ERSP Refers Advertising for Internet Secrets to FTC for Further Review After Marketer Fails to Respond to ERSP Inquiry

The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) will refer direct response advertising for The 7 Day Test Affiliate Marketing Program to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after the marketer, Internet Secrets, failed to respond to an ERSP inquiry. 

ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to ERSP’s attention pursuant to its ongoing monitoring program. 

Claims at issue in the initial inquiry included: 

• “Welcome to the #1 Home Based Business Website In The WORLD!” 
• "I've Made People $3,500 to $25,000 Monthly With Google & Clickbank Using a Simple System Which I Will Set Up For You Today on a 100% Test Trial!” 
• “This is very real, easy, and being made public because I am so fed up with these companies and individuals that are ripping people off and just plain lying to them with internet business programs that don’t work.”
• “Limited Positions Available - Take Action Today!”
• “I could never thank you enough for what you have done for my financial life. You took me from a $24,000 yearly income job to making over $150,000 within 9 months. It sure does fell [sic] good working at home without a stubborn boss. I owe you. Thanks” [Victor Goldwire – Dale City, VA] 

Following its failure to provide a substantive response to ERSP’s original inquiry within fifteen calendar days, the marketer was afforded a second ten-day period in which to submit a substantive response. The marketer did not do so. Pursuant to ERSP Policies and Procedures, this matter has been referred to the FTC.