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Myths and Half-Truths About Deceptive Advertising

Prepared Remarks of FTC Commissioner Roscoe B. Starek, III


 

MYTH # 1 -- If A Couple Of Studies Support Your Claim, It Is Substantiated

MYTH # 2 -- If Your Product Has Some Benefits, Your Ads Won't Be Challenged

MYTH # 3 -- Testimonials Are Substantiation

MYTH # 4 -- So Long As Endorsers Really Use The Product And Really Like It, You Can Safely Use Their Endorsements

MYTH # 5 -- If You Contradict A Deceptive Claim With A Disclosure, You Immunize Yourself From Liability

MYTH # 6 -- "Results May Vary" Is An Adequate Disclosure

MYTH # 7 -- Dietary Supplement Ads Are Not Regulated

MYTH # 8 -- If All You Do Is Produce The Infomercial, You Are Not Responsible For Deceptive Claims

MYTH # 9 -- No Rules Apply To Advertising On The Internet


 

National Infomercial Marketing Association

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 15, 1996


 

School of Journalism and Communication