Is it legal to use a Fake Name / Pen Name to sell products?

13 years ago

Well since people are allowed to sell printed books using a pen name I don't think its illegal to sell a product under a pen name. I know if you want to accept payments via PayPal online you better use your real name, because if anything goes wrong its going to be hell.

When I promote affiliate products I always use a pen name, but my check is made to my real name. When I sell an IM product I use my real name.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3424391].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by BloggingPro

Well since people are allowed to sell printed books using a pen name I don't think its illegal to sell a product under a pen name. I know if you want to accept payments via PayPal online you better use your real name, because if anything goes wrong its going to be hell.

When I promote affiliate products I always use a pen name, but my check is made to my real name. When I sell an IM product I use my real name.

I sell all of my products through Clickbank so Paypal isn't an issue.

I know that very famous people do sell actual books in stores using pen names.

I just didn't know if there was any way that it could be misrepresentation or fraud.

Thanks

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3424407].message }}

Rich Struck

13 years ago

No you will go to jail.

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3424400].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

No you will go to jail.

I'm not sure if you're being serious or if you're joking, but I know that big-time marketers like Frank Kern and Eben Pagan do it. I'm not saying it's legal, I'm just saying they do it.

Thanks
3 replies

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3424677].message }}

Big Money 13 years ago

Does anybody else know anything about this subject?
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3425927].message }}
- David Uebergang 13 years ago
  
  Plenty of people use Pen Names and I don't believe there's anything wrong with it. There are benefits to both sides and I suppose it depends on what you're selling. If you're promoting dog products it may not be beneficial to take the role of an expert on dogs with a picture of you fishing, on the contrary it will be much easier to take on that role if you have a picture of you (or your pen) at the front of a dog class, or in a dog store. You get the point.
  
  Hopefully that helps,
  
  David
  
  ps. I think Rich was being sarcastic. If he wasn't, say goodbye to a good portion of IMers
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426010].message }}

BruceWood

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Big Money

I'm not sure if you're being serious or if you're joking, but I know that big-time marketers like Frank Kern and Eben Pagan do it. I'm not saying it's legal, I'm just saying they do it.

Pen names are for authors and artists. Business identities are another thing altogether.

Those who operate businesses under assumed names often have corporations or LLCs, and that may be the case with messieurs Kern & Pagan. Anyone doing business under an assumed identity can stay on the right side of the law by registering the name with their local licensing authorities as a d/b/a (doing business as) and then posting their business name & address on their accounts.

Check your local/state laws, but here in the US businesses are allowed to operate in almost any name they choose, as long as it is properly registered.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Bruce Wood
High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
Creative Marketing For Local Businesses
PingFarm

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426149].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by BruceWood

Pen names are for authors and artists. Business identities are another thing altogether.

Those who operate businesses under assumed names often have corporations or LLCs, and that may be the case with messieurs Kern & Pagan. Anyone doing business under an assumed identity can stay on the right side of the law by registering the name with their local licensing authorities as a d/b/a (doing business as) and then posting their business name & address on their accounts.

Check your local/state laws, but here in the US businesses are allowed to operate in almost any name they choose, as long as it is properly registered.

I still get paid under my real name and my domains and everything else are registered under my real name. I have so many different sites in different niches and each niche I use a different name. I would hate to file and have to pay for a different dba for each site, are you sure this is necessary just for using the name on the site?

Thanks

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426391].message }}

goindeep

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Big Money

I'm not sure if you're being serious or if you're joking, but I know that big-time marketers like Frank Kern and Eben Pagan do it. I'm not saying it's legal, I'm just saying they do it.

No seriously, you will go to prison...

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Weâ€™re Building the New Internet

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6374613].message }}

alcymart 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

No you will go to jail.

Yep, you don't pass Go, and straight to Jail! LOL

Bernard
- Thanks
- 2 replies
Signature

7 Easy Steps to Earn From Home $500-$17,750 Per Month!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426097].message }}
- Doug Wakefield 13 years ago
  
  Stephen King
  
  ---------------
  
  Let's move to the IM world with the next one...
  
  Travis Sago is....
  
