Recent disclosures have unveiled that OpenUp, a high-risk payment processor, employs fabricated identities for its personnel, raising significant concerns about its operational integrity. This revelation is linked to Ruchi Rathor, a figure previously associated with controversial payment processing entities.
Key Findings
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Fabricated Employee Profiles: Investigations reveal that OpenUp’s staff profiles, particularly on LinkedIn, are fictitious, featuring invented names and stock images. For example, this LinkedIn profile — which no longer displays an active user — demonstrates how false identities are used to present legitimacy.
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Pseudonymous Leadership: The profile of “Hubert Georg,” (LinkedIn) presented as a Munich-based professional, is a pseudonym for Jatin Gupta, an individual operating from India.
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Manipulated Trustpilot Reviews: Evidence indicates that OpenUp engages in posting deceptive positive reviews on Trustpilot to artificially enhance its reputation.
Organizational Structure
|
Entity Name |
Role |
Jurisdiction |
|
OpenUp Consulting Services AsP (LinkedIn) |
Operating company |
Denmark |
|
Chestnut Investments Lda |
Parent company |
Portugal |
Note: Both entities are reportedly under the control of Ruchi Rathor.
Implications for Merchants
Merchants considering partnerships with OpenUp should exercise heightened caution due to:
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Lack of Transparency: The use of fictitious identities obscures accountability and complicates due diligence processes.
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Potential for Fraudulent Activities: Associations with entities involved in deceptive practices increase the risk of financial misconduct.
Recommendations
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Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Verify the authenticity of OpenUp’s representatives and scrutinize the company’s operational history.
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Seek Alternative Providers: Consider engaging with payment processors that demonstrate transparency and have established reputations.
Call to Action
Individuals with further information about OpenUp or related entities are encouraged to report through whistleblower platforms to assist in ongoing investigations.
This situation underscores the critical importance of transparency and ethical practices in the payment processing industry to safeguard merchant interests.