tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42949815939576450472024-03-13T17:59:33.992-04:00Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation ProgramERSP's mission is to enhance consumer confidence in electronic retailing. ERSP inquires about the evidentiary support that a marketer possesses for product claims and determines whether the marketer has provided a reasonable basis for the representations disseminated in direct response advertising.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-56590475119190500372017-07-17T11:38:00.001-04:002017-07-17T11:52:00.257-04:00Advertisers: A Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes to You!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><i>The May/June 2017 issue of the Electronic Retailer, a publication for direct response advertisers, included the below article from ERSP Director Peter Marinello:</i><br />
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<br />
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br />
<br />
It’s hard not to wonder what the great Thomas Jefferson would
make of today’s ongoing assault on truthful speech in contemporary society. It
was, after all, our third president who was responsible for the concept of
holding truth “to be self-evident” and who once noted that “honesty is the
first chapter in the book of wisdom.” It’s a good bet that Jefferson—pretty
much like all of us—would be exasperated with the reckless disregard of one of our
most cherished principles: Providing our fellow man with truthful and accurate
information.</div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
While taking liberties with the truth is nothing new, the
lack of accountability we have come to expect from purveyors of the falsehoods
has become downright unsettling. At what point did we become so forgiving with
our demand for the facts? Since when did we become immune to influencers not
disclosing material information that is so pivotal to our thought processes? </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
A few weeks ago, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time </i>magazine
presented us with one of its more disconcerting cover stories in recent memory,
asking “Is the Truth Dead?” The story mused that at no time in our country’s
history have we provided others such great latitude in their descriptions of
factual circumstance. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
As someone who has worked in the world advertising
self-regulation for over two decades, I recognize that I may be overly sensitive
to the expectation of someone having, at a minimum, a reasonable basis for
factual assertions that are intended to influence public decision-making. After
all, it has long been the mantra of advertising self-regulation to ensure that
product claims are properly supported and disseminated “truthfully and
accurately” to consumers. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
So while I’m taken aback by the cavalier approach some people
are taking toward their responsibility to provide reliable, straightforward,
and factual information to their audiences and the low threshold of
expectations we have afforded these speakers, I am heartened by a recent report
that indicates an unlikely channel of expression is garnering increased trust among
members of the public: advertising.</div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
In a March 2017 survey by YouGov, an online polling company that
provides comprehensive market intelligence on a range of industry sectors, internet
users who see ads at least once a month were asked if they trust the
advertising they see, read, or hear. According to the results, 61 percent of
respondents 18 and older answered in the affirmative—an increase of 11 percentage
points from three years ago, when half said they didn’t trust advertising. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
But the results didn’t stop there. In addition to finding increased
trust in advertising, 72 percent of the survey respondents also indicated that
“they would be more likely to say they feel the ads they encounter are ‘honest,’”
which is 15 percent higher than the responses to the same question in 2014.</div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
The results of the YouGov survey were surprising in light of
historically low levels of trust expressed in surveys by <a href="http://www.gallup.com/home.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Gallup</span></a>. Its annual polls
have indicated a marked level of diminished trust in many U.S. institutions including
churches, banks, the press, and Congress over the past 10 years. Overall, the <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/192581/americans-confidence-institutions-stays-low.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">average confidence</span></a> in institutions had fallen to 32 percent in
2016—down from 43 percent in 2004. Conversely, a high level of trust in
advertising has trended slightly upward in each of the past three years and has
stayed fairly constant over the past decade.</div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
A study conducted by MarketingSherpa last October got even
more granular with respect to consumer trust in advertising. According to
results obtained from 2,400 respondents, almost eight out of 10 respondents
said they trust print and television ads when making a purchase decision. However,
the news wasn’t nearly as positive for digital and mobile channels, which were
trusted by just 39 percent of respondents. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
What these numbers suggest is that amidst eroding trust in
various institutions and professions across this great country, the peoples’
faith that advertisers and marketers are disseminating truthful information has
hardly waned over the last few years and, if anything, has increased slightly. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
Before we begin celebrating and patting each other on the
back, however, it’s hard to ignore that respondents still placed advertisers on
the low end of the totem pole with respect to honesty—well below some vocations
that are often more ethically suspect among consumers, including stockbrokers,
senators and, yes, lawyers. Interestingly, members of Congress were listed as
the least honest of all professionals. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
Although it would be wrong to conclude that in times of great
societal consternation about the faith and belief in many of our cherished
institutions that consumers are turning to advertising as a beacon of
truthfulness and veracity, it is important to note that trust in advertising
has remained unchanged. Further, as the public searches desperately to fill the
void of honesty and integrity that that has been woefully lacking among our
leaders in business and politics, an opportunity is presenting itself for those
of an entrepreneurial spirit. </div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
<br /></div>
<div class="RFFStyle">
Not many professions seize the moment like direct response
advertisers do. So in these times of great uncertainty, we at the Electronic Retailing
Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) call on the advertising industry to double down
on self-regulation and join us in our neverending quest to reinforce consumer
confidence in the messages you communicate to the public.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-29258219460599754962015-07-23T12:29:00.002-04:002015-07-23T12:29:30.465-04:00ERSP Recommends Intellibiz Modify Certain Claims for Real Estate Education Program; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Intellibiz modify or discontinue certain claims for the “Simple Man’s Guide to Real Estate” investing course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an anonymous competitor challenge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the real estate investing course, including:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Give me 30 minutes and I guarantee I can teach anyone how to make at least $5,000 in 14 days" - Bill Vaughn</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Earn a minimum of $100,000 each and every year you use our program, working only part-time, or we will send you a check for double the purchase price, no questions asked.”</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">“The only COMPLETE Real Estate Investor Training Program Outperforming every other real estate investing course since 1989”</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Best guarantee in the business!”</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Homero Guerrero pocketed this certified check for $10,000 in less than 2 weeks (wholesaling)”</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Angela Pockets $150,000 On First Deal”</span></i></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ERSP was also concerned about the omission of clear and conspicuous disclosures concerning the typical results consumers can generally expect to achieve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Although ERSP was not troubled by claims describing the general performance methods included in the advertised real estate investment program, ERSP found that the specific quantified earnings created real income expectations for consumers that required substantiation and could not be adequately qualified by a single disclosure stating, “Results may vary from one transaction to another.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In response to ERSP’s initial inquiry, the marketer addressed certain concerns raised by ERSP. ERSP recommended that the marketer discontinue earnings and performance claims presented in a comparative context, although ERSP did agree with IntelliBiz that its “Best guarantee in the business!” claim would be interpreted by consumers as statement of puffery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Finally, ERSP recommended that the marketer clearly and conspicuously disclose additional qualifying information when communicating earnings representations using consumer testimonials to provide more clarity to consumers regarding generally expected results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it is “<i>in the process of substantially revising our advertising and continue to improve our consumer messaging to be as truthful, accurate, clear and conspicuous as possible</i>.”</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-83517765598657153812015-06-26T15:37:00.001-04:002015-06-26T15:37:31.254-04:00ERSP Recommends Rich Dad Education, Inc. Modify Certain Testimonials Claims for Real Estate Education Program<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Rich Dad Education, Inc., modify or discontinue certain claims made in student testimonials featured at the Rich Dad Education website. <br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an anonymous competitor challenge. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed advertising claims that included: </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Rich Dad Education's Free Workshops are eye-opening, 2-hour sessions with the definite potential to change your life for the better!”</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"FinFreedomBound – Profit: $72,500”</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“WholesalePro – Profit: $20,383”</span></span></i></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />ERSP also reviewed claims made during free live seminar events, including:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Claims that the presenter would teach consumers how to do a wholesale real estate deal and make $10,000 in the next 60 days</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />ERSP was primarily concerned with the specific quantified profits earned by former and current students that are being featured on the “Real Estate Deals” tab of the website. ERSP noted that there appear to be two different categories of deals – “Deals of the Month” and “Most Recent Deals.” The only apparent distinction between the two categories is that the “Most Recent Deals” contains an asterisk that leads to a disclosure at the bottom of the webpage. With respect to the “Deals of the Month” category, there is no apparent accompanying disclosure language to indicate whether or not these particular results are typical, and, if not, a disclosure of the amount of money they may expect to earn from using the program.