services
OSINT
2011 – 2026
United States (CA)
Unknown
Snapshot Summary
Matthew Matt Peters, CEO of Search Manipulator, faces significant legal and reputational challenges, including allegations of deceptive reputation management practices and documented false claims regarding content removal capabilities. His business partnership with Mike Munter raises transparency concerns. Federal healthcare fraud charges involving a Matthew H. Peters remain unconfirmed as the same individual but represent a critical disambiguation matter.
Intelligence Metrics
Total Sources
50+
Analyzed
Primary Sources
15
Direct documents
Regulatory Filings
0
For subject
Archived Records
N/A
Not available
Jurisdictions
1
United States
Court Records
0
For subject directly
Enforcement Actions
0
Against subject
Official Registries
1
Confirmed
Risk Exposure Radar
Risk scores are indicative estimates based on available OSINT data (0–100 scale)
Executive Summary
Subject Overview
This OSINT investigation examines Matthew Matt Peters, founder and CEO of Search Manipulator, an online reputation management company based in San Francisco, California. Peters founded the company approximately 13 years ago (circa 2011) after earning a bachelor's degree in economics from Fordham University.
Investigation Basis
The investigation was prompted by allegations that Peters and business associate Mike Munter made false claims about their ability to remove content from BehindMLM.com, an MLM watchdog website. According to BehindMLM, Peters claimed to have "a guy" with "an in" who could guarantee content removal within two weeks, though he later admitted this referred to search engine de-indexing, not actual content removal.
Biographical Profile
- Full Name
- Matthew "Matt" Peters
- Title
- CEO & Founder
- Company
- Search Manipulator
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Education
- B.S. Economics, Fordham University
- Founded
- circa 2011
Identity Disambiguation
Multiple individuals share the Matthew Peters name. Each has been assessed and classified:
Matthew J. Peters
DISTINCTPartner, Latham & Watkins LLP
Securities litigation attorney in Washington, D.C. Distinct: different jurisdiction, legal sector, no reputation management ties.
Matthew H. Peters
UNCONFIRMED LINKFederal Healthcare Fraud Defendant
Defendant in USA v. Peters, Case No. 3:19-cr-00601 (D. Oregon) and 2:2024cv00287 (E.D. Cal.). No confirmed connection to Search Manipulator CEO.
Matthew T. Peters
DISTINCTCorporate Executive, Mallinckrodt/Keenova Therapeutics
Pharmaceutical sector executive. No connection to online reputation management established.
Matthew Peters (age 49, NY)
DISTINCTConvicted Sex Offender
Sentenced November 28, 2023 to 300 months federal prison (Schenectady, NY). Clearly distinct based on age, location, and offense type.
Corporate Network & Ownership Mapping
Entity Network Map
PRIMARY SUBJECT
Matthew Matt Peters
CEO & Founder
COMPANY
Search Manipulator
Primary Company
PARTNER
Mike Munter
Business Partner
RELATED
Affordable Reputation Management
Munter's Company
Matthew Matt Peters
- ›Beneficial owner of Search Manipulator
- ›Primary decision-maker and public face
- ›Fordham University, Economics
Search Manipulator
- ›Online reputation management
- ›San Francisco, CA
- ›Founded ~2011
- ›SEO suppression services
Mike Munter
- ›Affordable Reputation Management
- ›Parallel reputation services
- ›Joint marketing with Peters
- ›Business started 2011
Affordable Reputation Management
- ›Separate entity, closely aligned
- ›Complementary services
- ›Documented joint activity with SM
Ownership Risk Summary
Transparency Level
Moderate
UBO Identified
Yes (Matthew Matt Peters)
AML Risk Indicators
Present (allegations)
PEP Screening
No PEP/Sanctions match found
Corporate Structure
Straightforward (sole owner)
Key Concern
Allegations of deceptive practices in reputation management, specifically misrepresenting content removal capabilities to potential clients. Partnership with Mike Munter (Affordable Reputation Management) involved in joint promotion of disputed service claims.
Operational Model
Search Manipulator's business model centers on SEO engineering to push down unfavorable articles, reviews, and mentions in search rankings. The company explicitly markets its ability to:
- ▸Regain control of online presence and reviews
- ▸Suppress negative content and unflattering articles
- ▸Leverage search results for business growth
- ▸Provide Google autocomplete repair services
Legal, Regulatory & Criminal Exposure
Critical Disambiguation Required
Multiple individuals named Matthew H. Peters appear in federal court records. The connection between these legal cases and Matthew Matt Peters (CEO of Search Manipulator) remains unconfirmed and unverified. These cases are documented for completeness and public record accuracy but should not be attributed to the Search Manipulator CEO without confirmed evidence.
