DSSRC Administrative Closure #46

DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two social media posts disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. Specifically, DSSRC expressed concern that the social media posts conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s direct selling products can protect against COVID-19.

The first post contained a photo of three of the Company’s products and claimed that these three products are needed to keep an individual healthy and help fight the COVID-19 virus. The second post in question claimed that the salesforce member had the COVID-19 virus and that she survived because she took the Company’s products.  

In response to DSSRC’s inquiry, the Company informed DSSRC that they had previously identified the posts and had attempted to contact the salesforce members in order to have the posts removed. The Company was successful in having the posts removed and educated the salesforce members about proper product advertisement claims. The Company also informed DSSRC that they have documented the violations in each of the individual salesforce members files for any future reference.

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the Company for its efforts in removing the posts and its dedication to educating their independent consultants. As a result of the prompt actions taken by the Company, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed 7/2/2020)