Direct sellers’ earnings claims and testimonials under scrutiny
By: David Bland
I think the FTC’s current aggressive posture is that they are trying to hold high-level executives liable for the actions that happened at a very low level, across a broad array of businesses—not just multi-level marketing or even the earnings claims area.
—Maureen Ohlhausen, Former Acting Chairman
(2017 to 2018), FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its third Notice of Penalty Offenses in as many weeks on Oct. 26. After putting 70 for-profit colleges on notice earlier in the month for making deceptive claims regarding graduates’ job and earning prospects, followed by a Notice to 700 national advertisers about misleading endorsements, testimonials, and fake product reviews, the Commission turned its focus to companies that offer money-making opportunities.