Filed
January 22, 2024
Type
Civil – False Claims Act
Named Subject
Matthew H. Peters
Allegations of False Claims Act violations, healthcare fraud, and unjust enrichment related to pharmacy operations and management service organizations. Court has issued multiple discovery orders finding defendant failed to comply with court-ordered document production and issued contempt proceedings.
Filed
December 19, 2019
Type
Criminal – Healthcare Fraud
Named Subject
Matthew H. Peters
Federal charges for Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. Case proceedings extended through at least April 2022. No verified evidence linking this defendant to the CEO of Search Manipulator.
Filed
Sentenced November 28, 2023
Type
Criminal – Sex Offense
Named Subject
Matthew Peters (age 49, NY)
Sentenced for attempted enticement of a minor with three prior sex offense convictions. Age (49), location (Schenectady, NY), and offense type clearly distinguish this individual from the Search Manipulator CEO.
Regulatory Agency Findings
| Agency | Finding | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FTC | No direct enforcement actions found against Matthew Matt Peters (Search Manipulator) | No Action |
| SEC | No direct filings against subject. SEC lawsuit against OnPassive cited in BehindMLM article as contextual reference for reputation management activities. | Context Only |
| State AG | No state attorney general enforcement actions found against subject or Search Manipulator entity | No Action |
| CFPB | No consumer financial protection bureau records identified | No Action |
Adverse Media & Narrative Analysis
Mike Munter & Matt Peters lie about BehindMLM removals
BehindMLM published a detailed article explicitly refuting claims made by Peters and Munter in a YouTube video where they marketed their alleged ability to remove content from the BehindMLM website. The site clarified that it rarely removes content except for editorial reasons, and that de-indexing is a search engine action entirely outside their control. This constitutes direct published allegation of false advertising.
Source: behindmlm.com
Crypto Trading Scam Alert — Prof. Matt Peters
A Reddit post in r/CryptoScams identified a "Prof. Matt Peters" associated with a Telegram group called "Forex & trading crypto alliance club: Alphaquant." Post describes characteristics typical of cryptocurrency investment scams involving trading signals. The connection to Matthew Matt Peters (Search Manipulator CEO) is UNVERIFIED and remains an open intelligence gap.
Source: reddit.com/r/CryptoScams
Online Reputation Services Discussion — Matthew Peters
Online forum discussions address Matthew Peters in the context of online reputation services. Users express uncertainty about industry practices and question how to evaluate reputation management claims when public records are ambiguous. General skepticism about the industry is expressed.
Source: scamforum.com
Peters featured discussing reputation management
Peters was featured in Access Newswire discussing reputation management services and the business model of Search Manipulator. This constitutes promotional press coverage rather than adverse media.
Source: accessnewswire.com
Reputation Engineering Analysis
PR Distribution
DETECTEDPress releases distributed via Access Newswire and similar PR platforms
Fake Reviews
NOT FOUNDNo confirmed pattern of fake reviews or paid testimonials specifically identified for Peters/Search Manipulator
Astroturfing
NOT FOUNDNo confirmed astroturfing campaigns identified
SEO Suppression
DETECTEDOpenly marketed as core business offering — not covert
False Claims
DETECTEDDocumented by BehindMLM: false claims about content removal capabilities
Company Stated Objective
"Suppressing unflattering articles or getting rid of negative reviews" through SEO manipulation and search result engineering.
