Regulators stayed busy in 2021, reminding direct sellers of the unique legal challenges faced by the channel throughout the year. Combined with the ever-increasing importance of addressing ESG and fraud risks facing the entire corporate landscape, we have selected the key insights and advice from our knowledgable contributors to keep SSN’s readers ahead of the curve. Please visit SocialSellingNews.com for the complete articles.
By: David Bland
Is the direct selling channel under greater threat now from FTC action than it has been previously?
All signs point to yes. While the FTC has spent the past few decades consistently taking action against several direct selling companies accused of operating as pyramid schemes, the overall scope of this action has been limited. However, over the past year, the Commission has expressly stated that the direct selling channel is on the short list for renewed FTC scrutiny and enforcement. Furthermore, in a move catalyzed by the Supreme Court decision on 13(b) to strip the agency of its restitutive monetary relief powers, commissioners have begun the process to create new weapons for winning both equitable and punitive monetary relief in future proceedings.
By: Donnelly L. McDowell (with content from John E. Villafranco)
With the FTC’s fight on the Hill for new 13(b) authority ongoing, two recent enforcement actions signal that the Commission plans to use its civil penalty authority in novel ways with significant implications for the direct selling industry.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in favor of AMG Capital Management—which stated that the FTC lacks authority to obtain monetary redress under Section 13(b) of the FTC Act—then Acting Chair Rebecca Slaughter vowed to lobby Congress in response.
Her goal was to “restore and strengthen the powers of the agency” and consider new ways to obtain money from companies through enforcement. Two months after the AMG decision, the
FTC continues to make good on those promises.