<br /><br />In general, when reviewing direct response marketing in the real estate investing industry, ERSP takes a broad approach and looks at the messages communicated as a whole, across all medium of marketing. Generally, the key issue before ERSP in this particular product category is whether the advertising at issue conveys specific express or implied earnings expectations to consumers, aside from the general message that they could earn money using the techniques outlines by the program. <br /><br />In this instance, ERSP noted its concern about the lack of any clear and conspicuous disclosures concerning the typical results consumers can generally expect to achieve from using the product.<br />ERSP as well determined that the performance claims that formed the basis of inquiry did not communicate any specific express earnings expectations for consumers besides the general message that they can earn money using the techniques taught at the Rich Dad Education program. <br /><br />ERSP acknowledged that the marketer possesses survey results to demonstrate that students of Rich Dad do indeed experience success. However, ERSP noted that the potential for consumer uncertainty exists because the disclosure in the advertisement notes that the stated results are predicated on the purchase of advanced training courses and this may not be apparent to a consumer who is simply interested in the free live event and the possibility of earning supplemental income.<br /><br />ERSP recommended that the marketer refrain from making quantified earnings claims without clearly and conspicuously disclosing what students of the program can typically expect to earn. ERSP additionally recommended that Rich Dad discontinue the use of such unverified testimonial claims in its advertising material and at free live seminars.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it “takes seriously our obligations to our students and the consuming public and strive to be honest, open, and in compliance with our legal obligations” and that it “has removed the ‘Real Deal from Real Estate Investors in Real Estate’ webpage from its website for reasons independent of ASRC’s Review and it is our present intention not to host such a page on our website in the future whereby it could be construed that Rich Dad Education was making implied claims regarding the amount of monetary success achievable by our students without ensuring that all appropriate disclaimers were provided.”<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-42897610584463403442015-06-15T15:31:00.000-04:002015-06-22T15:32:16.387-04:00ERSP Finds Guthy-Renker Can Support Performance Claims for “Cold Plasma Sub-D”<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has determined
that Guthy-Renker can support performance claims for Cold Plasma Sub-D, a
topical cream intended to sculpt and tighten the appearance of skin along the
chin and jawline.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to
its ongoing monitoring program.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ERSP reviewed broadcast and online advertising
claims for Cold Plasma Sub-D, including:<span> </span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Results
you can expect to see [are]: Visibly tightening of the appearance of sagging,
loose skin and improved appearance of double chin”</i></span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Visibly
more crisp appearance of the chin and jawline, imparting an overall more
youthful looking face"</i><span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Visibly
improved appearance of lines and wrinkles on the neck and décolletage with
noticeable improvement in overall skin texture</i>”<span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Sub-D is
specifically formulated for the area called the submandibular. Often neglected,
the skin in this area has unique needs and Cold Plasma Sub-D helps tackle the
most common signs of aging on the chin, jawline, neck, and décolleté."</i><span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><i>“I saw
results within a week.”</i><span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As support for the performance and
establishment claims at issue, the marketer submitted the results of consumer
usage studies conducted on the product itself. Guthy-Renker also provided ERSP
with several articles on the benefits of the individual ingredients in Cold
Plasma Sub-D contained in the product formulation as support for its position.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">While ERSP did conclude that, based upon
the collective materials in the case record, the marketer provided adequate
support for its general performance claim that specified the specific benefits
from using Cold Plasma Sub-D, ERSP determined that it would be material for
consumers to know that the claim was based on a consumer usage study and,
accordingly, this information should be disclosed conspicuously, in close
proximity to the claim.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>ERSP noted Guthy-Renker’s voluntary
modifications to the two consumer testimonials at issue in the subject matter
(“After six weeks, my jawline appeared more defined and the sagging, loose skin
under my chin is tighter and has a more youthful appearance" and “I saw
results within a week.”). Although the marketer maintained that the depiction
of product performance after one week was not a core claim in the advertising,
ERSP did not agree. It was concluded that the communication of product
performance that can be typically expected by consumers is a fundamental and
pivotal component of the Cold Plasma Sub-D advertising. ERSP also determined
that the marketer’s commitment to voluntarily modify the consumer testimonial
attesting to the expected results “<i>within
a week” </i>of using Cold Plasma Sub-D to more clearly communicate the
limitations of the consumer usage study was warranted.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “Guthy-Renker
is very pleased with ERSP’s determination that all of the challenged claims for
Cold Plasma Sub-D are substantiated, and that the changes Guthy-Renker
voluntarily agreed to make in relation to certain disclaimers are appropriate.
Guthy-Renker is a long-time supporter of the self-regulatory process and
appreciates ERSP’s review.”</span></span></div>
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-86606232627460038292015-05-11T15:29:00.000-04:002015-06-22T15:30:05.558-04:00ERSP Finds La Lumiere Can Support Certain Claims for ‘illuMask’ Acne Treatment, Recommends Marketer Modify Certain Claims<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has determined
that La Lumiere, LLC, can support performance claims for illuMask, a device
intended to help treat acne. However, ERSP recommended that the marketer clarify
its money-back guarantee claims.<br />
<br />
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to
its ongoing monitoring program.<br />
<br />
ERSP reviewed broadcast and online advertising
claims for illuMask, including:<br />
<ul>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Get clear
and stay clear."</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Just …put
on the mask and get clear.”</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Get a
clearer complexion and fewer breakouts with the illuMask Anti-Acne Light
Therapy Mask.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Bringing
the Power of Light Therapy Home”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Safe,
effective and effortless treatment for less than a dollar a day.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Blue
light energy kills the light sensitive P. acnes bacteria on and below the skin
surface while the red light boosts your natural skin cell turnover and healing
process to reduce swelling, inflammation, and redness.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As support for the performance and
establishment claims at issue, the marketer provided ERSP with testing on the
product, evidence of its FDA 510(k) clearance, and information concerning the
effectiveness of red and blue light therapy. Following its review of the
evidence in the record, ERSP determined that the marketer </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">supported its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Get Clear. Stay Clear”</i> messages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ERSP reviewed two short-form commercials in
which money-back guarantee claims were made. In one version, the marketer
clearly presented its 30-day, money-back guarantee while the other presented
the guarantee as a 90-day guarantee appeared to be inconsistent with the
specific terms of the 30-day, money-back offer provided on the website.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ERSP recommended
that the marketer reconcile the use of the two different guarantees that are
communicated in the broadcast advertising and include a disclosure that either
provides the specific terms of the money-back offer or directs consumers to the
illuMask website for the specific details.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “La Lumiere
appreciates ERSP's review and confirmation of the illuMask claims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>La
Lumiere is committed to improving people's lives by way of light therapy and
making this technology affordable and accessible to consumers everywhere.”</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-79363508411604705442015-03-31T15:22:00.000-04:002015-06-22T15:23:51.194-04:00ERSP Recommends Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy Modify Certain Claims for Real Estate Education Program; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy modify or discontinue certain claims for the Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy education program.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an anonymous competitor challenge. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the affiliate marketing, real estate investing program, including: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Over the last two years, his team has flipped over 800 properties across the country. They're coming to your city offering free training & information on how to make serious money in today's real estate market!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“specific strategies in flipping houses to make quick cash”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Interested in earning extra money in real estate? Want to learn how to make $30,000 in 30 days? Come to Nick's upcoming FREE real estate training workshop in a nearby city and learn how to get in, get out, and GET PAID!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“…make $10,000 to $40,000 per deal in your spare time without using any of your own money.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“James & Minke: 3 Properties Purchased; $33,112 Net Cash Flow 22% in Appreciation”</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ERSP reviewed advertising claims made in radio advertising and at two of advertiser’s websites that promoted Nick Vertucci as a real estate investment expert who could teach customers how to make money with real estate investing through courses and training.<br /><br />ERSP noted the marketer’s willingness to cooperate and participate in the self-regulatory process. <br /><br />However, ERSP was concerned with representations regarding the implication that customers of the Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy would have access to “up to $1,000,000” in “pre-approved funding.” ERSP recommended that the marketer modify the claim to disclose whether material terms and conditions that would affect the ability to obtain such funding.