The FTC’s complaint against the Deerfield Beach, Fla, company—also known as Global TV Concepts Ltd, GCL Product Holdings LLC, and MSA 30X LLC—was that the companies’ deceptively advertised their product, MSA 30X, to consumers nationwide in violation of the FTC Act. Laurie Braden was named as the principal owner and officer of the corporate defendants.
The FTC alleges that, since at least 2012, Braden and the corporate defendants advertised and sold MSA 30X, a small, rechargeable $29.95 electronic personal sound amplifier product (PSAP). According to the FTC, the defendants sold nearly 3 million of the devices through 2017, including through retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, generating total sales of $47.2 million. The defendants also advertised the amplifiers directly to consumers via TV ads, with a toll-free number consumers could call to place an order, and several company-owned websites, including a Spanish-language site.
The TV ads featured older consumers frustrated with not being able to hear in settings such as a restaurant or at home watching television. Their hearing difficulties are resolved, however, upon using the MSA 30X. For example, in one commercial, a wife complains about how loud her husband has the television turned up. With the aid of the MSA 30X, the husband is able to watch television at a more moderate volume while still claiming “to hear everything clearly.” The TV ads also claimed the device was “independently tested” to help consumers “hear up to 30 times better.” The websites contained similar claims.
According to the FTC, however, the defendants did not possess adequate evidence that the MSA 30X actually helped consumers hear better in the advertised circumstances. Likewise, the FTC alleges defendants did not possess independent tests showing the MSA 30X helped consumers hear 30 times better.
The proposed court order settling the FTC’s charges first addresses the allegations that the defendants’ ads included false or unsubstantiated claims, including that the MSA 30X:
- Allows users who have trouble hearing to clearly hear when watching TV at a moderate volume;
- Helps users hear up to 30 times better; and
- Lets users who have trouble hearing hear clearly, without missing a word, in crowded places like movie theaters or restaurants.
Accordingly, the order bars the defendants from making such claims unless they are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.
Next, the order prohibits the defendants from making any efficacy claims about any device, not just the MSA 30X, unless the claim is not misleading, and at the time it’s made, the defendants have the scientific evidence necessary to support it. The order also prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting test results or studies, and requires them to keep records of certain human clinical tests and studies used to back up such claims.
Finally, the order imposes a judgment of $47,203,036 against the defendants in favor of the FTC, which will be partially suspended after they pay $500,000. If the defendants are later found to have misrepresented their financial condition to the FTC, the total amount of the judgment will become due.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 2-0. The FTC filed the complaint and proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final injunctions/orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge. The FTC works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. Consumers can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook(link is external), follow us on Twitter(link is external), read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
Source: FTC
Why does the MSA 30X package said
This product contains chemicals, including DEHP, known as in the State of California to cause Cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.
If this is true, Why sell this product?
This is the start of unethical advertising. There’s always cockroaches around to take advantage of the common people who are frustrated with hearing loss but don’t know how to go about seeking help.
Our industry has always had elements of crookedness. Was a time when false billing and false claims ruled the Los Angeles landscape. I hope that is past now, and that audiologists and dispensers alike are sincere in their representation of their services.