TASC Advertising Alert
May 04, 2010It is incumbent upon TASC member companies to be aware of the ads that are generating the leads you are buying. Here are some guidelines to follow:
It seems like there are more and more advertisements regarding settling debts whose objective is to get the consumer in their mind to link the program to the Federal Government. This often is done through use of a form that looks like a government form, often containing either a Washington D.C. address, or at times logos or shields that make it appear to be a government or government endorsed or sponsored program. Often the word “bailout” is used, or a reference to a “stimulus” program. These words should not be used in any advertisement for a debt settlement program. They are deceptive and are creating immense pressure that is driving legislation that seriously threatens to put each one of us out of business. We MUST respond strongly against these types of ads.
It is incumbent upon TASC member companies to be aware of the ads that are generating the leads you are buying. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Ask for a copy of all of the ads used to generate the leads you will be purchasing. When you receive them fill them out and see how many companies call you. Ask the representative who answers the phone how they like this lead vendor.
- Ask for at least 3 referrals of people who are currently purchasing leads from this vendor.
- Ask them to put it in writing that they are not using any form of marketing that could be associated with the government or uses the word “bailout” or “stimulus.”
- Place only a small test order to start the relationship to make sure they are using a reputable company. See if you can work out a deal where you only pay half of the money upfront and then the other half after the first half of the leads have been delivered and you are happy with the quality.
- Shoot an email to info@tascsite.org with the lead generator’s name and we will let you know if we have any reports about them.
- Look them up on the BBB, do a Google search to see if there is any negative press online about them.
Additionally we will begin “blacklisting” lead generation providers who continue to use these types of ads. Any company later using these providers is also subject to discipline in accordance with TASC standards. We will provide you soon with more information regarding this new standard.
We are asking all member companies to report to TASC any ads that you come across that you believe may be misleading in any way to the consumer. We have recently enhanced our compliance efforts through the addition of an attorney who will spearhead our efforts on these matters.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
David Leuthold
Executive Director