<br /><br />Further, ERSP recommended the marketer discontinue performance claims that customers could earn money quickly and easily. While ERSP recognizes that it is possible to earn money in real estate investing, like any other wealth creation enterprise, success is typically the result of hard work and a time commitment. As such, advertisers should be careful not to communicate, through express or implied claims, that earning money using a product or service is effortless, easy and/or simple<br /><br />ERSP acknowledged the marketer’s pledge to modify all earnings claims, but noted that the marketer should, in future advertising, refrain from making earnings claims until it reliable data that will support references to the amount of money that consumers may typically earn using the product.<br /><br />ERSP noted that the marketer did not provide any evidence regarding the amount of money that students of Nick Vertucci have earned. ERSP does not dispute that the success stories depicted in the advertising are from real people with actual success stories. However, ERSP recommended that such testimonials be accompanied by clear and conspicuous language qualifying the claims with disclosures of typicality. <br /><br />Finally, ERSP acknowledged the marketer’s pledge to add clear and conspicuous disclosures that can be read along with each testimonial, in order to alleviate the potential confusion about the typical results that consumers can generally expect to achieve. <br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it “agrees with ERSP's recommendations, pledges to implement those recommendations and will implement procedures to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, industry guidelines and best industry practices.”</span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-54593791769957041452015-03-17T15:20:00.000-04:002015-06-22T15:21:22.454-04:00ERSP Recommends Armando Montelongo Seminars Modify Certain Claims for Real Estate Education Program; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Armando Montelongo Seminars modify or discontinue certain claims for the Armando Montelongo Real Estate Education program.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an anonymous competitor challenge. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the real estate investing program, including:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Learn how you can start making money 'Flipping Houses' right here in your own back yard.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“See why people, just like you, are making money and having success using Armando's investing strategies, techniques, and systems.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Learn from the #1 Education Company in the World”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Be one of the first 50 people to register and attend Armando's Mega Millionaire Event to receive a chance to win a $5,000 check* from Armando himself! Also receive your own VIP CASH FLOW PACKAGE and SOCIAL MIXER with Armando's team of real estate experts, a $500 Value absolutely FREE, just for attending!” and “When you attend your name will be entered into a drawing for a $5,000 dollar check. There are no strings and no catches. This drawing is something we are doing as a monthly customer appreciation celebration.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“The education I received through Armando’s system was more valuable than my college education. I made over $45,000 in profit on my first flip.” [Amir H]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I successfully flipped my first property, with no prior real estate experience after learning Armando’s system and I made a profit over $34,000 on my first flip.” [Janie G]</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ERSP also reviewed claims made during free live seminar events, including:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“[Armando will] guarantee in writing you will make money by using Armando’s program.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Claims that Armando flipped 138 houses in his first 3 years in the real estate industry</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />The marketer’s websites (www.armandolive.com and www.armandomontelongo.com) and program infomercials explain that Armando Montelongo is a house flipper, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.<br /><br />As a preliminary matter, ERSP noted that the marketer revised a number of claims for AM Real Estate Education during the course of the inquiry. <br /><br />The key issue before ERSP was whether the advertising at issue conveyed specific express or implied earnings expectations to consumers, aside from the general message that they could earn money using the techniques outlines by the program. ERSP noted its concern about the lack of any clear and conspicuous disclosures concerning the typical results consumers can generally expect to achieve from using the product.<br /><br />Regarding earnings claims communicated by consumer testimonials used in the advertising, ERSP recommended that the marketer clearly and conspicuously, and in close proximity to the claims, provide consumers with some indication of the range or the average amount of money that can be generally earned based upon the scenario described in the testimonial. <br /><br />ERSP noted in its decision that the marketer denied that the following information was communicated during a live seminar: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“[Armando will] guarantee in writing you will make money by using Armando’s program.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Claims that Armando flipped 138 houses in his first 3 years in the real estate industry.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ERSP noted that representations communicated by a speaker during a live seminar are often unscripted and difficult to document. Further, without evaluating claims in the context in which they are presented, it is difficult to properly assess the messages communicated to consumers. <br /><br />Nevertheless, ERSP emphasized that any claims that detail Armando Montelongo’s success in using the same techniques he is selling to consumers could be understood to mean that consumers can typically expect the same results. If the results are not typical, ERSP noted, the burden is on the advertiser to disclose what result could typically be expected. </span><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it “has already incorporated many of ERSP’s suggested practices and has committed to evaluate its marketing practices in light of the ERSP review going forward.”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-29471608116518424522015-02-06T15:26:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:27:27.603-04:00ERSP Reviews Advertising for ‘Curamin,’ Recommends Marketer Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that EuroPharma, Inc. modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for Curamin,
a dietary supplement intended to treat pain and inflammation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to an
anonymous competitive challenge.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ERSP reviewed online advertising claims
for Curamin, including:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Curamin
contains a super-absorption curcumin called BCM-95 that can be up to 10 times
stronger than plain curcumin products."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Blending
four powerful, effective and clinically proven ingredients into one
award-winning product provides an unprecedented level of natural relief."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Curamin
contains a super-absorption curcumin called BCM-95 that can be up to 10 times
stronger than plain curcumin products.” </i>and<i> “This form of high-absorption curcumin is micronized and re-blended
with the essential oil of turmeric for up
to 10 times the absorption and greater blood retention time at
meaningful levels compared to standard 95% curcumin extracts."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Features
clinically proven BCM-95 bioavailable curcumin”</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>ERSP also considered whether EuroPharma
failed to adequately inform consumers of the material connection between
EuroPharma and the website TerryTalksNutrition.com, which features Terry
Lemerond, a founder and president of EuroPharma.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">During
the course of the inquiry, the marketer informed ERSP that it voluntarily
discontinued a number of the claims that were at issue in the inquiry, such as
“<i>Most effective curcumin available</i>.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
marketer asserted that the TerryTalksNutrition site is a third-party,
educational website containing information relating to health and nutrition and
that the content is based on the opinions and experience of Mr. <span>Lemerond.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">EuroPharma
said that as a demonstration of good faith, future references on the site will
be made only to ingredients and not specific formulas. EuroPharma also
explained that it had removed links from the blog to EuroPharmaUSA.com and
Curamin.com.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>In considering the remaining establishment
claims at issue, the marketer submitted several studies on the key ingredients found
in Curamin. ERSP also looked to the National Advertising Division’s (NAD)
previous self-regulatory inquiry concerning Curamin as guidance</span>. As
noted by NAD, the marketer’s evidence did adequately demonstrate that Curamin
provides joint health benefits, including some relief from the pain associated
with osteoarthritis.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Based upon the results of the scientific studies provided by
EuroPharma to ERSP as well as the determinations reached by NAD, ERSP
determined that EuroPharma provided sufficient support for the establishment
claims for Curamin that were communicated in a non-quantified context.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>However, ERSP recommended that the
quantified claims regarding the comparative strength and absorption of the
curcumin ingredient in Curamin be discontinued, while noting that the
marketer’s evidence would be sufficient to support general efficacy claims
regarding the ingredient’s comparative absorption benefits.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “EuroPharma
is pleased that ERSP carefully and thoughtfully considered the evidence
submitted in support of the claims made for Curamin. We have made modifications
to our website as recommended by ERSP and will follow ERSP’s suggestions in
future advertising claims for this product. We thank ERSP for their willingness
to discuss the advertising claims for Curamin in an open and cooperative
manner. EuroPharma remains committed to truthful and accurate advertising.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-21540741989375454432014-12-23T15:20:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:22:24.553-04:00ERSP Recommends Premier Care in Bathing Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims for Its Walk-In Baths<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Premier Care in Bathing (“PCIB”) modify or discontinue certain advertising
claims for its walk-in bathtubs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through a
competitive challenge filed by Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 1.0in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
ERSP reviewed broadcast, print, and
online advertising claims for PCIB, including:</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“In fact,
while other manufacturers use harsh water jets that can carry bacteria and
damage or bruise your skin..."</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“America’s
