Can You Be Fined for Email Messages?

I want to talk to you today about your mailing list. If you are in the business of affiliate marketing and blogging, and I’m assuming you are because you are interested in this information, there are certain rules that you need to follow in order for your email to not become illegal.

Yes, I said ILLEGAL. In 2003 Congress passed the CAN-SPAM Act. This law regulates all commercial email messages whether they be affiliate marketing, products for sale, or even porn.

If you do not follow the laws the Federal Trade Commission can fine you up to $16,000 for EACH email message that does not follow the rules. If you send a lot of mail this can become quite costly.

  • Your Email headers, domain names, and subject lines must not be deceptive. For example, sending a message that sounds like you’re sending it to a friend in hopes this person will open your link is illegal. Make sure everything is accurate.
  • Disclose and clearly state how recipients can opt-out or unsubscribe from your message.You must disclose if your message is an advertisement.
  • You must include a valid postal address in the mail body.
  • Honor the unsubscribe requests within 10 business days.
  • Make sure your 3rd party service such as AWeber or GetResponse follow the rules as well.

Author: Geekmom