Selling ads on site to possible ponzi schemes?

[legaljoe]

What is the name of your state? Kentucky

Ok to start off, I run a site similar to http://www.talkgold.com/forum

The site is basically the same. People discuss HYIPs and autosurf programs and give their opinions on which ones are scams and which are not. Like Talkgold.com I also sell banner ads to people, as well as have google ads on my site. My question is, am I legally responsible for the ads I sell? If an ad I sell turns out to be a scam, am I breaking the law? Also what about google adsense ads which may be scam, Am I or google responsible for those ads?

I have clear disclaimers like Talkgold.com/forum has saying that ads could be scams and that I have not verified the legitimacy of any.

I need a professionals opinion on whether I am doing everything legally. Basically if Talkgold.com/forum is legal then I am too since my site is almost the same. I ask these questions because I banned a person from my site for cursing and now he is making my life a hell by sending spam emails out trying to get my site terminated as well as sending hundreds of complaints to the FBI and SEC.

Should I be worried?

Deuce

 

[racer72]

As the owner of a website, you can be held liable for all content. This includes any ads. I would suggest sticking with those that offer legitimate advertising.

 

[legaljoe]

The problem is that these same companies use google adwords to advertise? Wouldn't google be held responsible as well? Also it is not easy for me to determine which sites are legit and which are not. I feel it is better for me to have a warning and allow all advertisers then to select the ones I think are legit, thus signaling to my members that I have somehow verified them. If one was to be a scam then I'd feel even worse. The people at my site know these programs are gambles.