#grifting

The Federal Trade Commisson (FTC) (here)

I’ve brought up the legal aspect before, but mostly in comment sections, so I understand why some people might have missed it. That likely plays a role in why Milo is still getting the benefit of the doubt or well wishes. I don’t wish him any harm, but considering how often he’s lied about nearly everything and everyone, it’s worth thinking about what that return would actually mean.

The FTC an United States agency that enforces consumer protection laws. These laws are applicable to foreign businesses operating in the U.S., as well.

Truth In Advertising Rule:

Contrary to popular belief, Milo's lying isn't considered harmless once it started to involve money. When you LIE to sell your product, it's called deceptive business practices according to the FTC, (here).

Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule:

TLDR?:

Items must be shipped within 30 days if not stated clearly.

If seller delays, they must inform every single customer by obtaining their written consent.

Cosumers have the right to cancel if they do not consent to delays.

If no response was received from the customer, the seller can assume consent was given but ONLY ONCE.

This is for only a definite amount of time. The seller can not give the consumer an indefinite shipping time frame.

If any subsequent delays that occur, the seller must contact every single customer (phone, fax, email) to receive their expressed consent.

If no response is received from the customer in subsequent delay notices, the seller MUST refund.

If the seller cancels, they must provide a prompt refund.

Edited to add: Although Milo was allowed one delay without receiving a response from the customers. He still failed to contact customers via fax, call, or email. He also did not tell them they had a right to refund. Those two things are not negotiable according to the law.

Backorders/Preorders:

TLDR?:

Seller can not substitute a materially different item for another, without the expressed consent of the customer.

If the seller can not provide the exact item, they must promply refund.

These federal rules are not optional. The seller can receive fines and/or jail time for breaking these laws.

Milo, by LAW, was not even allowed to make the second edition. Because its materially different in the fact it wouldn't be the book that the customers had agreed to buy in the first place.

Why?

For one, the book was being completely rewritten and two, customers who wanted physical books were only given the option to receive e-books unless they paid extra for it.

It is also illegal to charge consumers MORE for an item they have already paid for.

Recap: What exactly did he do wrong according to the law?

Lied about the quality and state of his book.

Did not receive the expressed consent of every single customer after the first delay.

Did not inform customers that they had the right to cancel.

Posted important delay information on his social media platforms only. When he actually needed to either call, fax, or email every single customer to receive their consent.

Tried to charge more for a book customers had already paid for.

Tried to give people an ebook when they had paid for a physical book.

Did not call, fax, or email every single customer after the cancelation.

Failed to AUTO REFUND.

Refunds should be prompt after the seller cancels. The customers have nothing to do with his personal financial situation. They have a right to their money, no matter what.