FTC Action Against Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight Loss Pills & Colon Cleanse - WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum

Jon · 08-12-2010, 01:11 PM

Well, looks like Affiliate Summit East in NYC won't be drama free after all.

This just in...

FTC to Announce Action Against Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and "Colon Cleansers"

Quote:

Millions of consumers who are anxious to lose weight or prevent cancer have seen the ads: “…USE WITH CAUTION! Major weight loss in short periods of time may occur,” or “detoxify your organs,” and break down and remove “toxic waste matter which may have been stuck in the folds and wrinkles of your digestive system for years and years.” Come and learn from the victims themselves what the “free” trials of these products have cost, and how the Federal Trade Commission and the business community are taking action.

WHAT: The Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Monday, August 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., to announce a lawsuit against a company that marketed acai berry weight-loss supplements and “colon cleansing” supplements by promising consumers “free” trials of the products.

WHO: David C. Vladeck, Director, FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Martin Elliott, Senior Business Leader, Payment System Risk, Visa Inc. Two consumers who lost money on “free” trial offers promised by this company.

WHEN: Monday, August 16, 2010, 10 a.m. (The room will be open 30 minutes early for media set up.)

WHERE: Federal Trade Commission, Midwest Region
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 1825
Chicago, Illinois

Call-in Information: The toll-free phone number in the U.S. and Canada is (866) 363-9013, the confirmation number is 94253184, and the chairperson is Gail Kingsland. The lines, which are for media only, will open at 9:45 a.m. CST. Please reference the confirmation number when joining the call.

PRESS CONTACT:
FTC Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

Source link: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/acaicolon_ma.shtm

Synozeer · 08-12-2010, 01:19 PM

Shall we start a pool as to what company they're referring to?

Jon · 08-12-2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synozeer

Shall we start a pool as to what company they're referring to?

A more fun game will be to predict who will suddenly claim they had no hand in promoting any of this once the companies in question are named.

PulseContent · 08-12-2010, 03:03 PM

*facepalm*

And I registed 17 domains today to go full fledged on Acai

So is it still on?

vinnythejinny · 08-12-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulseContent

*facepalm*

And I registed 17 domains today to go full fledged on Acai

So is it still on?

sell it on flippa before this news becomes headline

justo_tx · 08-12-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

Well, looks like Affiliate Summit East in NYC won't be drama free after all.

Right now some FTC agent is thinking to himself: "Sweet, I can serve all these warrants at once!"

PulseContent · 08-12-2010, 04:36 PM

I am a little concerned now. Is this like the end of Acai? Are their non re-bill offers for Acai?

I have the content ready, the domains registered, the hosting setup, the LPs designed!

Not sure what am supposed to do next.

nickycakes · 08-12-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulseContent

I am a little concerned now. Is this like the end of Acai? Are their non re-bill offers for Acai?

I have the content ready, the domains registered, the hosting setup, the LPs designed!

Not sure what am supposed to do next.

A bath with your toaster is the next logical step.

mattfca · 08-12-2010, 04:54 PM

in 6 months your 3 acai leads will hardly be enough for the FTC to get you. So do not worry.

Lord B · 08-12-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulseContent

I am a little concerned now. Is this like the end of Acai? Are their non re-bill offers for Acai?

I have the content ready, the domains registered, the hosting setup, the LPs designed!

Not sure what am supposed to do next.

Roll that landing page and use it as a dildo?

PulseContent · 08-12-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickycakes

A bath with your toaster is the next logical step.

I was about to go that way but Mr. Rolando Buttphucked from Nigeria who works in a bank which had a client who died out of choking on his own balls and left an unclaimed property of 750000000 Billion in the bank, just offered me a gazillion dollars for sending him my bank details.

I sent my details to him waiting for the bank wire

So yeh.. well... Fuck Acai!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord B

Roll that landing page and use it as a dildo?

How the fuck did you know that I was planning to do that... shit there goes my "make millions with acai by rolling it up your ass" idea!

On another note... Autoblogs anyone?

penguinbc · 08-12-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulseContent

I am a little concerned now. Is this like the end of Acai? Are their non re-bill offers for Acai?

I have the content ready, the domains registered, the hosting setup, the LPs designed!

Not sure what am supposed to do next.

