First 'Astroturfing' Case Prosecuted in New York

Have you ever heard of 'astroturfing'? It has to do with the Internet, it's dishonest, and New York officials just completed the first investigation in the country aimed at stopping the practice. When you work with reputable suppliers like bundles.usdirect, you know you'll never be subject to such unsavory practices.

Astroturfing involves companies using employees to post fake positive reviews of products on company Internet web sites in an effort to encourage unassuming consumers to buy the product in question. Policing the entire Internet may sound nearly impossible. But New York officials in July announced the investigation against Lifestyle Lift, which has locations in 40 different cities that resulted in a $300,000 penalty. After getting complaints, investigators with the Secretary of State's office in New York determined that Lifestyle Lift was astroturfing. Both the Federal Communications Commission and state attorney general offices throughout the country have the authority to look into false advertising and deceptive advertising claims. Lifestyle Lift promised to stop its astroturfing, as part of an agreement that included the fine and a promise to act ethically on the Internet. Hopefully, that $300,000 will catch the attention of other companies who will think twice about tricking consumers surfing on the Internet.