There are a few changes on the net that might or might not
affect you and your business choices as a consumer. Keep in
mind, as a business owner, you are also a consumer.
The following one is here as a resource just in case. Today we
may not have a reason to know the rules, tomorrow can be another
story.
Now This one …
Affects us all and is now being used in some mailers requesting
you agree to its use before your membership is accepted.
We are all consumers. We all bring in cash or pay it out. Owners
or affiliates, we all are consumers.
In many ways, I see their reasoning as by law, they too are
accountable should you or I promote anything illegal. This way
they are hoping the ‘ignorance of the law’ claims against them
as an owner will not be enforced.
Anything with the FTC – Federal Trade Commission stamp on it
needs to be taken seriously.
What I particularly like is the FTC coming down on work at home
scams that entice using false promises of big earnings under the
guise of EDU – suggesting education and therefore reliable. NOT!
Allowing these progams with an FTC stop order on them is a
chance you take of complicity charges.
And cries of but ‘oh my friends all promote them’ or so-and-so
says they are fine. who am I to believe?” You just put yourself
in harms way. You would definitely come under ignorance of the
law and pay a very stiff penalty if charged.
For my two cents on that attitude, get off the net. You are
ignorant of expectations that as an owner, you have not done due
diligence, is only proof you should not be operating any form of
online business that deals with consumers.
Quote from blog article on www.consumer –
If you’re looking to work from home, here are some questions to
ask to help you determine if a program is legitimate:
What tasks will I have to perform? Are any other steps
involved? What is the total cost of this work-at-home program?
What will I get for my money? Will I be paid a salary or
commission? Who will pay me? When will I get my first paycheck?
What is the basis for your claims about my likely earnings? What
documents can you show me to prove your claims are true before I
give you any money?
Before you hand over any money, also make sure you know what
information you’re entitled to under the FTC’s Business
Opportunity Rule. Doing an online search of the company’s name
with the words “complaint,” “reviews,” or “scam” also can be a
good way to hear what others have to say.
FTC Consumer Beware Bogus Business Opportunities
Thinking about investing in a bizopp? The FTC’s Business
Opportunity Rule requires companies to disclose key information
before you buy. Follow these tips to avoid a bizopp rip-off.
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/bogus-business-opportunities
This law and rules go back to 2011 yet many owners are guilty of
not being aware of the disclosure rules and are not posting
concerns for their members to beware.
The sad part is you and I by virtue of our time online, are
aware of these shams and scams but forget there are thousands
upon thousands of new hungry eyes that are not. They are showing
up more and more. I see them as I surf and shake my head they
are allowed on these sites.
The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent
fraud, deception and unfair business practices. Whether
combating telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing
schemes, the FTC’s mission is to protect consumers and promote
competition.
In total, the Commission has enforcement or administrative
responsibilities under more than 70 laws. Is is incumbent on
each of us to be aware of these laws and make sure we are
operating within their reach.
A FTC consumer conundrum
Call from 877-382-4357? Hang up. It is the FTC number. It is
being spoofed as can your phone numbers home or digital be used
in making spoofed calls.
The FTC will never call you from 877-382-4357. And the FTC will
never ask for money or for sensitive information such as your
Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account
information.
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1
If you have gotten such a call, report it to the FTC online. And
do read the list of known scams received by people who did
report them
Please share this blog post link with your fave media places and
with friends who might be naive enough to believe they will be
fine.
Do please leave your comment.
Yours in due diligence, security and safety in business.
Fran Klasinski – warriorlady
Mentoring You with common sense
Marketing with finesse.
© 2017 – 2018, Fran Klasinski. All rights reserved. on republishing any parts of this post, you must supply a link to the original post
Wonderful information, Appreciate the Legal Eagle that remains inside you.
Thank you for your kind remark Don. Happy that it helps.
Kudos for the subject matter Fran!
Over the past two decades, I have tried to get people to understand the legal implications of such matters, which mostly falls on deaf ears. Perhaps more attention can be brought to bare through articles and posts such as this. It truly is one that MUST be addressed.
Mucho appreciated Richard. It is my strong belief that that more of us that stand up for what is right, the less chance these scammers will have to hurt the innocent.
OMG… such wonderful information.. all in one place!!! THANK YOU FRAN!!!
You are most welcome Renee. Thank you for your comment. It is very much appreciated.
It would be time to take more drastic measures against internet scammers. And, unfortunately, there are many.
I agree Paul. Too many scammers and not enough policing of what we see. Time to be heard before it is too late.
Fantastic Article Fran, wonderful information.
Thank you appreciate the comment.
Hey Fran,
I’m surprised it’s taking this long to hold the individual sites and outlets responsible. Most owners and operators know they are there, and hardly do anything about it. Let alone care.
This is crazy though, especially in te land or on sites people run with there name, pic, etc posted all on it. It’s basicly putting your face to these scams. Bravo for pointing this out.
Will be sharing this with my followers.
Thank you for sharing the post Presley and your comment. It is amazing the short sightedness of some of these owners.