DSSRC Administrative Closure #59

DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about six 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 benefit claims related to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The first post in question alleged that the Company’s products could be helpful in treating and preventing an individual from contracting COVID-19. The post claimed that the Company’s products could help boost your immune system and therefore prevent COVID-19. The second post stated that the individual distributor could help people boost their immune system, and then followed up by saying, “find out how. Just go to my website [Company’s website link].” The next post also contained a generic boost your immune system claim. However, this post went as far as showing a photo of a man wearing a mask that said, “Boost your immune system daily.” Additionally the social media post contained a direct link to order the Company’s products. The fourth post claimed that the Company’s products has helped keep the independent distributor and her family healthy and also how they have boosted their immune system in order to stay safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The last two posts both contained links to the Company’s website and also contained references to COVID-19 either through hashtags or a photo that accompanied the post.

In response to DSSRC’s inquiry, the Company was appreciative of DSSRC bringing this issue to their attention. The Company informed DSSRC that they have forwarded our message to their Compliance department in order to have the posts taken down. The Company’s Compliance department contacted all of the independent distributors  and informed them about how their posts are in violation of the Company’s policies and procedures. The Company also requested that the independent distributors remove the posts. The Company was successful in having all six of the social media posts removed.

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the Company for its efforts in removing the post. As a result of the prompt actions taken by the Company, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed 7/23/2020)