  T.W. Jackson = Magic of Making Up
  
  Happens a lot.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  Hot PLR Content - $1 a page, variety of topics, open to requests
  13 FREE PLR Articles
  [PLR]Done For You Email Marketing Package For Your PLR Store or Business
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426115].message }}
  
  entry 13 years ago
  
  Eban Pagal used a fake one for double your dating
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  I Have to say a Massive...THANK YOU to every Warrior who has helped me, and thanks to every warrior who helps me in the future...
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426131].message }}
- ttdub 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by alcymart
  
  Yep, you don't pass Go, and straight to Jail! LOL
  
  Bernard
  
  Don't forget that you can't collect 200 dollars...
  
  In all honestly, I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I mean, people publish books with a pen name, and people use usernames to sell products all the time, which aren't their real name. I think you're good.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630266].message }}

johnny_h

13 years ago

Pen names can be an acceptable thing given one consideration: are you using the pen name to defraud or deceive the party you're selling to? If the answer is no (and in almost every case it would be) then there's no problem. If you are, however, then that would be fraud.

A good example would be if you were publishing a book or article about politics under the name Bill O'Reilly, it could be construed that you were cashing in on the real Bill O'Reilly's fame by tricking buyers to think the book was written by the actual celebrity. You'd also get a lot of heat from O'Reilly's lawyers because I'm sure he's filed a copyright on his name...

But, for everyone on here, for the most part, there should be absolutely no trouble using a pen name.

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426031].message }}

Headfirst

13 years ago

You have to register a DBA (Doing Business As) with your county. Then you can receive payments under your nom de plume.

Thanks

Signature

Golf Outing Sponsor Signs, Banners and Flags||Plymouth, MI Marketing || Plymouth Dentist

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426140].message }}

Floyd Fisher

13 years ago

If it were a crime, then 'Betty Crocker' would be on the FBI's 10 most wanted list.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426379].message }}

Mark Jordan

13 years ago

Any financial transaction like selling, trading, buying must be made using your real name otherwise you can be prosecuted for fraud if anything goes wrong with the transaction.

I think you can go to your county courthouse and file a DBA (DBA means "doing business as," and allows a person to legally do business under a different name/Assumed Name. It normally costs $4-20 to file one depending on the location.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426412].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Jordan

Any financial transaction like selling, trading, buying must be made using your real name otherwise you can be prosecuted for fraud if anything goes wrong with the transaction.

I think you can go to your county courthouse and file a DBA (DBA means "doing business as," and allows a person to legally do business under a different name/Assumed Name. It normally costs $4-20 to file one depending on the location.

You may not know the answer to this but if I file a dba and sell under the dba do I then have to have the money going into the bank account under my dba name or can I use my real name bank account.

I would hate to file a different dba for every niche and then have to also open a different bank account for each one.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426496].message }}

BruceWood

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Big Money

You may not know the answer to this but if I file a dba and sell under the dba do I then have to have the money going into the bank account under my dba name or can I use my real name bank account.

I would hate to file a different dba for every niche and then have to also open a different bank account for each one.

As my lawyer says, "you'll never know if you did it right until something goes wrong" (He's the voice of doom.)

If you receive money in the d/b/a names, open one commercial account as "Your Real Name" d/b/a/ name 1, name 2, name 3 & etc. The bank will want to see proof of the registered d/b/as.

(By the way- even to open a commercial account in your own name you may have to register it as a d/b/a!)

(If you're an affiliate marketer just tell clickbank or whoever to make your check out to whatever name you want)

But hey-- if you're doing business, you should have a business account and keep things separate from your personal stuff. Ask your accountant, check with a lawyer, and pray.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Bruce Wood
High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
Creative Marketing For Local Businesses
PingFarm

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426805].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by BruceWood

As my lawyer says, "you'll never know if you did it right until something goes wrong" (He's the voice of doom.)

If you receive money in the d/b/a names, open one commercial account as "Your Real Name" d/b/a/ name 1, name 2, name 3 & etc. The bank will want to see proof of the registered d/b/as.

(By the way- even to open a commercial account in your own name you may have to register it as a d/b/a!)

(If you're an affiliate marketer just tell clickbank or whoever to make your check out to whatever name you want)

But hey-- if you're doing business, you should have a business account and keep things separate from your personal stuff. Ask your accountant, check with a lawyer, and pray.

I guess I'm going to set up some dba's. I'vebeen thinking about doing it anyway.

