Don’t Say That

This episode of the Don’t Say That podcast is a bit of a fire alarm episode. Greg and I had to squeeze this one in because the FTC is not slowing down. In fact, it’s the most aggressive we’ve seen them in YEARS — especially with asset freezes. In this episode, Greg breaks down what’s going on behind the scenes… and why we’re seeing a major shift away from traditional CIDs and into full-blown financial lockdowns for marketers.  Yeah, they’re freezing bank accounts first and asking questions later. Here’s what we get into: Why “scaling” language is now on the FTC’s radar The 7+ recent asset freeze cases and the pattern behind them How the FTC is bypassing rule changes and still winning in court Why marketers are most vulnerable when using income testimonials and “business in a box” claims How I’m selling out an event without a single dollar sign in the copy Listen in and learn how to pivot your marketing fast before the FTC comes knocking.

Greg’s out this week, but I’ve got something special for you. Instead of tackling the latest FTC updates solo, I’m bringing you a powerful session, a compliance event we held. In this episode, you’ll hear directly from Greg as he breaks down three critical FTC regulations that impact your marketing: Sections 5, 13B, and 19.  These rules shape how marketers handle compliance, and understanding them could mean the difference between running a smooth business and getting hit with serious fines. Here’s what you’ll learn: What Section 5 covers and why the FTC focuses on “net impression” in advertising. Why The Supreme Court delt the FTC a DEVASTATING blow. Why phone sales carry more risk than online or live event sales. What you can do to protect yourself from unexpected enforcement actions. And of course, this all leads up to something big—we’re officially gearing up for Compliance Summit this September!  Tune in to get a taste of the high-level training we’ll be delivering and learn why being proactive in compliance is more important than ever.

All right, I’ve heard the rumors. Some people out there are convinced that I’m secretly working for the FTC—turning in friends, handing over insider info, and using Don’t Say That as a front. Let me be clear: That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Greg and I sat down in this episode to address these ridiculous claims head-on. I’m fired up, and I’m setting the record straight once and for all. We break down… Why this conspiracy theory makes ZERO logical sense. The reality of how the FTC actually investigates businesses (hint: they don’t need me). How I actually negotiated my $2.5M settlement—without any shady deals. The real reason I started Don’t Say That and Compliantly (spoiler: it’s not to rat you out). Why marketers spreading these lies are doing more harm than good for the industry. If you’ve heard these rumors—or worse, believed them—watch this episode. Let’s put this nonsense to rest.

Wait…jail time? For marketers? Yeah, I had the same reaction when I first heard about it. But here’s the thing—it’s happening. In this solo episode, I break down a recent case where a salesperson (not even the founder!) is headed to prison. And if you think this is a one-off, think again. The FTC is cracking down, especially on “done-for-you” e-commerce offers. Here’s what I cover in this episode: How the FTC hands off fraud cases to the DOJ. The single word that turns civil cases into criminal ones. Why “done-for-you” Amazon stores are a massive red flag. How intent plays a crucial role in fraud accusations. The surprising connection between e-commerce offers and securities law. Look, I’m not here to scare you—but if you’re playing fast and loose with your claims, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and your business.

Disclaimers—every marketer loves them. We throw them under testimonials, slap them on sales pages, and assume they’ll magically protect us from the FTC. But here’s the problem… They don’t work the way you think they do. In today’s episode, Greg and I break down one of the biggest myths in marketing—how disclaimers actually function, and why they won’t save you if your claims aren’t compliant.  We cover… Why simply adding “results not typical” doesn’t protect you from the FTC. The four key elements you MUST have for a testimonial to be legally usable. What SUBSTANTIATION actually means (hint: a screenshot of earnings isn’t enough). How using big, atypical results can actually attract an FTC investigation. Why shifting from a results-based marketing model to a journey-based one is the smartest move you can make. The bottom line? You can’t “disclose” your way out of a non-compliant claim. 

This episode is wild. Greg just helped take down a fraudulent Amazon "done-for-you" business that ripped off his dentist and others out of millions—and got the DOJ involved. What started as a simple refund request turned into a full-blown CRIMINAL case on behalf of former teachers, police officers and more who lost their life savings.  Greg walks us through how he built the case, got the SEC and DOJ on board, and ultimately helped put a scammer behind bars. We covered: The shady Amazon automation scheme that tricked investors into handing over $40,000+ each… How Greg built an airtight case using 130+ affidavits and thousands of documents… Why the DOJ stepped in and charged the marketer with wire fraud & securities fraud… How scammers delay refunds to dodge chargebacks—and why that’s a red flag… The big lesson for ANYONE selling or buying into "done-for-you" business models… This case is a wake-up call. If you're in the ecom space, pay attention… the government is watching!

Big changes are happening at the FTC, and they could reshape how we navigate compliance.  With Lina Khan stepping down and Andrew Ferguson taking over, President Trump’s executive orders signal a shift in federal enforcement strategies.  Greg is flying solo today to break it all down, including what it means for us as marketers. Here’s what we discussed: Why the new FTC head could slow down rule changes. Update on the proposed Business Opportunity Rule expansion. How asset freezes and disgorgements are weaponized against marketers. What Trump’s executive orders on “regulatory freezes” and “ending weaponization” actually mean. The pros and cons of a warning system for compliance issues. This episode is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of these changes and protect your business. 

In the latest episode of the Don’t Say That podcast, Greg kicks off 2025 with a vital update for all businesses and marketers: the compliance trends that could make or break your year. This episode is packed with critical insights on recalibrating your practices to stay ahead of regulatory shifts.  We dive into what’s happening with the FTC, the state of business opportunity cases, and the evolving rules around telemarketing… The implications of the AMG Capital Management case and how it’s reshaped FTC enforcement. Why telemarketing is back in the compliance spotlight under Section 19 of the FTC Act. Key updates to the telemarketing sales rule—what data you must now retain for 5 years. The FTC’s new focus on business opportunity cases, especially in e-commerce models. ACTIONABLE steps to protect yourself from unintentional violations in 2025. The best way to avoid trouble? Stay compliant and transparent. Check out this episode to make sure your practices are airtight for 2025.

Greg took the mic solo for this episode of the Don’t Say That podcast, and he’s diving into the top 5 compliance issues you need to watch for in 2025.  These aren’t just theoretical—they’re the real challenges he’s already seeing in the marketing world. Greg discusses common compliance traps like… Why earnings claims (both express and implied) are still the top compliance risk. The four critical rules for using testimonials without crossing the line. What “net impression” really means and how it can land you in hot water. The new FTC click-to-cancel rule every subscription business MUST follow. How to avoid misleading value stacks in your pricing strategies. Greg lays it all out clearly, so you can keep your marketing both effective and compliant in 2025. Check it out!

Happy New Year, everyone! 2025 is already off to a fast start, especially for marketers and businesses keeping an eye on the FTC.  In this episode of the Don’t Say That podcast, Greg and I break down everything you need to know about the latest developments and how they’re reshaping compliance. We dive deep into the new click-to-cancel rules that are shaking up subscription models—and that’s just the beginning. Here’s what we covered in this episode: The FTC’s “click-to-cancel” rule—what it means and how to comply. Why clear subscription terms are critical to avoid legal trouble. The increasing risks of asset freezing in investigations. How AI impersonations in ads could soon be banned. Recordkeeping requirements for telemarketing operations—what you MUST track. If you want to stay compliant and out of legal hot water, don’t miss this one.  Marketing in 2025 is a whole new ballgame, but we’ll help you stay ahead of the curve.