leader in Walk-In Tubs"</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The best
selling walk-in bath in America.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The challenger also expressed
concerns regarding the lack of a clear and conspicuous disclosure detailing the
financing offer and the claim that the offer is a special or limited time offer.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Following its
review, ERSP found that the PCIB did not provide adequate substantiation for
the claim that “… other manufacturers use harsh water jets that can carry
bacteria and damage or bruise your skin...” and recommended that the marketer
either discontinue or modify the claim to avoid the possibility that consumers
would interpret the claim as a reference to all competitors in the marketplace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">There was no
dispute, ERSP noted, that PCIB is the oldest walk-in bath tub company in the
industry and the first company to offer walk-in baths to US consumers. However,
ERSP found that the marketer’s evidence did not support the claims “America’s
leader in Walk-In Tubs” and “The best selling walk-in bath in America.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ERSP said nothing in its decision precludes the marketer from making a
claim that it is an industry leader – making it clear, for example, that
the claim is based upon PCIB’s history in the product category and does
not imply the claim is based on current sales data.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ERSP also determined
that the marketer’s revised “$150 Per Month” financing offer appropriately disclosed
important material information, but remained concerned that the disclosure was
not adequately clear and conspicuous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ERSP found that
the marketer’s “special offer” claim was appropriately presented, but recommended
that because the period of availability of a “limited time” offer is material
to consumers, such information should be disclosed conspicuously in the
advertising.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The company, in
its marketer’s statement, said, “… PCIB appreciates and respects the
self-regulatory process, is committed to truthful and accurate advertising, and
will adhere to ERSP's recommendations in future advertising.”</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-10898770006946575442014-12-15T15:33:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:34:19.361-04:00ERSP Refers Advertising for Plymouth Direct’s ‘BeActive’ Brace to FTC, FDA<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has
announced it will refer direct-response advertising for the “BeActive Brace,”
marketed by Plymouth Direct Inc., to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the marketer failed to agree to comply
with ERSP’s recommendations to modify or discontinue certain claims.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. <span>The marketer’s advertising
came to ERSP’s attention pursuant to an anonymous competitive challenge.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claims at issue in the initial inquiry included:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>“The point specific
pressure brace for fast effective sciatic back pain relief."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Relieves
tension up the sciatic nerve with firm trigger point acupressure."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Reduces both short
term and chronic sciatic back pain.”</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Helping you
live pain free & enjoy being active again.”</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span><i>“You need BeActive,
the revolutionary new acupressure system that instantly helps ease discomfort
in your lower back, buttocks, and legs."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span><i>"You'll
instantly begin experiencing relief."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><i>"Back pain
often radiates from the lower back to the lower extremities, but apply BeActive
to the trigger point on the calf muscle to instantly relieve pain."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"The secret is
the acupoint pressure pad that gently compresses, alleviating pain at the
sciatic nerve and lower back for instant relief."</i><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>ERSP determined that the evidence in the
case record did not support claims indicating that the product would be
effective in providing relief from all sciatica conditions, particularly those
that originate in the upper extremities, and sciatica pain that is referred
from the two trigger points in the soleus muscle that are not stimulated by the
BeActive brace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>ERSP also recommended that the claim that use of the product will
result in consumers being “<i>pain free</i>”
was not adequately substantiated and that </span>the marketer should
discontinue the claim “<em>Expensive
pain-relievers wear off, but BeActive is always there to deliver the pain
relief you need” </em>and the accompanying visual in future advertising
for BeActive.<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The company, in its marketer’s
statement, did not indicate that it would agree to modify or discontinue the
advertising as recommended by ERSP. Therefore, pursuant to section 3.1(D) of
the ERSP Policy and Procedures, this matter has been referred to the FDA and FTC.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-20887968216525422952014-11-20T15:15:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:17:29.119-04:00ERSP Recommends Quest Nutrition Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims for Quest Protein Bars<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Quest Nutrition modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for Quest
Protein Bars.<br />
<br />
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an
anonymous competitive challenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 1.0in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
ERSP reviewed online advertising claims
for Quest Protein Bars, including:</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And the
last thing you want to do is throw that hard work away by eating other
nutrition bars or meal replacement bars that are little more than thinly
disguised candy.”</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“As most
people know, if you want to stay healthy, lose fat or build LEAN muscle, you
must control your carb intake. That's why we've worked so hard to create Quest
Bars with very few active carbs.”</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Quest
Bars will also curb your hunger more effectively than most foods. Because they
are packed with fiber, you'll find that they are very filling. The natural fats
and proteins will further keep your appetite satisfied for hours - making sure
that you can easily stay away from eating higher calorie, less nutritious fare.”</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Uniqueness”
</i>and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one-of-a-kind</i>” claims<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 1.0in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">At the
outset of the inquiry, the marketer informed ERSP that several of the
advertising claims</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> that were
the subject of the inquiry are currently the subject of pending litigation. As
such, ERSP </span>agreed that it was not appropriate to review those claims.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 1.0in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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Moreover, the marketer voluntarily discontinued
several claims, including testimonials at issue in ERSP’s inquiry. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Regarding the claim <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And the last thing you want to do is throw that hard work away by
eating other nutrition bars or meal replacement bars that are little more than
thinly disguised candy,”</i> ERSP recommended that the claim</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">be modified in future advertising in a way
that conveys a less broad, less categorical message to consumers regarding the
competitive products on the market.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 63.0pt 67.5pt 76.5pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ERSP determined that the implication that
consumers will lose fat or build muscle simply by eating Quest bars would not
be considered a “core claim” in the advertising. However, ERSP noted that it
would be helpful for the marketer to </span>reinforce to consumers that
combining an effective diet and exercise regimen is the most effective method to
obtain meaningful weight loss and that Quest bars are intended to be used as an
adjunct to, and not as a substitute for, a dedicated diet and exercise regimen.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 63.0pt 67.5pt 76.5pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As support for its claim that “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quest Bars will also curb your hunger more
effectively than most foods,</i>” Quest Nutrition provided ERSP with a
comparison of the fiber content of its protein bars to several common high-fiber
foods and other nutrition bars. Based on the comparative data, ERSP determined
that the marketer provided a reasonable basis for the claim.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -4.5pt .5in 63.0pt 67.5pt 76.5pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
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Finally,
after reviewing the evidence in the record, ERSP <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">determined
that the marketer adequately substantiated its </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Uniqueness” </i>and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one-of-a-kind</i>”
claims.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “We will
follow ESRP’s recommendations and revise one sentence and add two sentences in
our website for the sake of clarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are grateful to have participated in ESRP’s review and will continue in our
mission to provide high quality, nutritious products to our valued Quest family
as we strive for constant improvement in our lives and our products.”</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-48504541425484832612014-10-29T15:13:00.000-04:002015-06-22T15:14:32.461-04:00ERSP Recommends Universal Commerce Modify Advertising for ‘Senior Mobile’ Cell Phone to Better Disclose Activation Fee<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Universal Commerce modify certain advertising claims for Senior Mobile, a cell
phone designed for seniors, to better disclose that the free phone carries a
$97 activation fee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to
its ongoing monitoring program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in;">
<br /></div>
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ERSP reviewed print advertising claims
for Senior Mobile, including:</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Public
set to get easy to use cell phones free"</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“New cell
phones aimed at keeping Texas residents safe are being given away free to
everyone who beats the 48 hour deadline to cover just the one-time activation
fee, but only those Texas area residents who call are also getting nationwide
coverage with no long distance charges, no contracts, no deposits and no
monthly bills”</i></li>
<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The only
thing residents need to do is call the Toll Free Hotline before the 48-hour
order deadline ends to cover just a one-time activation fee to instantly be
awarded the new Senior Mobile cell phone for free.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“U.S.
