DSSRC Case Decisions and Administratively Resolved Inquiry Summaries
Case Decisions
Case #153-2024: Monitoring Inquiry – Trades of Hope LLC
Trades of Hope LLC (“Trades of Hope” or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company that specializes in the sale of an assortment of goods including jewelry, personal accessories, home decor, and coffee. According to its website, Trades of Hope purchases its products from local artisans around the globe, including from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Uganda, Kenya, Peru,...
Case #152-2024: Administrative Closure – ibuumerang, Ltd
ibuumerang, Ltd (“ibuumerang” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that offers discount travel for its members. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and was founded in 2019.
Case #151-2024: Administrative Closure – Ruby Ribbon
Ruby Ribbon ("Company") is a multi-level direct selling company located in Burlingame, CA that was founded in 2011 and sells shapewear, athleisure, and intimates.
Case #150-2024: Administrative Closure – Vida Divina Worldwide, Inc.
Vida Divina Worldwide, Inc. (“Vida Divina” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that markets health and wellness products, including beverages and nutritional supplements. The Company is headquartered in Ontario, Canada and was founded in 2016.
Case #149-2024: Administrative Closure – Innov8tive Nutrition
Innov8tive Nutrition ("Company") is a multi-level direct selling company that sells nutritional supplements and self-care products.
Case #148-2024: Monitoring Inquiry – LiveGood, Inc. USA
LiveGood Inc. USA (“LiveGood” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that sells a variety of multivitamins and supplements with a focus on sleep aids, inflammation management, muscle recovery and weight management. The Company is headquartered in Jupiter, Florida and was founded in 2022.
Case #147-2024: Monitoring Inquiry – PaperPie f/k/a Usborne Books & More
PaperPie f/k/a Usborne Books & More (“PaperPie” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that was founded in 1989 and based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.1 The Company distributes children’s books and educational products.
Case #146-2023: Administrative Closure – Enzacta USA
Enzacta USA (“Enzacta or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that sells nutritional and wellness products. The Company is headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was founded in 2003.
Case #145-2023: Administrative Closure – Tranont
Tranont (or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company based in Utah. Founded in 2013, the Company sells health and wellness products, including a line of CBD products.
Case #144-2023: NGO Inquiry – Modere USA, Inc.
Modere USA, Inc. (“Modere” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company founded in 2012 and based in Newport Beach, California that markets health, beauty, and wellness products.
Case #143-2023: Administrative Closure – Traveling Vineyards
Traveling Vineyards (or the “Company”) was a direct selling company based in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The Company was established in 2010 and sells boutique wines.
Case #142-2023: Administrative Closure – Globallee, Inc.
Globallee, Inc. (“Globallee” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company located in Irving, Texas, founded in 2019. The Company sells various health and wellness supplements and has offices in Japan, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Case #141-2023: Administrative Closure – Red Aspen, LLC
Red Aspen, LLC, (“Red Aspen” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that markets beauty and cosmetic products. The Company is headquartered in Meridian, Idaho and was founded in 2017.
Case #140-2023: Administrative Closure – Younique, LLC
Younique, LLC (or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company based in Utah that sells beauty products.
Case #139-2023: NGO Inquiry – Elomir, Inc.
Elomir, Inc. (“Elomir” or the “Company”) sells nutritional supplements including its flagship product, Axis Klärity. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring process, which monitors advertising and marketing claims disseminated by direct selling companies and their salesforce members.
Case #138-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Thrive Life, LLC
Thrive Life, LLC is a direct selling company that manufactures and markets freeze-dried and rehydrated foods. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring process, which monitors advertising and marketing claims disseminated by direct selling companies and their salesforce members.
Case #137-2023: Administrative Closure – Herbalife International of America, Inc.
Herbalife International of America, Inc., (“Herbalife” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company that sells nutritional and wellness products. The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and was founded in 1980.
Case #136-2023: Administrative Closure – Grace & Heart
Grace & Heart (or the “Company”) was a direct selling company based in California. The Company was established in 2015 and sold fashion jewelry.
Case #135-2023: Administrative Closure – Global Domains International
Global Domains International is a direct-selling company based in California that sells domain names via an affiliate network. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring process, which monitors advertising and marketing claims disseminated by direct selling companies and their salesforce members.
Case #134-2023: Compliance Inquiry – B-Epic Worldwide, LLC
B-Epic Worldwide LLC is a Utah-based multi-level marketing company that sells health and wellness products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
Case #133-2023: Government Referral – Sweet Minerals, LLC
Sweet Minerals, LLC (“Sweet Minerals” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company based in Pasadena, Maryland. The company was founded in 2011 and markets makeup, personal care, skin care, and cosmetic products.
