EnglishLads.com – how is this not a scam?

Rawalicious

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English Lads is a large and long-running porn studio featuring guys from the British Isles. If you subscribe, the owner then sends you a sickeningly rude email, demanding your personal data. That includes scans of your I.D., personal address, bank statements and utility bills. If you refuse, you’re not eligible for a refund.

The website’s privacy policy permits them to share your data with *anyone*. Needless to say, there is a massive risk of identity theft and scamming.

My questions are (1) how is that legal, (2) why does anyone subscribe, (3) how is the owner, Nick Baker, still not out of business? Also, why isn’t there more outrage online?
 

bravedefaulted

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Do they only do solo scenes now? Scrolling through the previews I only see one duo in the past year

Anyway, I haven't had a membership with them in a while but I remember the owner's messaging always being hostile and anti-consumer. If there's a UK version of the Better Business Bureau I'd report them or leave a harsh review
 

Rawalicious

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Do they only do solo scenes now? Scrolling through the previews I only see one duo in the past year

Anyway, I haven't had a membership with them in a while but I remember the owner's messaging always being hostile and anti-consumer. If there's a UK version of the Better Business Bureau I'd report them or leave a harsh review
I actually like their content a lot, as solo is all I watch anyway, and the models are hot.

However, does it not sound that there’s something illegal going on? Or is the owner actually required to request all this sensitive info as per the U.K. regulation?
 

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I subscribe to a few different high-profile British porn sites and never have I been asked to submit any personal information beyond my credit card details for payment. Not sure how it's legal to do this either, especially if you're only told about these requirements after paying. Surely that's not allowed unless it's completely buried in the fine print??
 
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YeetusMyMeatus

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I've been subscribed several times but the last time was five years ago. Initially, when you subscribed you got full access to all content, and after one month as a subscriber you could download any content. He eventually took the download feature away; then he introduced premium videos you had to pay an extra fee for, and again had to wait at least a month to be able to download; then he started raising the already very high subscription price; then he introduced tiered subscription packs for things such as all content from the last five years, the last 10 years etc.; this eventually became one standard price for all content from the last two years, but for anything older you must pay for it individually. It was at this point as well that he started asking for intrusive information of his patrons, when before he would try and scare you claiming every video had a digital watermark and he could trace it back to you if it leaked; this of course was in the days before screen recording and VPNs.

It's a miracle the site survived the lockdown. Output dropped dramatically in both quality and quantity, and he's being forced to compete against OnlyFans, exemplified by the fact that a lot of the more recent models have OnlyFans accounts, when if you go back 10 years or more they were genuinely ordinary guys wanting some quick cash that he probably picked up at the gym. There can't possibly be that many subscribers left, because if there was we would see a lot more recent content leaking.

There are definitely websites with a worse layout, that won't let you see a hint of content before subscribing, or even search for models or videos. Even though most sites will show nude pictures and preview videos for free, he is at least upfront about what's in each video and the site has a very good search function. That being said, no other site polices their patrons anywhere near as much, and clearly his attempts to prevent the content from leaking have not worked anyway as most videos are out there if you know where to look.
 

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Some of the hottest guys on the internet with the most boring content. The old content is excellent but I have no idea why anyne would subscibe paying that amount of money to see solo j-off vids. The owner is really rude and difficult to deal with. The ID requirement if completely insane.
 

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Some of the hottest guys on the internet with the most boring content. The old content is excellent but I have no idea why anyne would subscibe paying that amount of money to see solo j-off vids. The owner is really rude and difficult to deal with. The ID requirement if completely insahe
Personally I find solo j-off content to be the absolute best. I agree with the rest though
 

westlonman

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Thanks for all the messages above guys! I was seriously thinking of subscribing, but no way now. It's frustrating, as I have been looking for the wank Dominic gave to William Harrison and can't find it anywhere online!! :(
 
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MontrealerBear

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Good thing I stumbled upon this thread. I was going to subscribe. I just read the contract, and it's so freaking mind-boggling to me. How is this even legal? Everyone's right to privacy must be respected. Why would he demand anybody's address and bank statement? This whole thing seems so fraudulent and might even be a case of identity theft. Also, he comes across as a remarkably insolent and entitled person
 
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lpluvr

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English Lads is a large and long-running porn studio featuring guys from the British Isles. If you subscribe, the owner then sends you a sickeningly rude email, demanding your personal data. That includes scans of your I.D., personal address, bank statements and utility bills. If you refuse, you’re not eligible for a refund.

The website’s privacy policy permits them to share your data with *anyone*. Needless to say, there is a massive risk of identity theft and scamming.

My questions are (1) how is that legal, (2) why does anyone subscribe, (3) how is the owner, Nick Baker, still not out of business? Also, why isn’t there more outrage online?
I would suggest you report your experience to one of the most high profile gay porn review sites in existence. See the Contact form link on footer. This is their most recent review of the site: English Lads

They definitely call out negatives like boxes that are autochecked that subscribe you to extra things without you realizing it, or other shady things. They really are a neutral, ethical review site with years in the business.

Clearly, they did not have your full experience (though they do call out a negative regarding having to provide an ID for verification, which I agree is highly risk to comply with). But they also would have been provided free login information in order to do the review. They did not have the bank statement request. it seems but do call out additional shady asks like mother's maiden name, etc. I think their overall rating should have been lower due to this, but they are more likely rating the porn content itself and then striking points for the shady asks. I don't think they would have evidence of actual identity theft and if they did would call that out further.

At minimum, you could comment on the review page about your experience and submit info to their contact form. Their is no Better Business Bureau for porn sites so this would be the closest. I would say you could also try to do a chargeback with your credit card company (and they should treat you with respect and if not talk to a higher up).

Also, I don't know the biller, like CC Bill (which is a reputable or others like it), but they may have a chargeback for shady companies.
 
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