Gov’t urges citizens to carry cell phones”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Senior Mobile is
a cell phone designed for seniors that includes an </span>“E” button, a
preprogrammed button which allows consumers to make a one-touch call to an
emergency dispatch center, instead of dialing 9-1-1.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ERSP determined</span> that the marketer
provided a reasonable basis for its position that the advertising has been
appropriately identified as a paid advertisement.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The “free” offer for Senior Mobile is
reinforced several times in the advertisement. While ERSP did not dispute that
the cell phone itself is free, it found that the $97 activation fee was a
material condition of the offer. As such, ERSP recommended Universal Commerce clearly
and conspicuously disclose material information about the activation and shipping
costs in the context of the advertising at issue as it pertains to the “free”
offer.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Universal Commerce, LLC, which is committed
to ensuring that its advertising is truthful, accurate, and substantiated,
appreciates the opportunity to participate in the Electronic Retailing
Self-Regulation Program self-regulatory process … While we disagree with ERSP's
conclusion that the multiple disclosures in the advertisement that consumers must
pay a $97 activation fee to obtain the phone are not sufficiently clear and conspicuous,
Universal Commerce will take ERSP's suggestions into consideration in its
future advertisements.”</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-54778312007575912642014-10-10T11:55:00.003-04:002014-10-10T11:55:56.113-04:00ERSP Reviews Advertising for ConsumerAffairs.com, Recommends Marketer Modify Certain Claims<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that ConsumerAffairs.com modify certain claims for its website.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising was challenged by UnbeatableSale, Inc.<br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for ConsumerAffairs, including:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Consumer Affairs is a consumer news and advocacy organization founded in 1998 by James R. Hood, a veteran Washington, D.C. journalist and public affairs executive. Our website includes consumer news, recall information and tens of thousands of pages of consumer reviews.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“ConsumerAffairs.com is a private, non-governmental entity that empowers consumers by providing a forum for their reviews.”</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The challenger also expressed concerns regarding the filtering of reviews on the website; a lack of disclosure to consumers that describes how the ratings system operates; the message that ConsumerAffairs.com is a consumer advocacy organization; and the lack of disclosures describing the material connection between ConsumerAffairs clients and their review pages.<br /><br />ConsumerAffairs is a website that publishes stories on various topics and compiles consumer news, recall information, consumer resolutions, and company features along with press releases and alerts from different public sources. The site also maintains a publicly searchable database of consumer reviews of companies; each page pertaining to a company on the website includes a five-star “satisfaction rating” based upon complaints and reviews.<br /><br />As the marketer’s website encompasses all aspects of customer contact, including products, services, sales and complaints, ERSP did not object to the marketer’s characterization of its website as a “… consumer news and advocacy organization.”<br /><br />ERSP found that the relationship between ConsumerAffairs and its accredited members was not adequately disclosed and thus, recommended the marketer clearly and conspicuously disclose the material connection it has with its accredited members throughout its website.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />ERSP also recommended that ConsumerAffairs modify its website to clearly and conspicuously disclose to visitors of the website that reviews and complaints upon which the satisfaction ratings are based are displayed differently for accredited members and non-accredited members.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “… as part of its continuing effort to provide consumers with the most accurate and updated information, ConsumerAffairs has made a number of modifications to its website that it believes addresses the two recommendations made by ERSP in its decision. ConsumerAffairs appreciates the recommendations received from ERSP regarding the information presented on ConsumerAffairs’ website, and believes that the modifications it has made address ERSP’s concerns and comply with all FTC guidelines.”</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-85583015180720062752014-10-10T11:44:00.000-04:002014-10-10T11:44:41.279-04:00ERSP Refers Advertising for Mobile Money Code to FTC<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) will refer direct response advertising for Mobile Money Code to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after the marketer failed to respond to an ERSP inquiry. <br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to ERSP’s attention pursuant to its ongoing monitoring program.<br /><br />Claims at issue in the initial inquiry included: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>“Free Training: 100% Make Money With Your Cellphone!” </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>“I’m going to help make you a millionaire”</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>“The $45,422 Dollar a Day System – Mobile Money Code” </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[screen shot of statement: Available Balance]<i> $2,577,839.10”</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>“In the past two years I’ve made my money using a very powerful and unique custom made, cash-generating cell phone technology.”</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>"I’m really hoping that this ‘automatic money system’ works…Am I really done? I can’t believe I’m done… $448.10! Wow! I was a believer, but now…wow! I mean, this is incredible!”</i></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pursuant to the ERSP Policy and Procedures, after failing to provide a substantive response to ERSP’s original inquiry within fifteen calendar days, the marketer was afforded a second ten-day period in which to submit a substantive response. The marketer did not do so. Pursuant to ERSP Policies and Procedures, this matter has been referred to the FTC.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-52382570013888995992014-09-25T16:07:00.000-04:002014-10-03T16:07:54.073-04:00ERSP Reviews Advertising for ‘Androfen,’ Recommends Marketer Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims; Find Marketer Can Support Certain Claims<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Androfen, LLC, modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for Androfen, a dietary supplement intended to increase testosterone levels. ERSP also determined that certain claims were supported by the advertiser’s evidence.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to its ongoing monitoring program. ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for Androfen, including:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Reduce body fat”</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Increase muscle”</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Accelerate sex drive”</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“CLINICALLY PROVEN TO:</span></span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MAXIMIZE MUSCLE MASS</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">BOOST SEX DRIVE & LIBIDO</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ENHANCE PERFORMANCE”</span></span></i></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“…reduce body fat by over 200%”</span></span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>“In a university clinical study, men taking the active ingredient in Androfen significantly increased their testosterone in only 12 hours and reduced their body fat by over 200% versus placebo."</i></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As support for the performance and establishment claims at issue, the marketer submitted several studies on Androfen’s key ingredient, fenugreek (T. foenum-graecum).<br /><br />Following its review of the evidence in the case record, ERSP determined that the marketer provided a reasonable basis for claims that Androfen will improve libido and sexual performance and promote fat loss.<br /><br />However, ERSP found that the evidence did not support establishment claims that fenugreek will help to increase muscle and maximize muscle mass. ERSP recommended that these claims be discontinued in the context in which they were presented. ERSP also recommended that the marketer discontinue the claim that “…<i>in clinical studies, it was shown that 85% of test subjects self-reported an improvement in sexual desire</i>.”<br /><br />ERSP determined that the quantified claim that Androfen will “<i>reduce body fat by over 200%</i>”, as it appears in the online advertising, could be reasonably interpreted by consumers to mean that users will experience a 200% fat loss from baseline. After reviewing the evidence, ERSP recommended that this claim be discontinued in its advertised context.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “Androfen, LLC has great respect for the role of ERSP in seeking to ensure truth and consumer confidence in direct response advertising. It welcomes and appreciates ERSP’s thorough review of advertising for its testosterone boosting product, Androfen. Despite Androfen, LLC’s respectful disagreements with ERSP on these aspects of the muscle mass and body fat claims for Androfen, it nevertheless certainly respects ERSP’s authority and views and therefore will give serious consideration to the recommendations contained in its report.”</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-39839833346238541042014-09-02T16:52:00.004-04:002014-09-02T16:52:55.784-04:00ERSP Refers Advertising for Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy to FTC After Marketer Declines to Participate in ERSP Inquiry<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) will refer direct response advertising for Nick Vertucci Real Estate Academy to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after the marketer, The Nick Vertucci Companies, Inc., respectfully declined to participate in an ERSP inquiry.