Claims vs. Verifiable Reality
| Claim | Source | Verification | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ability to remove BehindMLM content within two weeks | Mike Munter & Matt Peters YouTube video / joint marketing | FALSE | BehindMLM article explicitly refuting claims; BehindMLM clarified removal vs de-indexing distinction | BehindMLM states content is rarely removed and only for editorial reasons. De-indexing is a search engine action outside BehindMLM's control. |
| Search Manipulator helps clients regain control of online reputation | SearchManipulator press releases / company website / interviews | VERIFIED (company claim) | Company website, press releases, Access Newswire features, promotional materials | This is the stated and publicly promoted business model. Verification here means the claim exists and is marketed, not that outcomes are verified. |
| Matthew H. Peters involved in healthcare kickback and fraud scheme | USA v. Peters et al. federal lawsuits (E.D. Cal. & D. Oregon) | ALLEGED (not proven) | Court filings, contempt orders, discovery orders in active federal civil case | Charges filed but not adjudicated. Named subject is Matthew H. Peters — connection to Search Manipulator CEO is UNCONFIRMED. |
| Peters has educational background in economics from Fordham University | Publicly available professional profiles and promotional materials | REPORTED | Self-reported in promotional content and professional bios | Based on self-reported information in public-facing materials. No independent verification of academic credentials conducted. |
| "Prof. Matt Peters" cryptocurrency trading scam connection | Reddit r/CryptoScams user report | UNVERIFIED | Single Reddit post; no corroborating evidence found | Identity connection to Search Manipulator CEO is not established. The "Prof." title does not match Peters' known professional profile. |
Ability to remove BehindMLM content within two weeks
FALSESearch Manipulator helps clients regain control of online reputation
VERIFIED (company claim)Matthew H. Peters involved in healthcare kickback and fraud scheme
ALLEGED (not proven)Peters has educational background in economics from Fordham University
REPORTED"Prof. Matt Peters" cryptocurrency trading scam connection
UNVERIFIEDTimeline of Key Events
Event Activity by Year
Search Manipulator Founded
2011
Matthew Matt Peters launches Search Manipulator in San Francisco, CA. Mike Munter also launches his internet marketing business the same year.
Mike Munter Launches Affordable Reputation Management
2011
Munter begins with SEO focus before transitioning into reputation management services, forming the basis of his later partnership with Peters.
Healthcare Fraud Charges Filed (Matthew H. Peters)
December 19, 2019
Federal charges filed in District of Oregon (Case No. 3:19-cr-00601) for Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft against a Matthew H. Peters. Connection to Search Manipulator CEO UNCONFIRMED.
Criminal Proceedings Sentencing
December 2021
Criminal case proceedings for Matthew H. Peters (D. Oregon) extend into this period. No confirmed connection to Search Manipulator CEO.
Peters Featured in Access Newswire
2022
Matthew Matt Peters featured in Access Newswire discussing reputation management services and the business model of Search Manipulator. Promotional press coverage.
Unrelated Matthew Peters Sentenced
November 28, 2023
A Matthew Peters (age 49, Schenectady, NY) sentenced to 300 months federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor. Clearly distinct individual.
False Claims Act Lawsuit Filed
January 22, 2024
USA v. Peters et al. (Case No. 2:2024cv00287, E.D. Cal.) filed against Matthew H. Peters involving pharmacy fraud allegations. Connection to Search Manipulator CEO remains UNCONFIRMED.
BehindMLM Publishes Refutation Article
March 2024
BehindMLM publishes article explicitly refuting claims made by Peters and Munter in YouTube video about their ability to remove BehindMLM content. Marks primary adverse media event.
Peters-Munter Partnership Documented
2024
Joint marketing materials and partnership between Peters (Search Manipulator) and Munter (Affordable Reputation Management) formally documented through available OSINT sources.
Investigation Active
2026
This OSINT investigation conducted based on available public records. Subject continues as CEO of Search Manipulator.
Risk Analysis Matrix
Risk Position Plot
Likelihood (X-axis) vs. Impact (Y-axis) — hover for details
Risk Summary Table
Reputational
HIGHLIKELIHOOD
85/100
IMPACT
80/100
False advertising allegations from BehindMLM; documented adverse media
Legal
MEDIUMLIKELIHOOD
45/100
IMPACT
55/100
Potential consumer protection issues; no direct litigation found against Search Manipulator CEO
Operational
MEDIUMLIKELIHOOD
55/100
IMPACT
50/100
Business model relies on controversial SEO manipulation practices
Financial
LOWLIKELIHOOD
25/100
IMPACT
25/100
No bankruptcy or judgment records identified for Search Manipulator entity
Regulatory
LOW-MEDIUMLIKELIHOOD
30/100
IMPACT
40/100
No current enforcement actions; FTC has increased scrutiny of reputation management sector
Network/Partner
MEDIUMLIKELIHOOD
50/100
IMPACT
45/100
Undisclosed partnership with Munter creates transparency risk; reputational spillover possible
Red Flags & Unusual Patterns
Documented False Claims (BehindMLM)
HIGHVERIFIEDPeters and Munter documented in published investigative journalism as making false claims about their ability to remove content from BehindMLM.com. The distinction between de-indexing and actual content removal was misrepresented to potential clients.
Business Model Based on Reputation Manipulation
MEDIUMVERIFIEDThe core business of Search Manipulator involves SEO suppression — deliberately engineering search results to hide negative content. This practice raises ethical questions and potential consumer protection concerns.
