![]() 1. CommerceNet and Nielsen Media Research, Electronic Commerce on the Rise According to CommerceNet/Nielsen Media Research Survey, Dec. 11, 1997 (visited Jan. 22, 1998) (http://www.commerce.net/news/press/121197.html). Another 1997 survey estimated the number of children (defined as under age 18) online at 9.8 million. Interactive Research Report, Vol. 4, No. 5 at 1, May 1997 (discussing results of FIND/SVP's 1997 American Internet User Survey). 2. CommerceNet/Nielsen Media Research Survey, supra note 1. 3. Id.; Yankelovich Partners, Retailing Potential on Internet Stronger than Suspected Finds Yankelovich Cybercitizen Report, Mar. 27, 1997 (visited Jan. 22, 1998) (http://www.yankelovich.com/Information/Press_Releases/970327.HTM) (finding that 23% of users ordered and paid for a product over the Internet, i.e., "transacted" business online). 4. Internet Advertising Bureau Announces Third Quarter Advertising Revenue Reporting Program Results (visited Jan. 22, 1998) (http://www.iab.net/news/content/new%20/1211report.html). 5. Jupiter Communications, Online Advertising Report, Aug. 22, 1997 (http://www.jup.com/digest/082297/advert.shtml) (figure includes directory listings and classified advertisements). 6. Joseph Cell III and John Reed Stark, SEC Enforcement and the Internet: Meeting the Challenge of the Next Millennium--A Program for the Eagle and the Internet; The Business Lawyer (May 1997); NASAA brochure, Cyberspace Fraud and the Small Investor. 7. EZ Travels (http://www.ari.net/travelog/eztrvl-1.htm). 8. Other teaser web sites include: EZ-Toys (http://www.ari.net/eztoyz) ("at least $100,000" in a sure-fire, business-opportunity venture selling toys carrying well-known licensed brands); The Ultimate Prosperity Page (http://www.ari.net/prosper) (glowing testimonials support claim that consumers will "earn $60,000 to $100,000 in your first month."); and NordiCaLite (http://www.ari.net/nordicalite/) (weight loss without diet or exercise--"no dangerous pills, no special diet meals, no expensive doctor visits and no more rabbit food"). 9. (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/invest/quiz/testiq.htm) 10. (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/briefs/invntbrf.htm) Test Yourself: Answers 1. RI$KY. Even before they've sold the
first share of stock, scam artists tell investors that only a few shares are left. But
high-pressure sales tactics generally mean high-risk investments, and investing thousands
of dollars without adequate time to research the offering is always risky. Don't let any
promoters fool you by equating their ventures with those of large corporations. The only
track record that matters has to do with the specific venture you're considering. |