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to an anonymous competitor challenge. <br /><br />Claims at issue in the initial inquiry included: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“<i>Over the last two years, his team has flipped over 800 properties across the country. They're coming to your city offering free training & information on how to make serious money in today's real estate market!”</i></span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Will you let me turn YOU into my next Real Estate Millionaire?”</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Interested in earning extra money in real estate? Want to learn how to make $30,000 in 30 days? Come to Nick's upcoming FREE real estate training workshop in a nearby city and learn how to get in, get out, and GET PAID!”</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“…make $10,000 to $40,000 per deal in your spare time without using any of your own money.”</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“James & Minke: 3 Properties Purchased; $33,112 Net Cash Flow 22% in Appreciation”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />Upon receipt of the Basis of Inquiry, the marketer informed ERSP that it was the named defendant in litigation in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Southern Division. The marketer noted that, pursuant to Section 2.2 (C)(ii)(b) of the <i>ERSP Policy & Procedures</i>, it would not participate in the self-regulatory forum, because it anticipates that the pending lawsuit will involve the same advertising and claims that are the subject of the ERSP inquiry.<br /><br />The marketer also indicated that, while it would be unable to comply with ERSP’s request for additional information, it is voluntarily undertaking a comprehensive review of its entire advertising and marketing materials. <br /><br />ERSP noted in its decision that while it recognized the marketer’s position regarding the pending litigation, there has been no confirmation that pending involves the same advertising and the same claims at issue in this self-regulatory inquiry.<br /><br />Accordingly, based upon the marketer’s written representation that it would not participate in this self-regulatory inquiry, ERSP is referring the matter to the FTC pursuant to Section 2.6 (B) of the <i>ERSP Policy & Procedures</i>.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-66505984264823283942014-08-28T16:01:00.000-04:002014-09-12T16:01:46.586-04:00ERSP Recommends Obesity Research Institute Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims for Lipozene<div class="MsoNormal">
The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Obesity Research Institute, LLC, modify or discontinue certain advertising
claims for Lipozene, a weight loss supplement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system
of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through its
ongoing monitoring program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In response to ERSP’s initial inquiry, the
marketer informed ERSP that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2005 had issued
a stipulated final judgment regarding another product marketed by ORI. That
order applies to Lipozene as a “substantially similar product.” The marketer provided
written documentation that the FTC has reviewed certain claims and
substantiating documentation in its 2006 compliance monitoring of Obesity
Research Institute and Lipozene.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ERSP closed its review of claims covered
by the 2005 order, but continued its review of certain performance claims and testimonials,
including:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i>"Lipozene
has effectively helped millions of people meet their weight loss goals."</i></li>
<li><i>"With
over 20 million bottles sold, Lipozene is America's #1 selling diet
supplement."</i></li>
<li><i>"There
are no known side effects when taken as directed."</i></li>
<li><i>"Best
of all Lipozene is all-natural and does not contain caffeine or other
stimulants that can leave you feeling jittery."</i></li>
<li><i>“I
have been taking this product for about 3 months and have lost almost 2 pant
sizes. I take it 30 minutes before I eat and move all throughout the day. I
absolutely love this product. It is by far this best product out there for a
mother of 7 who doesn’t have time to go the gym.”</i></li>
</ul>
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Following its review of the evidence in
the case record, ERSP determined that ORI provided a reasonable basis for the
claims <i>“20 million bottles sold” </i>and<i> “millions of people meet their weight loss
goals.”</i></div>
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ERSP
did not object to the marketer‘s claim that Lipozene is “…<i>all-natural and does not contain caffeine or other stimulants that can
leave you feeling jittery,” </i>but<i> </i>recommended
the marketer discontinue or modify the claim that Lipozene has <i>“no known side effects when taken as
directed."</i></div>
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ERSP found that the marketer’s current
disclosures, as they appear in online advertising, were inadequate and recommended
that ORI include an accompanying triggering symbol to alert website visitors
that the claims do not depict results that may be typically expected by
consumers.</div>
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ERSP also recommended that ORI modify or
discontinue consumer testimonials.</div>
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The company, in its marketer’s statement, said it “welcomes and appreciates ERSP’s thorough and
thoughtful review of advertising for its weight loss product, Lipozene … Obesity
Research Institute does not necessarily agree with all of ERSP’s analysis and
conclusions … it nevertheless certainly respects ERSP’s conclusions and
recommendations and will modify these claims in its future advertising.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-71110779510652586292014-08-07T12:45:00.001-04:002014-08-07T12:45:49.753-04:00ERSP Recommends Real Freedom, Inc. Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims for Real Estate Mogul; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Real Freedom, Inc., modify or discontinue certain claims for the Real Estate Mogul real estate investing education program, including claims related to earnings.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an its ongoing monitoring program. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the real estate investing program, including: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You’ll gain exposure to thousands of potential buyers, sellers, lenders, and partners INSTANTLY.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“It can be full-time or very part-time”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You’re already pre-qualified”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Hey, this closes in about 2 hours…get in there and get going! Freedom awaits!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Need money fast? Yeah…you do”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You’ll make anywhere from $2,250 to $10,500 for each successful match.”</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />The advertising reviewed consists of the marketer’s website (www.realestatemogul.com) and email marketing for Real Estate Matchmaker. <br /><br />ERSP noted in its decision that the marketer voluntarily addressed certain of the specific claims at issue, including claims that users of the program can earn money quickly or easily. ERSP also acknowledged the marketer’s pledge to discontinue or modify claims that attest to ease of use, pre-qualification, and selective enrollment.<br /><br />While ERSP did not object to the marketer’s general performance claims regarding descriptions of the product or service, ERSP recommended that the marketer discontinue its sales-pressure claims and refrain from communicating sales-pressure claims in future advertising. Finally, ERSP determined that the earnings claims at issue were not adequately substantiated in their advertised context and it was recommended that these advertised earning claims be discontinued.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it “agrees to abide by the recommendations of ERSP and will continue to make our best effort to bring all of our marketing into compliance in a timely fashion.<br /><br />Again, our ERSP review has been incredibly valuable, and we’re committed to running a business that’s entirely compliant with existing FTC regulations, as well as staying abreast of any future developments in those regulations.”</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-87929277526330425982014-08-01T16:04:00.000-04:002014-09-12T16:04:39.530-04:00ERSP Reviews Advertising for ‘Jidue,’ Recommends Marketer Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims<div class="MsoNormal">
The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Audy Global modify or discontinue claims for “Jidue,” a facial massager
intended to help reduce eye puffiness, facial tension, and wrinkles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP pursuant to its ongoing monitoring program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ERSP reviewed broadcast and online advertising
claims for Jidue, including:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i>“Reduces puffiness and
dark circles”</i></li>
<li><i>“Improves blood
circulation”</i></li>
<li><i>“Alleviates eye
fatigue”</i></li>
<li><i>“Relieves muscle
tension and stress”</i></li>
<li><i>“Relieves sinus pain”</i></li>
<li><i>“Helps you sleep
through the night”</i></li>
<li><i>“Reduces wrinkle
development”</i></li>
<li><i>“CLINICALLY PROVEN to
help relieve eye puffiness, facial tension and stress.”</i></li>
<li><i>"It's clinically
proven to reduce the development of wrinkles while helping to eliminate puffy
eyes and unsightly bags starting in just a few days."</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
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As support for the performance and
establishment claims at issue, the marketer submitted testing on Jidue. This
study included subjects who self-reported the results of using Jidue over a
thirty-day period.</div>
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Following its review of the evidence in