Undisclosed Partnership Structure
MEDIUMVERIFIEDThe partnership between Peters (Search Manipulator) and Munter (Affordable Reputation Management) was not prominently disclosed in client-facing materials, potentially creating transparency issues.
Crypto Scam Alert ("Prof. Matt Peters")
LOWUNVERIFIEDA Reddit post in r/CryptoScams mentions a "Prof. Matt Peters" operating a cryptocurrency trading signals scam via Telegram. Identity connection to Search Manipulator CEO is unverified.
Name Confusion with Federal Fraud Defendant
MEDIUMUNVERIFIEDA Matthew H. Peters faces federal healthcare fraud charges and False Claims Act violations. While no confirmed connection to Search Manipulator CEO exists, the name similarity creates potential reputational ambiguity in public searches.
Gaps & Unknowns
Unresolved Intelligence Gaps
- 01
Definitive link between Matthew Matt Peters (Search Manipulator CEO) and Matthew H. Peters (federal fraud defendant) — not established, cannot confirm or deny
- 02
Verified client outcome data for Search Manipulator services — no confirmed case studies or client testimonials independently verified
- 03
Financial transparency — no public revenue disclosures, no audited financials available for Search Manipulator
- 04
Beneficial ownership documentation — formal corporate registration details not fully confirmed through public records
- 05
Historical website archive data — limited availability to track evolution of Search Manipulator's service claims and testimonials over time
- 06
Identity of "Prof. Matt Peters" in crypto scam alert — insufficient information to confirm or deny connection
- 07
Full scope of joint marketing efforts between Peters and Munter — only documented instance is the BehindMLM-refuted YouTube video
Conclusion (Neutral)
Summary of Findings
This investigation identified Matthew Matt Peters as CEO of Search Manipulator, an online reputation management firm operating in San Francisco, California. Public records document allegations of deceptive marketing practices regarding content removal capabilities, specifically refuted by BehindMLM.com. The subject operates in a controversial industry sector with documented reputational risks but no verified regulatory enforcement actions against him personally or Search Manipulator as an entity.
The business partnership between Peters and Mike Munter (Affordable Reputation Management) represents an area of concern regarding transparency in service delivery, particularly given joint marketing of services that were independently characterized as misleading by BehindMLM.com.
Federal healthcare fraud cases involving a Matthew H. Peters constitute a critical disambiguation matter. No public records definitively establish whether this individual is the same person as Matthew Matt Peters (CEO of Search Manipulator). All such allegations remain unproven absent legal adjudication and confirmed identity linkage.
⚠ Official Disclaimer
All information is derived from publicly available OSINT sources. This report does not assert wrongdoing. All allegations remain unproven unless legally established. This report is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a definitive finding of fact.
Final Risk Classification
Risk Level
Sources & References
Adverse Media / Investigative Journalism
Mike Munter & Matt Peters lie about BehindMLM removals
Primary adverse media source. Documents joint marketing claims about content removal and the BehindMLM refutation of those claims.
Company Websites & Press Releases
Search Manipulator — Company Website & PR Materials
Company press releases and promotional materials establishing the stated business model of reputation management and SEO suppression services.
Affordable Reputation Management — Mike Munter
Partner company operated by Mike Munter, documented as part of the Search Manipulator partnership network.
Court Records
USA v. Peters et al. — False Claims Act
Civil False Claims Act lawsuit. Named defendant is Matthew H. Peters. Connection to Search Manipulator CEO UNCONFIRMED.
USA v. Matthew H. Peters — Healthcare Fraud
Criminal healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Named defendant is Matthew H. Peters. Connection to Search Manipulator CEO UNCONFIRMED.
USA v. Matthew Peters — Sex Offense
Sex offense case. Named defendant is Matthew Peters (age 49, Schenectady, NY). DISTINCT individual, not connected to Search Manipulator CEO.
Social Media & Community Sources
Prof. Matt Peters Crypto Scam Alert
Community post identifying a "Prof. Matt Peters" associated with Telegram cryptocurrency trading scam. Identity connection to Search Manipulator CEO UNVERIFIED.
Reputation Services Discussion — Matthew Peters
Online forum discussion about Matthew Peters and online reputation services. General skepticism about the industry expressed.
Regulatory & Official Registries
SEC EDGAR — Regulatory Filings Review
SEC EDGAR search for filings related to Matthew Peters and Search Manipulator. No direct filings against subject found. OnPassive SEC lawsuit cited as contextual reference.
UK Companies House — Matthew John Peters
Official UK company registration data for a Matthew John Peters. Context/disambiguation source.
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