...and yeah you got it, just pray nothing happens. You can run into somebody that's sue happy at anytime.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426892].message }}

bloomingrose

13 years ago

How about the company Fake Name Generator? They generate fake social security numbers,credit card numbers, families, birthdays the whole nine yards. They say that it is legal and people use their services but it feels weird to me.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4428988].message }}

HeySal

13 years ago

Originally Posted by bloomingrose

How about the company Fake Name Generator? They generate fake social security numbers,credit card numbers, families, birthdays the whole nine yards. They say that it is legal and people use their services but it feels weird to me.

They say it's legal - well gee their word is good enough. I assume the FBI will have plenty to say about using fake SS #s and fake CC #s just before they throw your *** in jail for it.

If you are planning to use different DBAs - make sure your purposes aren't self defeating. First off I assume that you aren't using them for malicious purposes (such as fraud). Second of all - - how are you going to brand yourself if you have several DBA's?

You can't brand yourself if people don't know who you are. If there is any similarities in those businesses, you are way ahead of the game if you keep your real name and network yourself as yourself. If you have wildly diverging businesses you might want the DBA, but it's going to be much harder networking and branding separately than if you work on branding yourself as a person with a few different fields of interest.

Think hard what the advantages are going to be before you bother with assuming a DBA.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429112].message }}

bloomingrose 13 years ago

Yeah, I am a little stunned at the business model myself. I guess I'm not too black hat, I think I'll give it a pass.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429198].message }}
- Brian John 13 years ago
  
  below is a similar thread i started on the subject. i was more interested if the claims made by a fictitious name had to be true, and as i'm understanding it they don't. "testimonials" however do.
  
  http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-your-own.html
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429307].message }}

webapex

13 years ago

Here's one relevant thread:

I had just heard from a dark marketer who starts fresh adwords accounts and sets up hosting with gift cards registered to a false name and address, he likes to point out the distinction between the laws of the land and google rules, and is big enough to have a lawyer to help him avoid making dumb moves.

EzineArticles seems to endorse the use of multiple pen names.

Certainly any financial transactions have to be done under a name that can be tracked down, should any legal issues come up.
Tried to find other references to this on the web, all states seem to require a DBA filing, although the term for it varies, some also require a public announcement in a local newspaper.

Ran across a couple of interesting threads regarding anonymous defamation.

Troubling decision in matter involving anonymous bloggers | Internet Cases - Evan Brown, Chicago attorney internet and intellectual property
Should "Venting Online" lead to people being sued? | LinkedIn Answers | LinkedIn

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

â€œAn expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow fieldâ€ Niels Bohr

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426724].message }}

Big Money

13 years ago

Originally Posted by webapex

Here's one relevant thread:

I had just heard from a dark marketer who starts fresh adwords accounts and sets up hosting with gift cards registered to a false name and address, he likes to point out the distinction between the laws of the land and google rules, and is big enough to have a lawyer to help him avoid making dumb moves.

EzineArticles seems to endorse the use of multiple pen names.

Certainly any financial transactions have to be done under a name that can be tracked down, should any legal issues come up.
Tried to find other references to this on the web, all states seem to require a DBA filing, although the term for it varies, some also require a public announcement in a local newspaper.

Ran across a couple of interesting threads regarding anonymous defamation.

Troubling decision in matter involving anonymous bloggers | Internet Cases - Evan Brown, Chicago attorney internet and intellectual property
Should "Venting Online" lead to people being sued? | LinkedIn Answers | LinkedIn

Thanks for the threads. I accept all payments though Clickbank so I use my real information for that.

Thanks

Signature

Wholesale Video Games

Cheap Video Games - Instant 50% PayPal Commissions

PS4 - PS3 - XBOX ONE - XBOX 360 - Wii U - Wii - Nintendo - Sega - More

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3426764].message }}

Trieu

13 years ago

Its not illegal, just might lose some credibility if they find out who you really are.

Thanks

Signature

======================================

"$100 On eBay with just 10 Minutes Work! {120+ copies SOLD}"

==> Download FREE WSO PLR NOW! <==

======================================

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429170].message }}

Bank

13 years ago

I think if you disclose your pen and real name in your disclaimer you should be fine, that way you're not hiding anything.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429338].message }}

JustinDupre

13 years ago

Lots of people have used pen names before. It's not against the law to do it.

