Franchises, Business Opportunities, and Investments

For companies selling franchises and business opportunities and entrepreneurs in the market – the FTC's Franchise Rule and Business Opportunity Rule mandate disclosures and offer buyers certain protections.  In addition, the FTC has resources to help people spot business opportunity and investment scams and avoid franchise taboos.

Ads for Business Opportunities: How To Detect Deception [PDF] [En español]

Promoters of fraudulent business opportunities run ads where their targets are likely to see them: in daily and weekly newspapers, in magazines, and on the Internet. Advertising sales staff with a well-trained eye can recognize – and reject – ads promoting bogus promotions.

Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business [PDF]

Focusing on federal truth-in-advertising standards, this A-to-Z primer is an essential resource for businesses of any size.

Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide [PDF]

Thinking about buying a franchise? Investigate before you invest. Before you sign on the dotted line, read this guide for advice on evaluating franchise opportunities.

Buying a Janatorial Service Franchise: Making a Clean Sweep [PDF]

Before investing cash in a janitorial service franchise, read the mandatory disclosure documents thoroughly. Don’t let a scammer “clean you out.”

Franchise Rule Compliance Guide [PDF]

This compliance guide helps franchisors comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s amended Franchise Rule.

Getting Business Credit [PDF]

Thinking about starting your own business or expanding the one you own? When you shop for a loan or line of credit, the law protects you against discrimination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from denying you a loan based on reasons that have nothing to do with your credit-worthiness.

Looking to Earn Extra Income? Rule Helps You Avoid Bogus Business Opportunity Offers [PDF] [En español]

Thinking about investing in a bizopp? The FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule requires companies to disclose key information before you buy. Follow these tips to avoid a bizopp rip-off.

Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start [PDF]

Attention app developers! Basic truth-in-advertising and privacy principles apply to your product. It’s important to give the straight story about what your app can do and be transparent about your privacy practices. This start-from-scratch publication from the FTC reminds you to consider your choices from the user's perspective.

Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF] [En español]

Ads for business opportunities doing medical billing may sound like the perfect work-at-home option, but beware. The reality is that few people who pay for medical billing opportunities make any money.

Selling a Work-at-Home or Other Business Opportunity? Revised Rule May Apply to You [PDF] [En español]

If you sell business opportunities, including work-at-home bizopps, find out how the FTC’s revised Business Opportunity Rule may apply to you. Avoid a compliance miscue by making required disclosures and steering clear of prohibited practices.

Starting an Internet Business: Dream Job or Pipe Dream? [PDF] [En español]

Warns potential business owners about scammers that charge large upfront fees to help start internet businesses.

The Bottom Line About Multi-Level Marketing Plans [PDF]

There are multi-level marketing plans – and then there are pyramid schemes. Before signing on the dotted line, study the company’s track record, ask lots of questions, and seek out independent opinions about the business.

When Yellow Pages Invoices Are Bogus [PDF]

Unscrupulous promoters have been known to solicit ads for bogus business directories. Before you buy ad space or pay an “invoice” for a listing you didn’t authorize, take steps to recognize deceptive schemes.

You Oughta Be in Business – or Not [PDF]

Thinking about buying a business opportunity? Do you know enough about how to succeed? Take this quiz to find out if you’re ready to be a business owner.