Can my website get me sued by the FTC?

[JosephAGreene]

Hey guys!

I'm normally just a lurker in this forum, but today I had to ask you a question that I haven't seen answered elsewhere.

I have a website selling fake reviews. It gets about 200 hits a month, but profits about $500 per month with a very, very high profit margin.

I read recently that the FTC has been cracking down on fake reviews and has even fined some businesses $250k for buying fake reviews.

Can I get in trouble for SELLING the fake reviews? Is it likely that they'll crack down on me?

I've been thinking about selling the site and just moving on with other projects, but it's by far my most profitable site.

Thoughts? Input?

Thanks!

 

[fxphil]

You can get sued for slander and defamation. <----- Yes is the simple answer.


However a little tricky location hosting and some good TOS should be able to protect you KIND OF.

 

[manny521]

you probably will not be sued by the FTC b/c the FTC likes to go after the big dogs with lots of money so they can fine them and actually receive the money...the FTC won't bother with the small fish...unless your a big dog!?!

 

[noseo]

Yes, the FTC can go after you. One of its pet projects lately has been online testimonials.

 

[OnlineA]

Yes, the FTC can go after you. One of its pet projects lately has been online testimonials.

Why don't they go after TV commercials? Or do they think they are real and its not actors just pretending they like a certain product? Funny how they choose who to go against. lol

 

[toprameen]

Well you can always host your site/content on an offshore server (like the Netherlands). FTC doesn't have jurisdiction there.

 

[Numbuh362]

They can sue you but I don't think they will.

 

[JosephAGreene]

Thanks everyone! I never thought about hosting it overseas. I should do that for all of my sites :/

Any suggestions for the TOS? I am not a lawyer

 

[toprameen]

Some sellers on Fiverr create a TOS documents, but just make sure you specifically tell the seller what you want. PM if you need more information.

 

[MadStacks]

The FTC cannot do shit if they do not know who you are so I would advise setting up a new anonymous site.

 

[JosephAGreene]

Yeah, the domain is privately purchased, and I use an alias with all of my sites. I'm just worried about my registrar/host giving up my IP or payment information. Hence the overseas host.