Which is, as near as I can tell, exactly what these people have been convicted of doing? Maybe these people shaded the truth a bit more; the FAFSA application sites tend to have disclaimers. Eg https://www.fafsa-application.com/ has a fairly prominent disclaimer, presumably because they believe anything less will get them sued.
[1]: Although when I tested it just now, it seems Google has got better about filtering them out of the organic results, at least, since I went through college. Which is good for students I guess.
That and being honest about how much value you are bringing to the table. If you don't actually improve on the free version, it is unethical to sell.
And you should never use language to imply a value proposition where there is none. For example, someone else posted a link to some green card scammers. One of their claims is:
> "USAFIS GUARANTEES 100% participation in the Lottery!"
This may be true, but it is still an unethical statement. It hints that this is a net positive vs. the free application the USG provides, but in fact any valid, submitted application participates in the lottery.
"They showed no regard for the unnecessary costs they imposed on their victims - I would say they treated them with contempt." - Hmm that isn't new.
https://www.gimletmedia.com/reply-all/76-lost-in-a-cab
https://www.gimletmedia.com/reply-all/78-very-quickly-to-the...
They do offer a clear disclaimer though.
Didn't you answer your own question? They claim if you use their service then your application will participate, this they are claiming your application will be valid and submitted. Id you don't use their service then there is a chance your application will not be valid or submitted... Isn't that a positive? Maybe not enough of a positive to justify the cost, but their claim isn't unethical.