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Contributor
Posts: 33
Registered: ‎09-29-2021

FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

For the first time, the US Federal Trade Commission has fined an organization for “review hijacking.” In February, the agency accused a supplement maker, of deceiving consumers. Between 2020 and 2021, the supplement maker,  abused a feature of on a sales site, to make it seem like some of its newer supplements had higher product reviews and ratings than they did in reality.

 

I'm always careful about trusting reviews on any site.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,510
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Re: FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

[ Edited ]

To see the final consent order from the Federal Trade Commission you can look here. You will be able to see how this worked and what products were involved. There are photos. In my opinion, this is a win for consumers. We all need to be aware of how this shady practice works so we won't fall victim to it when we shop. 

 

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/222-3019-The-Bountiful-Company-final-consent-without-si...


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Here is The Federal Trade Commission's article about this. It's easy reading. This is on the FTC's own website.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi3jI-7g7H-AhVis4QIHdTUAM4Q...

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,331
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

@Mindy D - Thank you - it helps to know which company was fined.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,639
Registered: ‎06-03-2010

Re: FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

Nature's Bounty and Sundown from the Bountiful Company



......You look like I need a drink.....
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,510
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Re: FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

I've seen other companies and other types of products that have used this same type of practice.

Super Contributor
Posts: 267
Registered: ‎10-31-2015

Re: FTC fines supplement maker $600,000 for 'review hijacking'

Reviews from users of supplements can be so subjective anyway. Unless a person has had a truly bad reaction so something, they are often without merit. IF you want a really good, unbiased  look at supplements, do yourself a huge favor and subscribe to Consumer Labs dot com. It is like the Consumer reports of vitamins/supplements. It will give you more information-possibly than you even want to know-on  anything you take or are even thinking of taking. It is an unbelievably good resource. It goes into great detail, but you don't have to read all of it to understand what to take or not take. Fabulous way to learn about whether the hype you hear about online, in commercials, see in ads or even see on infomercials or home shopping channels have a kernel of truth. Just because something is good for one person does not mean it is good for another. There are many caveats to be aware of as well as interactions with other supplements in prescriptions you may take as well. Please be advised and take care.