Lisa Shosteck

The scope of fraud on unsuspecting consumers is on the rise with a loss of billions and billions of dollars nationwide. There is a real opportunity for companies to take a greater leadership role by educating consumers, training employees, and taking preventative steps to protect their brand and support fraud victims.

In recent years, consumer privacy has garnered a lot of attention and scrutiny from legislators and regulators. The latest alarm has been sounded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding business practices involving anonymized data.

As we move toward a new normal, there are shifts in behaviors and trends in how and where we work and live and do business. Part of the consumers’ focus on data and privacy issues includes seeking greater control on how marketing offers are being communicated in promotional mail and online display ads.

This ethics update focuses on where data privacy intersects an evolving landscape of shifts in consumer expectations, technology providers’ practices, and regulatory focus. We spotlight the trends in the industry and tools and guidance for developing a data privacy plan.

Older consumers rule the marketing landscape in many ways. But as we market to them, areas of concern continue to arise. This ethics update focuses on best practices to employ in sweepstakes and prize promotions to protect the vulnerable — our older and/or mentally impaired Americans.

Building consumer trust and brand trust is vital! ANA offers key guidance and a robust toolkit to help meet the needs of consumers and manage your direct mail campaigns.

Technological advancements, big-tech privacy moves, regulatory and legislative changes continue to shape the digital advertising landscape. ANA, DAA, and PRAM offer committees, guidance, principles, and other resources to help your company stay abreast of these issues.

As we release the latest ANA Annual Ethics Compliance Report, reflect on 2020 and implement our plans for growth for 2021, now is the perfect time for a data check-up to see if there’s any areas that need to be tightened up and improved. So while you’re making your own annual check-ups, don’t forget to schedule an annual check-up for your company.