How about reading all the FTC stuff on rebills and weight loss products and not break any of those rules on any of your pages.

Just be clever and use some creativity and don't rehash the same claims that are getting everyone in trouble. The FTC wont go after you for selling acai berry stuff or even selling it as a trial offer, but they will go after you for making bogus claims or hiding the terms and conditions of the offer. Follow the guidelines and rules set forth by the FTC and you should be fine for now.

Here are some actual not-dickroll links for you to at least get started on your road to not getting in trouble with FTC. Also, unless you are doing heavy volume or anticipate doing heavy volume the chances of you getting in trouble are small but it is always better to be safe then sorry.
Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...ON=1&TYPE=TEXT
Trial Offers: The Deal Is in the Details

There is plenty more about it on the FTC website and you should be able to find most of this stuff with just simple searches.

Sonny Forelli · 08-12-2010, 05:16 PM

I still maintain the ultimate pimp move would be to track down Kevin Hoeffer and offer him 4x a daily stock model rate to parade around behind you at ASE/ASW with a chrome briefcase handcuffed to his wrist while you wear a don magic juan pimp hat.

Hollla!1111

eVandals · 08-12-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulseContent

On another note... Autoblogs anyone?

Nah FTC is soon going to kill autoblog creation too from what I've heard.

DeluxJonathon · 08-13-2010, 07:47 PM

There will never be an end to rebill offers... There is always going to be offshore banks looking to make a quick buck..

papajohn56 · 08-13-2010, 08:00 PM

mkrongel · 08-13-2010, 09:34 PM

So if you dont have the time to call in on Monday the FTC will tell you that this week they shut down Central Coast Nutracuticals and obtained a TRO which basically means that the FTC is now running CCN, i think on Wed the FTC walked in an took over the company.

Good luck bros

mediastar100 · 08-13-2010, 09:55 PM

Do you think the FTC will shave leads now they're running dem rebillz?

papajohn56 · 08-14-2010, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkrongel

So if you dont have the time to call in on Monday the FTC will tell you that this week they shut down Central Coast Nutracuticals and obtained a TRO which basically means that the FTC is now running CCN, i think on Wed the FTC walked in an took over the company.

Good luck bros

I'm not sure I get what you mean, how can a restraining order allow the FTC to run the company. As long as this is a Civil matter, not criminal, this kind of thing won't get very far and will likely be struck down, and a possible counter-suit vs. the FTC over it.

pstation · 08-14-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papajohn56

I'm not sure I get what you mean, how can a restraining order allow the FTC to run the company. As long as this is a Civil matter, not criminal, this kind of thing won't get very far and will likely be struck down, and a possible counter-suit vs. the FTC over it.

happens all the time. ftc gets a TRO issued and has an receiver appointed to take over things

anoko · 08-14-2010, 02:37 PM

Fuck....when the FTC comes to ASE it will be like hide ur husbandz, hide ur wivez and hide ur kidz?

DKPMO · 08-14-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstation

happens all the time. ftc gets a TRO issued and has an receiver appointed to take over things

Do they have to go to Federal court to get TRO or do they have regulatory authority to do it on their own volition?

That would make a huge difference in the likelihood of similar cases in the future.

Mike · 08-14-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papajohn56

Love that gif!

pstation · 08-14-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKPMO

Do they have to go to Federal court to get TRO or do they have regulatory authority to do it on their own volition?

That would make a huge difference in the likelihood of similar cases in the future.

Yep, they have to get a court order.

Anyone could sue a company and take control of it for that matter, provided they have a reasonable cause of action. Anyone remember that web hosting company alphared? Megaupload sued them, the court removed their CEO and brought in an receiver to run the company.

DKPMO · 08-14-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstation

Yep, they have to get a court order.

Anyone could sue a company and take control of it for that matter, provided they have a reasonable cause of action. Anyone remember that web hosting company alphared? Megaupload sued them, the court removed their CEO and brought in an receiver to run the company.

I guess the question is what constitutes "reasonable cause of action" and what legal remedies you have to fight/avoid that kind of court order...

