Security → Yes, that PC cleanup app you saw on TV at 3 a.m...

I think it's time the FTC and FBI looked into these scams. The reason it hasn't happened yet is that many of those in charge of the would-be investigations know little more about adware and malware than the end-users who get fleeced. If more IT people would contact them about this [the 'them' to whom I refer comprise the FBI and FTC, the media who advertise this junk, and anyone else in a position to help], then something might be done.

Anyone want to start one of those online petitions? They seem to be the way to get more eyes on a problem these days.

I agree with you %100 on that. I am surprised that the fads has not done anything to stop it.

Won't be stopped until the tax revenue it generates dries up. If and when these and other bogus operators get fined, who collects? The "victims"? Nope. They'd be lucky if they were reimbursed a token amount. There's revenue in them thar shills!

Excuse me, I've got to go and buy some Shell gasoline. It has added nitrogen. It'll clean my car engine and make it run better. Be right back!

(Yeah, I actually agree with the original article. But really, Fear of Bad Things happening, coupled with a Technological Miracle Fix, is a pretty common advertising trope).

So, our government is now the "fads"?

That is actually rather apt.

LOL. I mean Feds

An ad agency will accept this ad. Then they pay brokers to place it. (usually using demographics)
If a program needs revenue to keep it on the air, they will accept the fee they get to air it. CNN must be getting very needy in the late night. If the wording is legal, the ad will usually be accepted with the disclaimer.

What you might need to do, is get a law to make the disclaimers run slower and in larger letters. This goes on in prime time, too. Drug ads.
They speed read the disclaimer and it's legal.

Some agency just got Taco Bell to drop the ad about a vegetable tray being a dud at a party. You need to get after CNN and enough people complain.

but at least for a drug

1) it is prescribed by a medical professional
2) it is dispensed by a pharmacist
3) usually they refer you to a website or magazine advertisement that has all the disclaimers if not in a little fine print.

(pharmaceuticals don't want lawsuits, they can't change their name and come back tomorrow that easily.