Handing out not-so-free gift
certificates?

The Direct Marketing Association rained down upon five companies ruled non-compliant with the self-regulated Guidelines for Ethical Business Practices.

According to DM News, consumers complained to DMA about Star Financial, ExclusiveGiftCards.com, Aristar Resorts, DADA USA Inc. and Union Federal Mortgage Corp.

Publicizing names is a correction tactic utilized by the DMA if non-compliant companies fail to respond to the association's member-driven ethics committees, designed to work with them to meet compliance requirements.

Those who fail to meet guidelines are also expelled from the DMA if they are members, and are also reported to appropriate local and federal authorities.

Infractions for this most recent five included lacking a privacy policy, making cell phone calls without affirmative consent, and conducting automated phone solicitations, among others.