All articles tagged with #deceptive marketing
The InnAIO T10, an AI translation device marketed as a standalone gadget, appears to be largely ineffective and possibly misleading, as it relies on a phone app for core functions and may lack essential features like a microphone, leading to skepticism about its actual capabilities. Consumers are advised to avoid purchasing it and instead use reliable tools like Google Translate.
Instacart has agreed to pay $60 million in refunds after the FTC accused it of deceptive marketing, hidden fees, and misleading advertising regarding free delivery and satisfaction guarantees. The settlement requires Instacart to improve transparency, obtain consumer consent for subscriptions, and bans misrepresentation of costs. The FTC also raised concerns about potential price discrimination practices under testing by the company.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a federal lawsuit against Uber, accusing the company of deceptive subscription practices with Uber One, including dark patterns and unfair billing, aiming to protect consumers and seek restitution.
A California judge ruled that Tesla's marketing of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems was deceptive, leading to a potential 30-day suspension of sales and manufacturing licenses, with Tesla given 90 days to clarify or remove misleading language.
An online clothing company, TFG Holding, has agreed to a $1 million settlement for deceptive marketing practices related to its VIP Membership Program, which misled consumers about membership terms and made cancellations difficult. The settlement mandates clearer disclosures and a simple cancellation process, with eligible consumers who enrolled before May 31, 2016, receiving restitution. Consumers with unresolved complaints can file claims by January 30, 2026.
Athletic shoe company On faces a class action lawsuit in the US over claims that its popular CloudTec sneakers, costing around $200, produce a loud squeaking noise, causing embarrassment and inconvenience for wearers, especially professionals like nurses. Customers allege the shoes are unwearable without modifications and accuse the company of deceptive marketing, seeking refunds and damages. The company has not responded publicly to the allegations.
Cyprus Airways promotes an impressive A220 business class with spacious seats, but only a small portion of its fleet actually offers this product, leading to claims of misleading advertising since most passengers won't experience the marketed product.
Prevagen, a jellyfish-based supplement marketed for memory improvement, was found to be no more effective than a placebo, leading to legal action and removal of its memory claims. The article highlights the broader issue of unregulated supplement marketing and emphasizes that proven ways to support brain health include a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, managing chronic conditions, social engagement, and continuous learning.
Novo Nordisk has ended its partnership with telehealth company Hims & Hers over concerns of deceptive marketing practices related to weight-loss drugs, specifically the continued sale of unapproved compounded versions of semaglutide, which pose health risks. The partnership, which offered Wegovy at a discounted price, was short-lived and terminated due to these issues.
Madonna is being sued by fans who allege they were misled into buying expensive tickets for her "Celebration Tour" and were subjected to "pornography without warning" due to topless dancers on stage. The lawsuit also claims the concert environment was hot and uncomfortable, and that Madonna often lip-synced her performances. This is not the first time Madonna has faced legal action from fans, as she has previously been sued for starting her concerts later than advertised.
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against H&R Block for unfairly deleting consumers’ tax data, deceptively marketing their products as “free,” and pressuring consumers into overpaying for their online tax filing products. The FTC alleges that H&R Block's practices cost consumers time and money, as they lead consumers into higher-cost products and fail to clearly explain which forms and schedules are covered. Additionally, the company requires consumers to contact customer support and start their tax return from scratch when attempting to downgrade, creating a significant disincentive to do so. The complaint also outlines deceptive advertising practices, as H&R Block's "free" offer applies only to "simple returns," which has caused frustration and confusion among consumers.
As Medicare's open enrollment period begins, seniors are facing a barrage of unsolicited calls and aggressive ads promoting private Medicare plans. New federal regulations aim to protect consumers from deceptive marketing tactics, but seniors, particularly those with low incomes, remain vulnerable to misleading information. The overwhelming number of options and lack of complete information make it difficult for seniors to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. Experts suggest increasing funding for counseling programs and implementing reforms to broker compensation to improve the transparency and quality of information available to Medicare beneficiaries.
Publishers Clearing House has agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission, which accused the company of using "dark patterns" to trick customers into paying for products or giving up their data. The company coerced customers through false suggestions that making a purchase was the only way to enter its popular sweepstakes or that doing so would increase their chances of winning, the complaint says. The company is also accused of charging customers hidden fees during purchases, sending deceptive marketing emails, and misleading customers about how their data was being used.
TurboTax will begin sending checks to nearly 4.4 million low-income Americans who were deceived into paying for tax services that should have been free. The $141 million settlement was reached in May 2022 between TurboTax owner Intuit and all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The company was accused of knowingly misleading customers and blocking its landing page for its IRS Free File Program. Customers who qualify will receive between $29 and $85, depending on the number of years they paid for the services.
More than 4 million Americans who used Turbo Tax will receive settlement checks from Intuit, the software company's owner, as part of a $141 million grant settlement with all 50 states over allegations of deceptive marketing practices. The states claim Intuit tricked low-income Americans into paying for tax services that should have been free. Eligible taxpayers will receive about $30 for each year they paid to file from 2016 to 2018, and checks are expected to be mailed in May.