False Advertising?

Posted Mon, 07/04/2011 - 05:54 by jlscott


"Sites Accused of False Advertising"

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has asked federal courts to stop a wave of fake news sites that entice consumers to buy unproven weight-loss products.

The sites are violating Federal law by using the logos of major news outlets to convince consumers they are reading real news reports. In reality, the sites are advertisements.

Any time a web site owner uses a logo, of any kind, to mislead visitors as to the veracity of the web site - and therefore, a product - they are in violation of Federal law.

This is, of course, in addition to being in violation of a copyright and/or trademark. Deception is deception!

I know, as the Director of Chamber of Commerce - on the Web,™ I will be thrilled to see the day they begin checking organization logos for valid verification links!

The Wild, Wild Web is Being Tamed

Posted Mon, 01/18/2010 - 07:12 by jlscott


I send this information for iCop members so you'll know what you can - and can't - do. I send it for those subscribers who are simply online consumers to protect you - so you'll know what to look for!

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently published guidelines regarding “Negative Option” enrollment programs and is taking a very aggressive position against merchants using this business practice.

"Negative option" means: if you don't do something to stop them, the merchant will continue to charge you on a regular basis. This usually, but not always, goes along with a free trial and/or "pay shipping only."


Recommendations taken from the FTC's website are included in the following article:

tinyurl.com/yjpuu85


I don't mean to be redundant but, if you're an online business owner, you're also an online consumer. Please be sure you check websites to be sure they're in compliance with the FTC guidelines - BEFORE you buy!

That's a good start. You see, I have faith that “internet marketers” are more creative than the FTC. I don't doubt they'll find other ways to take advantage of people.


The latest little scam I've seen popped up again last week. I went to a site that displays four phony “trust” seals.

They read: Privacy Confirmed - Business Confirmed - Identity Confirmed - Security Confirmed.

Yeah? Confirmed by whom? Well, it claims to be by “Honest Online” with a bullet between those two words. So, it isn't the company you might assume!

The website is entitled "The Google Traffic Pump System." Aside from those seals - that link to no where - there's no contact information and no privacy statement. It only has one of those silly, "We hate spam as much as you do" lines.

It took me five - count 'em FIVE - clicks to get off the damn page. Now, there's a website I would avoid!


But, I'm also beginning to have faith the FTC will continue to add to their “guidelines” (which are really regulations) as needed. After about 15 years, it's about time, don't you think?

By the way, it isn't too late to get your own website legal documents brought up to date. Every iCop member should have this package:

www.i-Cop.org/awlp.htm

New Data Security Regulations

Posted Mon, 12/14/2009 - 07:42 by jlscott


We just get past the deadline for compliance with new U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and something else rises up ...

The State of Massachusetts has passed a LAW imposing new minimum data security standards on companies that collect, store or transmit personal information concerning Massachusetts residents.

By October 1, 2010 similar requirements will be imposed for all customers by the credit card industry. But, right now, we need to deal with Massachusetts.

To be sure I don't misinform you, I would prefer you get the full information from a more official article here:

www.hrnsight.com


All these new rules are making folks wonder if they should even be in business on the Web. Yes! You should!

iCop members have always been required to adhere to regulatory agency guidelines. It's right there in our guidelines and always has been. I changed the wording a bit with the new regs, but it's nothing new.

Twitter has shown me how pitifully many people are out there still trying to make a killing with quick buck money-making schemes. They simply never end - and people just don't get it!

If you're going to have your own business - have it! Just follow the rules like you would down on Main Street. People have been doing it for generations.

Nobody ever said, "Here's the Internet, go out and do whatever you please with no regard for the law or ethical business practices!"

This is exactly what iCop has always been about: high online business ethics and excellent customer care! Now, finally, the Wild, Wild Web is being tamed. The crapola is on its way out. 'Bout bloody time!

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* dr. jl scott is the Founder of Chamber of Commerce - on the Web™ http://www.ChamberofCommerce-ontheWeb.com - and also the publisher of the Online Business Trade Journal™ - the blog that keeps you up to date with online business coming of age. Visit: http://www.OnlineBusinessTradeJournal.com

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