FTC Settlement Over Deceptive Weight Loss Ads and Fake Reviews

FTC Action Against Nexmed

• ⚖️ The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with the telehealth company Nexmed over deceptive advertising practices.
• ⚠️ Nexmed is accused of using fake reviews and misleading claims to promote its weight loss program in 2022 and 2023.

Deceptive Advertising Tactics

• 🎭 Investigators found that Nexmed used actors and individuals hired from Craigslist to pose as satisfied customers in advertisements.
• ✍️ Company employees were reportedly instructed to write fake positive reviews and contest any negative feedback.

Misleading Program Costs and Cancellations

• 💊 Advertisements falsely implied that the program costs included popular weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, as well as lab work and consultations.
• 😥 Consumers faced significant difficulties when attempting to cancel their subscriptions or obtain refunds, often being unable to reach the company.

Settlement and Consumer Advice

• 💰 Nexmed agreed to pay $150,000 to settle the FTC's case.
• 🔍 The FTC advises consumers to always read the fine print when signing up for services and to report any instances of being misled to their credit card company and the FTC.