Yet another reason to move risky activities to an offshore jurisdiction.

pstation · 08-14-2010, 11:18 PM

you'd have to be seriously fucking people over for them to take that kind action though. they have to prove that you are causing irrepairable harm to issue a tro. there's still a whole due process where you have a chance to defend yourself

sapphirescales · 08-14-2010, 11:26 PM

LOL. I've recently been getting a lot of clients who have been infected with adware involving this shit. Obviously it's profitable.

-joe- · 08-15-2010, 12:56 PM

Just wondering, can the FTC touch us if we live in the UK?

PulseContent · 08-15-2010, 01:12 PM

The FTC is a US organization but its regulation will imply on you if you're using domains registered in the US, or use hosting from there.

In the UK - you might want to check out the Internet Advertising Bureau UK: trade association for the internet marketing industry and the ASA - Home

Sonny Forelli · 08-16-2010, 11:41 AM

"I saw this person who put up this website was from my hometown so I thought if she could do it I could do"

wonder if Maxmind is on the call thinking about a slogan rebrand to "We be floggin..... they hatin....."

HiGhPeR · 08-16-2010, 02:16 PM

Heres an update from today:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/acaicolon.shtm

directresponse · 08-16-2010, 02:20 PM

Here is the latest: Court Orders Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and "Colon Cleansers" to Stop Deceptive Advertising and Unfair Billing Practices

adigitalorange · 08-16-2010, 04:19 PM

What is the penalty for stuff like this? Isn't it like $15k a day or something? Let's say they even hit them for 60 days or whatever. That is about 900k, sure that is a lot of money but word has it some of these offers are doing $xxx,xxx daily. If I were them I'd be laughing my ass to the bank. It's similar with the banks having to pay the government back a few hundred million when they were given billions. They are probably writing that check while giggling inside, I don't see why it would be different at all with these Acai offers.

Sonny Forelli · 08-16-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adigitalorange

What is the penalty for stuff like this? Isn't it like $15k a day or something? Let's say they even hit them for 60 days or whatever. That is about 900k, sure that is a lot of money but word has it some of these offers are doing $xxx,xxx daily. If I were them I'd be laughing my ass to the bank. It's similar with the banks having to pay the government back a few hundred million when they were given billions. They are probably writing that check while giggling inside, I don't see why it would be different at all with these Acai offers.

adigitalorange · 08-16-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny Forelli

Foooooooooo shoooooo

WriteSharp · 08-17-2010, 08:32 PM

This definitely takes some of the thunder out of the trust I had for "As Seen on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, EzineArticles!"... lol

I figured this was hinky territory destined to get nailed. I just figured it would be something along the lines of what happened with ephedra and be more in the FDA territory. Crazy stuff!

Jon · 08-17-2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mediastar100

Do you think the FTC will shave leads now they're running dem rebillz?

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

How did everyone miss this one???

goddesspoo · 10-24-2010, 02:40 AM

i happen to like acai!

ksomnadh · 10-25-2010, 05:54 AM

from now onwards we will get low acai berry and colon cleanser comments on our blog..

08-12-2010, 01:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Synozeer Zoom Zoom Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 181 iTrader: 5 / 100%	Shall we start a pool as to what company they're referring to? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

08-12-2010, 03:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
PulseContent Wordpress Expert! Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 116 iTrader: 0 / 50%	facepalm And I registed 17 domains today to go full fledged on Acai So is it still on? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

08-12-2010, 04:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
PulseContent Wordpress Expert! Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 116 iTrader: 0 / 50%	I am a little concerned now. Is this like the end of Acai? Are their non re-bill offers for Acai? I have the content ready, the domains registered, the hosting setup, the LPs designed! Not sure what am supposed to do next. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

08-12-2010, 04:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
mattfca Unbanned Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Vancouva Posts: 1,609 iTrader: 2 / 100%	in 6 months your 3 acai leads will hardly be enough for the FTC to get you. So do not worry. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ mattf.ca

