Wow. Been out a long time, yet this topic is still being thrown around. I look at this way. Fraud=deceit. Therefore, if they are they using false credentials, writing false histories, etc., then yes they are frauds.
Using the term "legitimate" is a different question. If they are up front about who they are, where they came from, etc., can you call them illegitimate? They are not frauds...it's subject to interpretation. To some, illegitimate means they have no direct lineage to historical Ninjutsu. To others, combat effectiveness determines legitimacy.
I don't think you can throw the Bujinkan in to that group, as there are multiple systems in that group, only one of which is Ninpo.
Using the term "legitimate" is a different question. If they are up front about who they are, where they came from, etc., can you call them illegitimate? They are not frauds...it's subject to interpretation. To some, illegitimate means they have no direct lineage to historical Ninjutsu. To others, combat effectiveness determines legitimacy.
I don't think you can throw the Bujinkan in to that group, as there are multiple systems in that group, only one of which is Ninpo.