It sure seems dishonourable and disingenuous for online marketers to use a fake name to steer Internet Surfers to a website to buy something while using a fake name. Some justify their deception by stating that it is a "pen name" but is that really sufficient, as it is still a fake name and trickery tactics that are being deployed?
It seems especially problematic when that Internet Surfer or potential buyer believes they are going there based on information that a real person gave them, such as an article on a blog or one that appeared in an online newsletter.
Advertising goods and services online is actually a viable business in itself. Affiliate programmes, advertising keyword campaigns and pay per click advertising are all important strategies in driving web traffic - or potential consumers - to a website. For this reason, online sellers in particular may be tempted to stretch or slightly distort the truth regarding the pricing or description of their goods and services. However, we should be aware that online traders, just like their high street counterparts, are under a legal obligation to provide their consumers with non-misleading advertisements.
I never actually thought of to share this topic with everyone till i randomly read an article on Wall Street Journal, entitled: "Beware online job ads: They may be fake." (Tuesday, February 17, 2009. VOL.XXXIII NO.117) The headline abruptly triggers me to discuss this issue so everyone is alert of the mischief it might cause.
It is important that we understand these things and stay out of trouble and out of the gray area of the World Wide Web.
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, Misleading Advertising (online), Retrieved 24th feb 2009.
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ya..agree wad u said, ppl are using the same method to earn money..even the online piracy also will be like tat..
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ReplyDeleteYes i agree with you. Online ads might be fake. That's why when i surf the internet and come across any Online Advertisements, i would hesitate to click on the link that proceeds to another page or website because i'm afraid it is a scam or something. I'll be curious to know what is the ad about but then again i will hesitate to click on the link. You can be cheated with or whole lot of money if you get cheated by a fake ad. Thx for the information. cheers.
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