the case record, ERSP did not object to the general description of Jidue, i.e.,
<i>“Jidue's patented 18 acupulse
massagers stimulate your acupressure points that date back over 1000 years,
including qingming for eye fatigue and pain, qiuhou that focuses on dry eye and
inflammation, and zanshou and yuyao for stress headaches,"</i> or that the
product can provide a relaxing massage.</div>
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However, ERSP determined that the marketer
did not provide adequate support for claims that included: </div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>“<i>clinically proven</i>” results</li>
<li>"<i>Helps you sleep through the night</i>”</li>
<li>“<i>Reduce wrinkle development</i>”</li>
<li>“<i>Reduces puffiness and dark circles</i>”</li>
</ul>
<br />
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ERSP
recommended the marketer modify or discontinue the claims in the context in which they were communicated.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The company, in its marketer’s statement,
said, “Audy Global Enterprises is conducting further tests consistent with the
ASRC standards and will be bringing all future advertising into compliance with
their standards. Audy Global will rewrite and update existing claims compliant
with the existing self-reported trials performed on the Jidue Facial massager.”</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-70808154328056754082014-06-12T15:22:00.000-04:002014-06-12T15:22:03.496-04:00The ERSP Copy Review - A New ERSP Service!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Copy Review Service offers marketers the opportunity to have ERSP, a third-party self-regulatory organization, review print, broadcast, radio, and online advertising. In a Copy Review, ERSP will:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Review primary and core advertising claims, highlighting potential self-regulatory issues, and adhering to self–regulatory best practices and guidance provided by the appropriate regulatory authority.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Provide general, non-binding recommendations limited only to the specific advertising that is reviewed by ERSP. For example, ERSP’s analysis of a long form (e.g., 30 minute) broadcast advertisement may not be similarly applied to a short form (e.g., 120 second) advertisement for the same product because of the different context in which the claims may be presented. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suggest what level of substantiation may be needed based upon the claims presented by the marketer and the context in which the core claims are disseminated.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Include follow-up dialogue with ERSP staff regarding the advertising.<br /><br />The Copy Review Service is confidential, voluntary, non-evidentiary, non-binding and does not constitute legal advice. Please note:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An ERSP Copy Review that does not result in a recommendation that claims be discontinued or modified will not assure the marketer that some other action, filing or adverse finding will not occur in another regulatory or self-regulatory forum (i.e., such as the FTC or the National Advertising Division). Participation shall not be construed or represented as an endorsement or approval by ERSP, ERA, ASRC, or CBBB of a company, product or service.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Participation in the ERSP Program does not include an evaluation of the evidence that a marketer is or may be relying on to support any claims made in its advertising. Participants will not be required to submit evidence to substantiate core advertising claims as part of this review process.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fees for the service vary and are dependent upon the medium of dissemination and the length of the advertisement(s). <br /><br />For any questions, including ERSP Copy Review information and pricing, please contact Jessica Grodzki at <a href="mailto:jgrodzki@ersp.bbb.org">jgrodzki@ersp.bbb.org</a>. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-55731525024175784152014-06-06T15:04:00.000-04:002014-06-13T15:04:50.942-04:00ERSP Recommends Adams Publishing Group Modify Certain Claims for Affiliate-Marketing Program; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that Adams Publishing Group modify or discontinue certain claims for the Jeff Adams Real Estate Investing Expert affiliate marketing program.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an anonymous competitor challenge. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the affiliate marketing, real estate investing program, including: </span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“… teaches you how to make money with real estate investing – buying and selling foreclosures and distressed properties and doing it with no money and no credit”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“… will help you achieve financial freedom faster than ever!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Over the past 16 years, Jeff has invested in both residential and commercial properties in a variety of different states and his real estate businesses have brought in more than $50 million”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“… enabled me to increase my income in ways I never thought possible. No more hype. No more confusion. Thanks so much for your help, Jeff. I didn't think it could really be done, especially not as fast as Jeff said." [Don Sanders]</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The advertising consists of the marketer’s website (www.jeffadams.com), which explains that Jeff Adams is a real estate investment expert who can teach customers how to make money with real estate investing - buying and selling foreclosures and distressed properties - through courses and training.<br /><br />Preliminarily, ERSP noted the marketer’s willingness to cooperate and participate in the self-regulatory process.<br /><br />ERSP was concerned with representations that consumers are able to make money with no money or no credit. ERSP noted that the marketer pledged to modify the website to qualify such claims to indicate that certain strategies do not require using any of the student’s money. ERSP also acknowledged the marketer’s commitment to indicate whether certain material terms and conditions of particular lenders may apply.<br /><br />ERSP also was concerned with the implication that consumers may earn money quickly and easily and recommended that such performance claims be discontinued.<br />ERSP noted that the marketer did not provide any evidence regarding the amount of money that consumers have earned and that the majority of earnings claims attest to Jeff Adams’ personal success in real estate investing. <br /><br />The marketer informed ERSP that with regard to www.jeffadams.com, it will further modify its website to remove all earnings claims, and will refrain from making earnings claims in future advertising that is developed. ERSP further recommended that the marketer qualify the claims with a clear and conspicuous disclosure indicating that Jeff Adam’s success was atypical, by disclosing what the typical result would be.<br /><br />Finally, ERSP does not dispute that the success stories depicted in the advertising are from real people with actual success stories. However, ERSP recommended that they be accompanied by clear and conspicuous language qualifying the claims with disclosures of typicality. ERSP also recommended the marketer revisit testimonial claims for any potential implied earnings messages within the context of the testimonials themselves.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it “agrees with ERSP's recommendations, has implemented those recommendations and will continue to comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, industry guidelines and best industry practices.”</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-46860902251042357052014-05-06T14:42:00.000-04:002014-06-13T14:47:51.907-04:00ERSP Refers Advertising for Kelacore to FTC, FDA After Marketer Fails to Respond to ERSP Inquiry<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program
(ERSP) has announced it will refer direct response advertising for the dietary
supplement “Kelacore” to the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the
marketer, Nature's Medicine Associates, failed to respond to an ERSP inquiry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising
industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of
Better Business Bureaus, Inc. The
marketer’s advertising came to ERSP’s attention pursuant to its ongoing
monitoring program.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Claims at issue in the initial inquiry included:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Clears
deadly plaque from arteries without pills, needles, or surgery</i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"To begin
with, the results of more than 34,000 patient case studies here in the U.S. are
impressive to say the least. Many patients taking Kelacore™ report a 50%
reduction in artery plaque. Some users report an incredible 75% reduction.”</span></i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“’My
femoral arteries were 70% blocked,’ says Jack Yates of Vashon, WA. ‘but
Kelacore™ has pretty much cleaned them out now. It’s a relief to know I’m not
such a high risk person for a heart attack or stroke anymore.’”</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Clinical
studies show it improves blood flow in the arteries. Many patients see blood
pressure and cholesterol levels return to normal. Some are able to cancel
costly drugs. Others avoid open-heart surgery. And many more report less chest
pains and numbness in the arms, legs, and feet.”</i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After failing to
provide a substantive response to ERSP’s original inquiry within fifteen
calendar days, the marketer was afforded a second ten-day period in which to
submit a substantive response. The marketer again did not submit a written
response to the inquiry and pursuant to section 2.6 (B) of the ERSP Policy and
