Information for Newspapers
Recommended Standard Disclaimer
Attn: SNA Members Participating in Classified Avenue
You may already publish a disclaimer in your classified sections that cautions your
readers about ads that appear to be "too good to be true." This disclaimer probably
also is intended to protect your newspapers from being liable for any negative consequences
as a result of your readers ordering products and services from some of these advertisers.
If not, you may want to consider publishing a disclaimer. Here is recommended text
for this disclaimer that we have borrowed from another SNA member:
Reader Notice: As a service to you — our valued readers — we offer the following
information. This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is
illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads
on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time,
you check with the local Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better
Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve
to caution you about doing business with these advertisers. Also be advised that
some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases
of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs,
money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true — it may in fact be exactly
that. Again, contact the local and/or national agency that may be able to provide
you with some background on these companies. This newspaper cannot be held responsible
for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with
these advertisers. Thank you.