These particular CPA ads. Should they be shut down?

AffiliateMax · 06-17-2009, 06:38 AM

I agree with your 2nd point - obviously there are a lot more than 1 or 2 guys promoting the Google bizopps (and other CPA offers, Acai etc) via flogs.

Your 1st point however is totally incorrect - the rebill rate (and even the fact that there is one - is (usually) buried in the terms and conditions on a seperate page and the link to the terms and conditions is always at the very bottom of the page in small print and often not above the fold. This is illegal as it violates Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (regarding clear and conspicuous disclosure of material terms and conditions).

The Google bizopp offers are 'scams' not only because of this and other related deceptive practices but because the product or service offered is worthless, (in fact is often not even sent or provided at all) and cancellation of the monthly rebilled charges (there are often multiple hidden charges) which usually start within 7 days of order, ie before the product is even received; is extremely difficult or even impossible. Emails bounce back undelivered and the only other method of cancellation (calling an outsourced overseas call centre) results in being put on hold literally for hours or hung up on, being put through to an answering service message even during normal office hours, number unavailable etc and if you do finally manage to get through - being told that your 'membership' (and therefore the rebill) is cancelled only, for the charges to continue.

As to why anyone who markets online (in an honest and ethical manner) should 'care' - (aside from empathy with victims of the scams who cannot all simply be stereotyped as 'greedy' or 'stupid' but are often some of the most vunerable in society simply looking for a way to make ends meet in tough times).

But that aspect aside, you/we should care about the damage done to the reputation of the online marketing / affiliate marketing industry by a minority of rogue elements and should care about the possible reaction (or more likely over-reaction) from the authorities (FTC etc) which in attempting to deal with aforementioned rogue elements may (albeit unintentionally) result in legislation which makes life a lot more difficult for everyone who markets online. As may the reaction from service providers like Google Adwords.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC-Coop

This thread isn't serious is it? Alright Johnathan hate to break some stuff to you here but come on man.

1.) Google bizops are widely used by affiliates all over, they are NOT scams because the rebill rate is clearly stated in the terms of service. The fact that people do not read it is not our problem.
2.) That guy doesn't own EVERY flog that looks similar to that one. Affiliate landing pages are stolen on a daily basis and everyone and their mother uses the one successful landing page and duplicates it.

Come on guys, really?