Thanks

Signature

I offer CPA coaching and investment opportunities for those SERIOUSLY interested in making money directly or indirectly with affiliate marketing. PM me for details.

Read More about CPA/Affiliate Marketing on my Blog

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429367].message }}

bizlinkx

13 years ago

I think its called ghost writing in the real world. I'm not sure how you would accept payment unless someone knows your real name. There are however ways you can use an assumed name. Movie stars do it all the time. Google serach it . I wouldnt do it ppersonally but I'm sure you have your reasons.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429370].message }}

celente

13 years ago

Right now I am thinking about evan pagan.

His DYD site and his pen name : david deangelo

Who cares about you name, as long as you are giving high quality stuff and helping people reach their goal....a name is useless. Just a title really.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429587].message }}

lgibbon Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by celente

Who cares about you name, as long as you are giving high quality stuff and helping people reach their goal....a name is useless. Just a title really.

It doesn't exactly build a lot of trust.
But I guess we can expect that kind of comment
from someone using a fake name themself.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429932].message }}

imback

13 years ago

I would just use your own name... I mean it is personal branding right

CHAD

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429606].message }}

J Bold

13 years ago

It's illegal, as all these people found out:

11 Things: Famous pen names - SFGate

Oh and Mrs. Butterworth and the Geico lizard are real people.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

[Free] Learn How to Crush Web Traffic with Kenster

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4429721].message }}

snowcloud 12 years ago

Originally Posted by redicelander

It's illegal, as all these people found out:

11 Things: Famous pen names - SFGate

Dude I hope you weren't being serious about this
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5112694].message }}

snowcloud

12 years ago

I truly think writing would be completely boring for me if I couldn't pick a few pen names.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5112685].message }}

zamzung

12 years ago

I don't think it's illegal, just you should somewhere have your real business address and contact... in my opinion, the most important thing is that customer can reach you or your business if something is wrong... if you have that allowed, I don't think there will be any problems... but if you are hiding behind the fake name / pen name to screw your customers, than that's a problem...

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5112978].message }}

Daniel Wilson

12 years ago

Hi!

Pen names are regularly used by internet marketers. But bear in mind that you're not branding your own name by using a pen name. In other words: if you choose a pen name, stick to it!

Daniel

Thanks

Signature

-25% WF PROMO CODE: "WFPROMO911" (expires on 1.1.2012)

http://microniche911.com

- High search volume keywords , high CPC keywords, easy to rank keywords

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5113029].message }}

scraig

12 years ago

Excellent article here by Michel Fortin you may want to check out. Hope it helps. When And How To Use An Alias In Business | Michel Fortin on Copywriting, Marketing, Business, and Life

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116312].message }}

flamewave

12 years ago

Legal is dependent on country. That being said it is completly commonplace in the publishing world. In the wild west that is the internet I am sure that there is no harm. Representing yourself as something, as opposed to someONE, that your not is wrong and immoral. However that does mean that its done or not effective.

Thanks

Signature

Messenger Chatbot Marketing Systems - https://m.me/jaygriggschatbotbuilder

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116400].message }}

philiptrav

12 years ago

I have read of people going to jail for many years recently for making an extra Facebook profile.

Thanks
3 replies

Signature

How to manage your finances: Credit Relief, Money help, grow your wealth and become rich with little effort with Wealth Tips.
Hostgator 25% off coupon: 25OFF11111
Hostgator 1 Cent Hosting coupon: 1CHOST2013

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116430].message }}

JohnMcCabe 12 years ago

While the mechanics of staying on the right side of the law vary by locality, the broad brush strokes seem to be the same all over.

And it usually tracks back to intent. Are you trying to defraud or trick people?

The O'Reilly example above was a good one.

Another would be tacking a title you didn't earn (especially 'Doctor') onto a pen name to lend legitimacy where none exists. Peddling a health book by 'Joe Blow' is different than the same book by 'Dr. Joseph Blow'.

One thing to check into for your locality is setting up an umbrella company/DBA and using that to accept payments and publish/distribute products.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116564].message }}
- capitalalchemy 12 years ago
  
  I was interested in this at one point as well. It should be no problem in my opinion, but unfortunately it is. Clickbank updated their policy to include a line that says something like "you must not misrepresent yourself or mislead your customers to believe that you are someone else".
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116573].message }}
  
  red zambala 12 years ago
  
  I am using pen name and it is not because I want to "misrepresent" something, but because my original non-english name/surename would confuse too much the potential prospects....
  To add on this - my original name according to gramar is changing endings depending on usage , what would be completely misrepresented in english...or would take too much attention just for a name....
  
