Today the FTC resolved a case against Google Money Tree and numerous other "Google" product defendants with a $30 million stipulated judgment and order.

A couple issues that got the defendants in trouble and which are part of the order:

(If you have a WSO or other product representing certain amounts of money can be made, pay attention to this issue )

- Misrepresenting the amount of income a person could make working from home, and not having "competent and reliable" evidence proving how much could be made.

Then there is the "Google" aspect of their marketing:

- Misrepresenting an affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship with Google. Not only was the Google name used in their product, but Google's logo was on their sales page.

(Let me add that buying ads on Google and its network and then using their trademarks, logos, and claiming "as seen in ..." may not be a wise marketing move.)

They also did not properly disclose a negative option monthly payment program, which of course led to consumer complaints.

If you're wondering, the many defendants do not have 30 million dollars. Not even close to it.

The final judgment can be found here:

http://ftc.gov/os/caselist/0923060/1...oogleorder.pdf

Note they had to make a full disclosure of their assets to the government. Then there is a list of what they are giving, including many references to "all funds". Essentially, they are giving up about everything they own. Total collective amount: $3 million. Any falsities in the income representation will make the $30M payable.

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