Federal Laws Governing Ads Consumer Basics Federal Laws Governing Ads There are many federal laws that regulate advertisements in some way or another.
Sales, Bargains, Discounts Consumer Basics Sales, Bargains, Discounts Shoppers face fictitious pricing, perpetual sales and more when trying to decipher a true bargain in the aisle.
What is Industry Self-Regulation? Consumer Basics What is Industry Self-Regulation? Self-regulating organizations can have varying impacts on the standards that are set for the way industries do business.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service Consumer Basics U.S. Postal Inspection Service Among its many responsibilities, the USPIS enforces the laws regarding illegal or dangerous use of the mail system and conducts investigations (sometimes in conjunction with other federal agencies, like the…
Puffery – A Marketer’s Right To Lie Consumer Basics Puffery – A Marketer’s Right To Lie Ads can legally lie to you as long as the lie is so obvious an exaggeration that you know not to take it seriously.
The Scoop on Social Media Influencer Disclosure Requirements Consumer Basics The Scoop on Social Media Influencer Disclosure Requirements What kind of disclosure is necessary for social media influencer marketing?
Does Size Really Matter? A Primer on Slack-Filled Packaging Consumer Basics Does Size Really Matter? A Primer on Slack-Filled Packaging What to know about the FDA’s rule on under-filled or slack-filled packaging.
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Basics Federal Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which was created in 1914, is a federal agency that is tasked with promoting consumer protection. One of the central ways it does this is…
Econsumer.gov Consumer Basics Econsumer.gov Econsumer.gov, which was established in 2001, is a website where consumers can file complaints about online and related transactions with foreign companies.
Sweepstakes & Prizes Consumer Basics Sweepstakes & Prizes Sweepstakes and lotteries may be scams in disguise.
Entertainment Software Association Consumer Basics Entertainment Software Association The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is an association based in D.C. that is exclusively dedicated to serving video game companies. The group lobbies Congress and other legislative bodies extensively in…
Product Placement Consumer Basics Product Placement Products that pop up in movies and television shows are often there for specific advertising reasons.
Better Business Bureau Consumer Basics Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is made up of several local chapters in the United States and Canada that all work through their parent corporation, the Council of Better Business…
Infomercials Resources Infomercials What to know before you bite on that revolutionary infomercial product.
U.S. Department of the Interior Consumer Basics U.S. Department of the Interior The Department of Interior (DOI), established in 1849, is the federal department responsible for protecting the country’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
U.S. Department of Justice Consumer Basics U.S. Department of Justice The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is led by the Attorney General, is the federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws. Among other things, it works with other…
The First Amendment and Commercial Speech Consumer Basics The First Amendment and Commercial Speech When the government can restrict commercial speech.
Service Contracts and Extended Warranties Resources Service Contracts and Extended Warranties Is it worth it to pay extra for that extended warranty?
Talking to Kids about Deceptive Advertising Resources Talking to Kids about Deceptive Advertising Teach your children well, about ads.