Procedures, this matter has been referred to the FTC and FDA.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-1819801296428001142014-04-15T14:48:00.000-04:002014-06-13T14:49:35.141-04:00ERSP Recommends PartnerWithPaul.com, LLC Modify Certain Claims for Affiliate-Marketing Program; Company Agrees to Do So<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended that PartnerWithPaul.com, LLC modify or discontinue certain claims for the company’s Partner With Paul affiliate marketing program.<br /><br />ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through ERSP’s ongoing monitoring program. <br /><br />ERSP reviewed online advertising claims for the affiliate marketing, wealth-creation product, including: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Making money online can be easier than you think when you know how ...”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I work from home and pocket more money in a month than most people make all year”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“More importantly, I’ll PROVE that making a million dollars online is possible with the program I am about to show you.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I'm looking for a relatively small group of people who want to make lots of money online, and the whole purpose of this website is really just to help me find these people.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“$5200 in first month” [Tanya D.]</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Partner with Paul is an affiliate marketing program that purports to describe a marketing program to become a reseller for a multi-level-marketing program. The advertising consists of the marketer’s website (www.partnerwithpaul.com), which describes how to make money online and invites customers to create an account with Partner With Paul in order to receive a special report titled “The Only ‘Secret’ to Making Money Online.”<br /><br />ERSP disagreed that the website describes a marketing program to become a reseller for a multi-level marketing program. Indeed, nowhere on the homepage of the website does the marketer describe that customers will become MLM resellers. This is material information that must be prominently and conspicuously disclosed to consumers. <br /><br />ERSP remained concerned with representations regarding the implication that product users will be able to achieve the success communicated in the advertising easily, with little or no skill, and without a lot of free time. ERSP determined that one message reasonably communicated in the advertising was that consumers can earn money quickly and easily, despite the removal of the word “easy.” ERSP therefore recommended the marketer discontinue such performance claims.<br /><br />ERSP also noted that the marketer did not provide any evidence regarding the amount of money that purchasers of Partner With Paul have earned using the product. ERSP acknowledged the marketer’s pledge to remove the average earnings grid and testimonial representations. ERSP additionally noted the marketer’s attempt to qualify the claims made on the homepage. However, ERSP remained concerned that the language was neither “clear and conspicuous,” nor was it located in close proximity to the claims. ERSP additionally noted that, as of today, the claim “My best friend was really mad at me…sitting in my home office, deeply in debt, he begged me to show him how I am averaging $136,808 a month online” has not been removed, despite the marketer’s pledge in the alternative. Therefore, ERSP recommended that Partner With Paul discontinue any and all earnings claims until it can support such income statements with reliable consumer data.<br /><br />Finally, ERSP recognized the marketer’s commitment to removing testimonials that reference earnings, profits, and results.<br /><br />The company, in its marketer’s statement, said that it would follow ERSP’s suggestions and that it “…is in process of substantially revising our advertising and continue to improve our consumer messaging to be as truthful, accurate, clear and conspicuous as possible.”</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-47583827555209402592014-04-11T14:48:00.000-04:002014-06-13T14:50:38.246-04:00ERSP Recommends Theradome Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims for Hair-Loss Laser<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has recommended
that Theradome, Inc., modify or
discontinue certain advertising claims for Theradome, a product designed to
treat hair loss through the use of a low-level laser.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s
system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. The marketer’s advertising came to the attention of ERSP through an
anonymous competitive challenge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP reviewed online advertising claims
for Theradome, including:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“The first
and only FDA cleared clinical strength laser treatment that has proven triple
action”</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Proven to
grow hair in 98 percent of users”</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“In our
clinical studies ALL participants benefited from the Theradome™ and experienced
one or more of the following: 1) Thicker and more manageable hair, 2) Reduced
hair loss, and 3) New hair growth after three to four months. We know it works,
that's why we guarantee that you'll see great results.”</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">”100%
Proven. 100% Easy. 100% Safe.”</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“The
world’s most powerful in-home solution to treat hair loss."</i></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As support for the performance and
establishment claims at issue, the marketer submitted testing on low-level
laser therapy (LLLT), the main technology behind Theradome. The marketer also
provided ERSP with materials concerning its 510(k) premarket notification,
which established its equivalence to a predicate device.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following its review of the evidence in
the case record, ERSP did not object to some general performance claims, but determined
that the marketer did not provide adequate support for claims that Theradome
will help consumers “… </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">experience
thicker and longer hair, a healthier scalp with reduced scalp itching and
inflammation. Plus those with curly hair will see enhanced curl retention.
After 52 treatments (20 minutes per treatment), the hairs on the top of the
head and the vertex will start filling in. After 100 treatments (20 minutes per
treatment), fuller and thicker hair will result with continued use.”</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP recommended that the marketer clearly
and conspicuously disclose that Theradome is specifically intended for “</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">females
with female pattern hair loss on the Ludwig and Savin Hair Loss Scale
I-II, Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV”</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> as it is necessary information for
consumers.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP
found insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the FDA had “</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">approved</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">” the product “</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to increase the diameter of hair up to 200%”
– </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a message that ERSP determined could by reasonably understood by consumers
– and recommended the marketer discontinue this claim.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Further,
ERSP found that studies presented by the advertiser did not meet general
standards of competent and reliable evidence and found that the marketer did
not support the comparative claims at issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The company, in its marketer’s statement, said, “We will
continue to make appropriate modifications to advertising for Theradome LH80
PRO in accordance with ERSP's recommendations … Theradome Inc. is committed to
ensuring that its advertising is truthful, accurate, and substantiated. We
value and support industry self-regulation and welcome the ERSP's decision
regarding advertising for the Theradome LH80 PRO medical device.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294981593957645047.post-90530395576317786102014-03-18T16:54:00.000-04:002014-03-26T12:18:21.340-04:00ERSP Refers Advertising for Dinamo to FTC, FDA; Marketer Fails to Respond to ERSP Inquiry<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Electronic Retailing
Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) has announced it will refer direct response
advertising for Dinamo to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) after the marketer, Natures Flava, LLC, failed to respond
to an ERSP inquiry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ERSP is an investigative unit of
the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the
Council of Better Business Bureaus. The
marketer’s advertising came to ERSP’s attention pursuant to its ongoing monitoring
program.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Claims at issue in the initial
inquiry included:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Diabetes
no more!”</span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“It's
targeted to lower blood sugar levels and fight against diabetes!" </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">and</span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> "Dinamo helps lower blood sugar
levels."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“</i><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When I woke up in the morning prior to the Dinamo, my
insulin levels were usually in the high 200s - 250, 260, 270. And since I
started using the Dinamo, that number has gone to about the 160s, 170s,
180s." [Larry]</i></span></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Created for DIABETICS to help maintain blood sugar levels
with only NATURAL and ORGANIC ingredients.”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pursuant
to the ERSP Policies and Procedures, after failing to provide a substantive
response to ERSP’s original inquiry within fifteen calendar days, the marketer
was afforded a second ten-day period in which to submit a substantive response.
The marketer again did not submit a written response to the inquiry and
pursuant to section 2.6 (B) of the ERSP Policies and Procedures, this matter
has been referred to the FTC and FDA.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0