Why I’m not surprised the feds are side-eyeing your favorite “AI gurus”
If you’ve attended any of my webinars or watched my AI videos ( if not, we’re gonna fix that in a minute), then you’ve already heard me say this:
Just because someone knows how to spell “AI” doesn’t mean they have built a solid, dependable solution or tool to solve your business issue.
Well, guess who’s finally joining the conversation? That’s right — the Federal Trade Commission. Their latest crackdown targets the surge of exaggerated, unsubstantiated AI marketing claims from folks out here selling “magic bots” that’ll do everything from writing your website copy to walking your dog. (Okay, I made that last one up — but give it a month.)
In their own words:
“Claims around artificial intelligence have become more prevalent in the marketplace, including frequent promises about the ways it could potentially enhance people’s lives through automation and problem solving.”
FTC Press Release – September 25, 2024
Just because it sounds futuristic doesn’t mean it’s true — or legal.
Why This Matters for You
Whether you’re in tech, product development, the public sector, or running your own business, chances are someone’s pitched you an “AI-powered solution” in the past 90 days. Maybe it promised to:
- Run your ops team on autopilot
- Triple your productivity by Tuesday
- Replace half your staff with a chatbot named Ava (who, by the way, never needs PTO)
And hey — AI is powerful. I use it all the time. But here’s the difference: I use it realistically. Strategically. Responsibly.
I’ve explored how I might leverage AI as an early adopter and offer my clients real solutions to real problems. I’ve even built a few things based on fellow AI enthusiasts’ hype — but preliminary testing let me down every time. Inconsistency. Hallucinations. Mystery disconnections. You name it. I’ve yet to come up with something I’d feel comfortable putting my name on and selling in good faith.
Maybe that’s a me problem. But then the FTC spoke up.
Too many agencies are rolling out fresh-from-the-lab tools without field testing, without guardrails, and without a clue about operational fit. They’re selling possibility as if it were reliability. And when things inevitably don’t go as promised? You’re left with a blown budget, a burned-out team, and a software subscription you’re scared to cancel.
Meanwhile, Ethan — the founder of a barely-out-of-beta “AI agency” — is already on YouTube telling others how to make million$ selling the same shaky solution to someone else.
What You Should Actually Be Asking
Before signing on to anything labeled “AI,” ask:
- Has this tool been tested in an environment like mine?
- Is the output consistent and verifiable — or just flashy?
- Will this streamline operations, or just stack another dashboard on my team’s plate?
- What is the support model? Is there a support model?
If you can’t get straight answers, walk away. Don’t get roped into a bad deal just because you’re afraid of being “left behind.”
Want the Real Scoop on AI (Minus the Hype)?
Want to get smart about AI — without the sales pitch? I spent 10 weeks breaking it all down: what AI is, how it’s used, where the risks are, and what’s real. No hype, no fearmongering — just facts (and my occasional goofy humor).
Watch the full series here: Tuesdays with Teresa
Because before you invest in AI, you deserve to understand it. And before you let someone automate your workflow, make sure they know what a workflow is.
So… Where Do You Go From Here?
Now, I don’t claim to be an AI expert — but I know enough to be dangerous (and productive). What I do know is good business practice, risk management, and how to think strategically when it comes to technology decisions.
That’s why I have a solid track record of helping organizations reach their goals through the successful delivery of projects.
As a business chameleon, I’ve worked across multiple industries and adapted to all kinds of project environments. I’m agile like that. And I can help you make yours successful too — with or without AI.
Intrigued? Let’s chat: Schedule a conversation