  I guess many are using pen names, and especially the chinesse / malaysian marketers....I am european, but I still think the real name would be just misleading, if I wish to discuss IM not grammar...
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116683].message }}
flamewave 12 years ago

Originally Posted by philiptrav

I have read of people going to jail for many years recently for making an extra Facebook profile.

I really hope your trolling.

There is only one case I can find which is about identity theft. That is completely different as I stated in my above post.
- Thanks
Signature

Messenger Chatbot Marketing Systems - https://m.me/jaygriggschatbotbuilder
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116698].message }}
EdwinBrownJr 12 years ago

Originally Posted by philiptrav

I have read of people going to jail for many years recently for making an extra Facebook profile.

Really, I didn't here about this story...
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5634823].message }}

matthewfermin

12 years ago

Try not to use fake name to be safe. You might end up in jail if you do.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116611].message }}

John Romaine

12 years ago

"I'm Brian and so is my wife!..."

Thanks

Signature

BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116723].message }}

dame016

12 years ago

I think using a pen name is okay, as long as the seller uses his/her real name in the payment processes.

Thanks

Signature

Article
Writing Service

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5116756].message }}

hernalian

Banned 12 years ago

i think better used real name

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5628642].message }}

MoneyMagnetMagnate

12 years ago

Ask Dr. Seuss -

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5628694].message }}

capitalalchemy 12 years ago

Morally, and by old law, a pen name is acceptable. In fact, it has yet to be challenged that I know of in U.S. courts. However, Clickbank has an excerpt in their policy about using a name other than your own, especially if you are a product vendor. Do I agree with this? hell no. Is it ridiculous and unconstitutional in my opinion? yes. But that's MY opinion.

So, instead -- if you are an affiliate -- why use a name at all? If you are building a mailing list, where you must use your real name? -- well, either be proud of what you are promoting enough to do so, or perhaps use an abbreviation with a last name.

I don't know -- this is all stupid. I see so many big time marketers using pen names. I don't see it as a threat, unless in the unlikely event someone somehow sues you and calls it into action or something.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5632138].message }}

sensei majid

12 years ago

Can you link me to where Frank kern and Eben used pen names plz? Would love to see this... Thanks

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

We were born to be free, Warriors, We All We Got!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630046].message }}

mrdomains 12 years ago

Originally Posted by sensei majid

Can you link me to where Frank kern and Eben used pen names plz? Would love to see this... Thanks

Here's some bio
Eben Pagan Biography, Profile - Internet Marketing Wiki
- Thanks
Signature

Free action plan : Think less. Do more.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630151].message }}

NACAdam

12 years ago

Even though I'm male I post to alot of blogs as Shelly Armstrong never had anyone say anything for over 2 years

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630072].message }}

CDarklock

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Big Money

Does anyone know if it is legal to use and sign your sales page with a pen name?

Under the English common law that forms the foundation of our own legal system, you have every right to use and be known by any name you want - so long as you are not committing fraud or attempting to avoid creditors.

Basically, it's not legal to use a fake name to cheat people, but it's not legal to cheat people anyway. They just tack on this added charge that not only were you cheating people, you weren't even using your real name.

[ 3 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

"The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630199].message }}

J Bold

12 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Under the English common law that forms the foundation of our own legal system, you have every right to use and be known by any name you want - so long as you are not committing fraud or attempting to avoid creditors.

Basically, it's not legal to use a fake name to cheat people, but it's not legal to cheat people anyway. They just tack on this added charge that not only were you cheating people, you weren't even using your real name.

Um, yeah, what he said.

Thanks

Signature

[Free] Learn How to Crush Web Traffic with Kenster

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5631217].message }}

patrick6411

12 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Under the English common law that forms the foundation of our own legal system, you have every right to use and be known by any name you want - so long as you are not committing fraud or attempting to avoid creditors.

Basically, it's not legal to use a fake name to cheat people, but it's not legal to cheat people anyway. They just tack on this added charge that not only were you cheating people, you weren't even using your real name.

