Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council Refers ViSalus Claims to the FTC and California State Attorney General for Possible Enforcement Action

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McLean, VA – December 22, 2022 – The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) of BBB National Programs has referred direct selling company ViSalus, Inc. to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and California Office of the Attorney General for possible enforcement action. The referral comes after a lack of response from ViSalus to a DSSRC inquiry into aggressive earnings and health-related product performance claims made on social media by both ViSalus and its salesforce members. 

DSSRC is an independent national advertising self-regulation program that monitors advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. ViSalus is a multilevel marketing company that markets weight management nutritional products, dietary supplements, and energy drinks. 

At issue are product performance claims indicating that ViSalus products can treat or provide relief for serious health-related conditions including diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, and migraine headaches. The inquiry also included concerns regarding earnings claims conveying the message that participants in the ViSalus business opportunity can expect to earn significant or career-level income. 

After multiple attempts via mail and phone, ViSalus has failed to respond to DSSRC’s inquiry and, pursuant to DSSRC Policies and Procedures, has now been referred to the FTC and the California Office of the Attorney General for possible enforcement action.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For full text of DSSRC decisions, visit the DSSRC Cases and Closures webpage.