"Consumers in Florida and throughout the nation have long been victimized by Internet marketing that promises one thing and delivers another," said McCollum. "This task force will be instrumental in identifying problematic trends in the industry and working towards solutions that will hold the industry and its players responsible for their practices and provide remedies for our citizens."
Today's agreement, which will serve as a model for the way cell phone content will be marketed online, resulted from an investigation conducted by the CyberFraud Task Force into the marketing of ringtones and other cell phone products. Investigators determined that consumers, usually children or teenagers who were responding to "free" cell phone ringtone offers, were often enrolled into subscription plans without their knowledge or consent. The fees for the plans were then billed to consumers' cell phone bills. The cooperative agreement will require the true cost of ringtones to be clearly and conspicuously disclosed on all Internet ads and order forms.
In working with McCollum's office to resolve concerns about its marketing practices, Azoogle has already provided and will continue to provide substantial cooperation and assistance to the CyberFraud Task Force as the working group endeavors to reform the industry.