You are 100% right here. My grandmother was an author and used a pen name, she called it a legal term which I don't remember. She told me the same as you above with one addition, that as long as you are paid in your own name and you don't avoid taxes, that it is legal.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5632049].message }}

Marhelper

12 years ago

Just ask Richard Bachman

Thanks

Signature

Senior Home Care San Diego

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630210].message }}

ryanphillips

12 years ago

If your going to use a pen name their is a part of the brain that remembers the same sounds for example..

David DeAngelo
Coca Cola
Jon Jepson etc.

Think about that if your going to use a pen name. Every little helps

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630243].message }}

AlenGeorgeson

12 years ago

Yes you can do it, but you have to state it in your privacy policy, or your disclaimer. Nobody is going to read that, so don't worry about that too much.

Cheers
alen

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630245].message }}

Mike Hill

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AlenGeorgeson

Yes you can do it, but you have to state it in your privacy policy, or your disclaimer. Nobody is going to read that, so don't worry about that too much.

Cheers
alen

Except the guy who asked this question ... LOL

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6369048].message }}

Arroway

12 years ago

Some of the best marketers out there think pen names are just fine. Your name can and should be your brand, so choosing a good one is perfectly fine and I encourage it.
In the end, it's not about the name you choose, but the integrity in the person behind that name.

Allen

Thanks

Signature

***7 Power Sellers Unite To Reveal How To Make 5 Figures On Fiverr - The Fiverr Master Class***

***FREE video course! Stressed out about joining CPA networks? I'll walk you through!***

Allen Arroway - marketer, philanthropist and passionate teacher.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630249].message }}

sagits

12 years ago

It's not illegal but I highly encourage you to use your real name, this way you increase credibility and confidence among your customers.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5630656].message }}

Alan Petersen 12 years ago

There is an APB for the General Mills people behind "Betty Crocker" since 1927.
- Thanks
Signature

The Asset - My CIA Thriller Fiction Book For Your Kindle
Fictive Universe - Internet Marketing for Fiction Writers
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5631195].message }}

Elena7856

Banned 12 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5631383].message }}

DGFletcher 12 years ago

There's 'real' name, as in the name stuck on your birth certificate and attached to your ID numbers and blah blah blah. Then there's 'real' as in 'every single person on the face of this globe except people looking at my ID card calls me this'. Personally, that's the one I use for branding. DG. Everyone I know calls me DG, has for six years. I even make my teachers call me DG in class.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5631483].message }}

paul_1

12 years ago

In this business, I know of some who used a pen name. So I would assume that's okay. Unless otherwise you are selling big deals like a car or house & lot and whatnot - and have to deal with the person in real life.

Thanks

Signature

Paid Download

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5631761].message }}

buckeyes09

12 years ago

I've thought about this because I have an extremely long last name. On one hand, it'd be good for marketing/branding because no one would confuse me with someone else; on the other, it's a long name and hand to spell for those who don't know German.

Thanks

Signature

Christian

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5632235].message }}

webmazter

12 years ago

I have always used my pen name -seems to work for me also when the big players have something big to share they use unknowns and other players to endorse their products.......if you have watched anonymous the new movie that discredits shake spear than you would know where i am coming from.

I believe using real names for excepting money and hosting are essential but making a WSO launch under a pen name like I did................Na works great!!!!

trust me the Affiliate code was a knock out made thousands on its release- but guess what Michael Jones.......................is just a PEN NAME the guy behind the affiliate code is.....I'll just keep that to myself

Thanks

Signature

If you build it they will come! The LSI Specialist

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5632686].message }}

Randall Magwood

12 years ago

I've used pen names in the past with no problems. But now i want to use my real name to build up my brand within my niche. Plus i'm looking to do big things with my business a few months from now.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

==>> Free video reveals how to make $10k/month with affiliate marketing

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5632827].message }}

jayeye

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Randall Magwood

I've used pen names in the past with no problems. But now i want to use my real name to build up my brand within my niche. Plus i'm looking to do big things with my business a few months from now.

Same here. Thanks for your view,

Mark Twain & Aunt Jemima

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5636801].message }}

sethczerepak

12 years ago

Why would you want to? Unless you're in showbiz it just suggests you have something to hide.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

See My Copywriting Portfolio and Testimonials

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5637446].message }}

Lucy Writes 12 years ago

Originally Posted by sethczerepak

Why would you want to? Unless you're in showbiz it just suggests you have something to hide.

