Dear A4D Affiliate,
As you may know, the FTC has launched a law enforcement initiative aimed at affiliates that promote acai weight loss products on fake news sites. Numerous lawsuits have been filed around the country.
Issues common to these lawsuits are:
1) the news sites are fake, but look legitimate
2) the weight-loss claims are bogus
3) the affiliates are not disclosing that they are being paid by the advertiser.
In at least one of these cases, the FTC is attempting to freeze the affiliate's assets. Imagine what it must feel like to be facing the federal government in a lawsuit, having your business shut down, and not having access to your money. Pretty grim.
If you haven't become aware yet please check out this news cast from a Washington State news station.
click here
The message this crackdown sends to the affiliate marketing community is clear. Law enforcement believes that millions of consumers are harmed by unlawful advertising and something is going to be done about it. After consulting with our attorneys, we anticipate that this is just the beginning of a broader strategy to reign in overly aggressive online marketing practices. Expect to see more lawsuits filed by federal and state agencies, as well as private lawsuits, that target similar campaigns and marketing practices.
The willingness of rogue affiliates to run non-compliant creative has subjected the entire affiliate marketing industry to increased scrutiny from law enforcement. Consequently reputable networks and advertisers, including Ads4Dough, are developing programs that manage risk caused by affiliate conduct. You will increasingly see aspects of these programs on our network. Keep in mind that you are primarily responsibility for compliance. At a minimum, your contract with us requires you to ensure that your advertising materials and techniques are lawful. We enforce these terms when necessary, and will terminate affiliates when necessary.
Even though you may have run non-compliant creative in the past, we encourage you respond to this situation as an opportunity to invest in your long-term success by striving to enhance your compliance. The FTC makes a lot of information available at
Advertising and Marketing | BCP Business Center. Also, we can refer you to legal counsel if you need help expert guidance.
Sincerely,
A4D Compliance