08-12-2010, 05:16 PM	#13 (permalink)
Sonny Forelli Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Liberty City Posts: 2,256 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I still maintain the ultimate pimp move would be to track down Kevin Hoeffer and offer him 4x a daily stock model rate to parade around behind you at ASE/ASW with a chrome briefcase handcuffed to his wrist while you wear a don magic juan pimp hat. Hollla!1111 Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-13-2010, 07:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
DeluxJonathon DeluxeAds.com Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 237 iTrader: 0 / 0%	There will never be an end to rebill offers... There is always going to be offshore banks looking to make a quick buck.. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-13-2010, 08:00 PM	#16 (permalink)
papajohn56 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SC Posts: 6,868 iTrader: 17 / 100%	Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-13-2010, 09:34 PM	#17 (permalink)
mkrongel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,541 iTrader: 0 / 0%	So if you dont have the time to call in on Monday the FTC will tell you that this week they shut down Central Coast Nutracuticals and obtained a TRO which basically means that the FTC is now running CCN, i think on Wed the FTC walked in an took over the company. Good luck bros Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-13-2010, 09:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
mediastar100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,348 iTrader: 11 / 92%	Do you think the FTC will shave leads now they're running dem rebillz? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-14-2010, 02:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
anoko Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 503 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Fuck....when the FTC comes to ASE it will be like hide ur husbandz, hide ur wivez and hide ur kidz? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Google sucks!

08-14-2010, 11:18 PM	#26 (permalink)
pstation Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 159 iTrader: 9 / 100%	you'd have to be seriously fucking people over for them to take that kind action though. they have to prove that you are causing irrepairable harm to issue a tro. there's still a whole due process where you have a chance to defend yourself Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-14-2010, 11:26 PM	#27 (permalink)
sapphirescales Plume 'O Smoke Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Land 'O Lakes Posts: 798 iTrader: 44 / 100%	LOL. I've recently been getting a lot of clients who have been infected with adware involving this shit. Obviously it's profitable. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-15-2010, 12:56 PM	#28 (permalink)
-joe- Britfag Join Date: May 2010 Location: Just outside London, UK Posts: 2,583 iTrader: 11 / 92%	Just wondering, can the FTC touch us if we live in the UK? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-15-2010, 01:12 PM	#29 (permalink)
PulseContent Wordpress Expert! Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 116 iTrader: 0 / 50%	The FTC is a US organization but its regulation will imply on you if you're using domains registered in the US, or use hosting from there. In the UK - you might want to check out the Internet Advertising Bureau UK: trade association for the internet marketing industry and the ASA - Home Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

08-16-2010, 11:41 AM	#30 (permalink)
Sonny Forelli Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Liberty City Posts: 2,256 iTrader: 2 / 100%	"I saw this person who put up this website was from my hometown so I thought if she could do it I could do" wonder if Maxmind is on the call thinking about a slogan rebrand to "We be floggin..... they hatin....." Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-16-2010, 02:16 PM	#31 (permalink)
HiGhPeR WF Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: On an Island Posts: 1,458 iTrader: 39 / 100%	Heres an update from today: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/acaicolon.shtm Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ www.hyper6.com \| skype: kappa_83

08-16-2010, 02:20 PM	#32 (permalink)
directresponse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 624 iTrader: 26 / 100%	Here is the latest: Court Orders Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and "Colon Cleansers" to Stop Deceptive Advertising and Unfair Billing Practices Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-16-2010, 04:19 PM	#33 (permalink)
adigitalorange Ballinnnnnn Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 342 iTrader: 6 / 100%	What is the penalty for stuff like this? Isn't it like $15k a day or something? Let's say they even hit them for 60 days or whatever. That is about 900k, sure that is a lot of money but word has it some of these offers are doing $xxx,xxx daily. If I were them I'd be laughing my ass to the bank. It's similar with the banks having to pay the government back a few hundred million when they were given billions. They are probably writing that check while giggling inside, I don't see why it would be different at all with these Acai offers. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

08-17-2010, 08:32 PM	#36 (permalink)
WriteSharp Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Godforsaken, Iowa Posts: 10 iTrader: 4 / 100%	This definitely takes some of the thunder out of the trust I had for "As Seen on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, EzineArticles!"... lol I figured this was hinky territory destined to get nailed. I just figured it would be something along the lines of what happened with ephedra and be more in the FDA territory. Crazy stuff! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-24-2010, 02:40 AM	#38 (permalink)
goddesspoo Banned Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: California Posts: 105 iTrader: 3 / 100%	i happen to like acai! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-25-2010, 05:54 AM	#39 (permalink)
ksomnadh Banned Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 87 iTrader: 9 / 86%	from now onwards we will get low acai berry and colon cleanser comments on our blog.. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

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