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LAWS ENFORCED BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - Internet enterprises included
5/15/2008 2:47:45 AM
Did you know that when you enter in a business you are required to follow there rules? You are also entitled to all information listed below BEFORE you enter into a business agreement.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/ruleroad.shtm

LAWS ENFORCED BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

Listed here are some FTC laws about specific marketing practices and the promotion of 
products and services in specific industries. For copies of the rules and commentaries relevant to your Internet enterprise, contact: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580; toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: 1-866-653-4261. Or visit the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

Business Opportunities
The Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule requires franchise and business opportunity sellers to give consumers a detailed disclosure document at least 10 days before the consumer pays any money or legally commits to a purchase. The document must include:

  • the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other purchasers;
  • a fully-audited financial statement of the seller;
  • the background and experience of the business's key executives;
  • the cost of starting and maintaining the business; and
  • the responsibilities of the seller and purchaser once the purchase is made.

In addition, companies that make earnings representations must give consumers the written basis for their claims, including the number and percentage of owners who have done at least as well as claimed.
See Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures.

Multi-level marketing (MLM)

MLM - also known as "network" or "matrix" marketing - is a way of selling goods and services through distributors. These plans typically promise that people who sign up as distributors will get commissions two ways - on their own sales and on the sales their recruits have made. 

Pyramid schemes - a form of multi-level marketing - involve paying commissions to distributors only for recruiting new distributors. Pyramid schemes are illegal in most states because the plans inevitably collapse when no new distributors can be recruited. When a plan collapses, most people - except those at the top of the pyramid - lose their money.

MLMs should pay commissions for the retail sales of goods or services, not for recruiting new distributors. MLMs that involve the sale of business opportunities or franchises, as defined by the Franchise Rule, must comply with the Rule's requirements about disclosing the number and percentage of existing franchisees who have achieved the claimed results, as well as cautionary language.
See Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures.

Credit and Financial Issues
The Truth in Lending Act requires creditors who deal with consumers to disclose information in writing about finance charges and related aspects of credit transactions, including finance charges expressed as an annual percentage rate. In addition, the Act establishes a three-day right of rescission in certain transactions involving the establishment of a security interest in the consumer's principal dwelling (with certain exclusions, such as interests taken in connection with the purchase or initial construction of a dwelling). The Act also establishes certain requirements for advertisers of credit terms.
See Truth in Lending Act.

The Fair Credit Billing Act is important if you are a creditor billing customers for goods or services. The Act requires you to acknowledge consumer billing complaints promptly in writing and to investigate billing errors. The Act prohibits creditors from taking actions that adversely affect the consumer's credit standing until the investigation is completed, and affords other consumer protections during disputes. The Act also requires that creditors promptly post payments to the consumer's account, and either refund overpayments or credit them to the consumer's account.
See The Fair Credit Billing Act.


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Rinna Rani

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Re: LAWS ENFORCED BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - Internet enterprises included
5/15/2008 3:01:56 AM



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