I don't think it suggests you have something to hide. It could suggest a lot of things. Maybe you're in different niches and want a distinct persona for each niche to differentiate yourself (so you don't look like a jack of all trades). Maybe you're concerned about your privacy....let's face it, there are plenty of crazy people in the world and not everyone may be comfortable with putting too much personal information out there. Maybe you just like the idea of being someone else for a while each day, or being someone else as the representative of your product makes marketing it more exciting for you or helps you identify with it more. There could be LOTS of reasons for using a pseudonym.

You may want to save your real name for one particular thing and use a pseudonym for something else. Lots of people do it for lots of reasons. I don't trust anyone any less for using a pseudonym. Many of my favorite authors have multiple pseudonyms for various genres they write in....and knowing this became an inspiration for me. I had my "novelist" pseudonym picked out from the time I was in high school, because I knew my favorite authors used pseudonyms, too.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5637571].message }}

farishussain

12 years ago

its is not legall

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5637585].message }}

MichaelSJohn

12 years ago

It's certainly not illegal unless you are usurping someone's identity. You can make your name whatever you want and long as an attorney signs off that you were using it as an a.k.a you are fine.

I knew a former cop that used to buy his houses as Fred Flinstone, Darth Vader, and the like and all his attorney had to do is sign off that it was his a.k.a or dba.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5637612].message }}

Dylan Lars

12 years ago

Here you go:
Google this term:
"is it illegal to sell things under an alias"
Sounds basic, but hey - it works.

It will bring you to a couple of articles. I won't waste time discussing it, but it is worth a read from eHow and MichelFortin.

Hope it helps!

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6368504].message }}

JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Dylan Lars

Here you go:
Google this term:
"is it illegal to sell things under an alias"
Sounds basic, but hey - it works.

It will bring you to a couple of articles. I won't waste time discussing it, but it is worth a read from eHow and MichelFortin.

Hope it helps!

Given a choice, from a credibility point of view, I'd start with MichelFortin. As a copywriter, he's one of the pro's pros for prose...

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6368526].message }}

myob 12 years ago

Originally Posted by MoneyMagnetMagnate

Ask Dr. Seuss

Originally Posted by Marhelper

Just ask Richard Bachman

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

I'd start with MichelFortin.

Does anyone have their contact information?
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6368607].message }}
- JohnMcCabe 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by myob
  
  Does anyone have their contact information?
  
  Michel Fortin:
  
  MichelFortin.com
  SuccessDoctor.com
  Twitter.com/MichelFortin
  Michel Fortin and Sylvie Fortin - Public Figure - Ottawa, ON | Facebook
  
  That should give you a start...
  
  [ 1 ] Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6368804].message }}

GtGatsby

12 years ago

Of course it's legal. What is illegal is trying to pass off as someone else. Besides that, you can call you whatever you want, within the bounds of decency.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6368865].message }}

ibaweb

12 years ago

It is legal to use a Fake Name / Pen Name to sell products. It would be tricky to choose a good and powerful Fake Name / Pen Name that is better than a real name in terms of marketing and advertising.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6369059].message }}

makingiants

12 years ago

Richard Bachman-author of the book 'Thinner'.
(He was Stephen King, btw)

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6369093].message }}

JohnMcCabe 12 years ago

How about J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts?
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6374528].message }}

alamest

12 years ago

I always try to use real name so in that way my brand awareness increases and people can recognize me easily..

Every body have a pen name in their own life so what's wrong having a pen name in internet.. but I recommend to use real name..

Thanks

Signature

>>Get Your 100% FREE Home Based Business Course<<

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6374573].message }}

Ernie Mitchell

12 years ago

I'm not an attorney but the Attorney General in Minnesota frowns on using assumed names that are not on record with the Atty Gen's office.

Perhaps I'm going over the top but all of the assumed names I do business under are registered with the State AG's office.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6374863].message }}

Is it legal to use a Fake Name / Pen Name to sell products?

Trending Topics

Been a while! Any of you Old Timers here?

How much does the rebranding affect CR ?

Are billboards still effective in driving customers?

Boat and Jet Ski Rentals...... Door Hangers Effective?

Clickbank low cost recurring