Fake testimonials / reviews / claims

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lucab

lucab

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Just how far do all you WF affiliate marketers go when thinking of ways to promote a new affiliate offer? Particularly when creating content and sales copy. For example, fake testimonials, bogus reviews, posing as a lawyer or authoritative figure(s), fake signatures, etc...

There is obviously a line that can be crossed where what you are doing may be considered illegal / fraudulent. I am not so much concerned with ethics and any moral dilemnas, but feel free to express a viewpoint influenced by these issues.

I think some of us have pulled a random image here or there from Google images, but what about going further than this? Pretending to be a doctor reviewing a product? (I don't mean necessarily going as far as giving medical advice) Thoughts?

edit: i searched for other posts on this, there were a couple of threads back when the forum was a good deal smaller. also figured AM would be more of an appropriate place than the content section
 


I use fake testimonials to get my review sites started, but then drop it off as people start to submit their own after I've built traffic.
 
Everyone under the sun uses fake reviews or testimonials, but I would be cautious of the claims you make regarding a product or service.
 
Stupid, there is no reason to use fake testimonials. Give your product away for free, and then ask for a review.
 
Lots of testimonials are fake.
You see all those pics with people in suit telling how great product xyz is....
 
I read the title of this thread as fake testicles...!

Fuck, I need sleep!

I try and keep it ethical (and accept I probably make less because of it). I don't like being conned or mislead so I don't do it others. Not really against 'borrowing' the odd image, but no fake testicles!
 
Damn.. where is that link to the fake testimonial creator we played around with back in June/July of last year on here? That thing was just hours of fun.
 
Self explanatory

Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road

Testimonials and Endorsements

Testimonials and endorsements must reflect the typical experiences of consumers, unless the ad clearly and conspicuously states otherwise. A statement that not all consumers will get the same results is not enough to qualify a claim. Testimonials and endorsements can't be used to make a claim that the advertiser itself cannot substantiate.

Connections between an endorser and the company that are unclear or unexpected to a customer also must be disclosed, whether they have to do with a financial arrangement for a favorable endorsement, a position with the company, or stock ownership. Expert endorsements must be based on appropriate tests or evaluations performed by people that have mastered the subject matter.
See FTC Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Click to expand...
 
Oops

Sorry, that didn't specifically answer your question, did it?

Here's the answer...

NON-COMPLIANCE

The FTC periodically joins with other law enforcement agencies to monitor the Internet for
potentially false or deceptive online advertising claims.
If your advertisements don't comply with the law, you could face enforcement actions or civil lawsuits. For advertisers under the FTC's jurisdiction, that could mean:​
  • orders to cease and desist, with fines up to $11,000 per violation should they occur.​
  • injunctions by federal district courts. Violations of some Commission rules also could result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Violations of court orders could result in civil or criminal contempt proceedings.​
  • in some instances, refunds to consumers for actual damages in civil lawsuits.​
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Click to expand...
 
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I've never made false claims or used false testimonials, prior to IM I held honor and honesty in highest regards, and despite it possibly raising conversions I've held off from lieing to my customers. I suggest doing what I did and offering the product for free in exchange for an honest review/testimonial, if its positive then use it as needed.
 
FTC..ha ha they are inefectual sue maybe one person out of a 1000. Then it makes headlines so everyone suddenly fears the FTC will go after them next when the odds are exceedingly low even of you fake testimonials and revenue proof (which I condone in the ultra competitive world of internet marketing..nned every edge you can get and it works to haha)
 
Tricontinental said:
FTC..ha ha they are inefectual sue maybe one person out of a 1000. Then it makes headlines so everyone suddenly fears the FTC will go after them next when the odds are exceedingly low even of you fake testimonials and revenue proof (which I condone in the ultra competitive world of internet marketing..nned every edge you can get and it works to haha)
Click to expand...

I wasn't taking sides, just answering a question. It's entirely up to the individual what they choose to do.

In my time of wandering around this rock I've been acquainted with more than a few people who have gotten jammed up with the guv'mint and/or other shady characters and, although I'm certainly no chiorboy, it makes me pause long enough to weigh the consequences of what I'm about to do.

Like ol' Baretta used to say, "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime."
 
That FTC stuff is interesting, pretty sure the laws are similar here with the Advertising Standards Authority.

Great stuff to throw back at the ebook guys that complain making stuff available for free is breaking copyright laws!
 
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