Case #132-2023: Administrative Closure – jBloom Designs
jBloom Designs (“jBloom” or the “Company”) is a multi-level marketing company that sells custom jewelry. The Company is headquartered in St. Peters, MO and founded in 2013.
Case #131-2023: Compliance Inquiry – Seint Beauty
Case #130-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Healy World
Healy World, Inc. (“Healy World” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company based in Mainz, Germany with its domestic headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
Case #129-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Zinzino, LLC
Zinzino, LLC (“Zinzino” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company founded in 2005 that offers nutritional supplements to consumers. The Company is headquartered in Frölunda, Sweden and has a subsidiary in Jupiter, Florida.
Case #128-2023: Compliance Report – The Juice Plus+ Company, LLC
The Juice Plus+ Company, LLC (“JuicePlus” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company founded in 1970 and based in Collierville, Tennessee. The Company markets fruit and vegetable juice extract supplements.
Case #127-2023: Administrative Closure – Traci Lynn Jewelry
Traci Lynn Jewelry (or the “Company”) was a direct selling company based in Florida. The Company was established in 1989 and sold affordable fashion jewelry.
Case #126-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Zallevo, LLC
Zallevo, LLC (“Zallevo” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company founded in 2020 and based in St. George, Utah. The Company markets health and wellness products focusing on weight loss and anxiety/stress reduction.
Case #125-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Pink Zebra
Pink Zebra At Home (or the “Company”) is a direct selling company founded in 2011 and based in Sugar Land, Texas. The Company markets home fragrance and décor products including a wide range of items such as scented wax melts, candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, and other related accessories.
Case #124-2023: Government Referral – Tori Belle Cosmetics
Tori Belle Cosmetics (“Tori Belle” or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company founded in 2019 and based in Woodinville, Washington. The Company markets beauty and cosmetic products.
Case #123-2023: Administrative Closure – Seint Beauty
Seint Beauty (“Seint” or the “Company”), formerly Maskcara Beauty, is a multi-level marketing company founded in 2013 and based in St. George, Utah. The Company markets consumer and personal care products with a focus on cosmetics and cosmetic accessories.
Case #122-2023: Government Referral – iCoinPro
iCoinPro (or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company that markets education, information, and training for cryptocurrency services. The Company was founded in 2017 and is located in Carson City, Nevada.
Case #120-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Pure Haven, LLC
Pure Haven, LLC (“Pure Haven” or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company founded in 2009 and based in Rhode Island. The Company markets household products and personal care products to consumers including a line of skin care products.
Case #119-2023: Government Referral – Wayal Health Sciences USA, Inc.
Wayal Health Sciences USA, Inc., (“Wayal Health” or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company founded in 2016. The Company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and markets health and wellness nutritional supplements.
Case #118-2023: Administrative Closure – Daxen, Inc.
Unicity International, Inc. (“Unicity” or the “Company”) is a multi-level marketing company headquartered in Orem, Utah and founded in 1986. The Company markets nutritional and personal care products and operates in approximately 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand,...
Case #117-2023: Administrative Closure – Unicity International, Inc.
Unicity International, Inc. (“Unicity” or the “Company”) is a multi-level marketing company headquartered in Orem, Utah and founded in 1986. The Company markets nutritional and personal care products and operates in approximately 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New...
Case #116-2023: Administrative Closure – GelMoment, Inc.
GelMoment, Inc. (“GelMoment” or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company founded in 2014 and based in Montreal, Canada. The Company markets gel nail polish and other beauty products.
Case #115-2023: NGO Inquiry – The Juice Plus+ Company, LLC
The Juice Plus+ Company, LLC is a direct selling company founded in 1970 and based in Collierville, Tennessee. The Company markets fruit and vegetable juice extract supplements. An NGO identified to DSSRC certain earnings and product performance claims disseminated by salesforce members and the Company.
Case #114-2023: Administrative Closure – Reliv International, Inc.
Reliv International, Inc. is a direct-selling company founded in 1988, and based in Chesterfield, Missouri. The Company markets proprietary nutritional supplements. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of the direct selling marketplace.
Case #113-2023: Administrative Closure – Vic Beauty, LLC
Vic Beauty, LLC was a direct sales cosmetic and personal care company based in Los Angeles, California. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #112-2023: Compliance Inquiry – Magnetude Jewelry
Magnetude Jewelry (or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company based in Maryland that sells bio-magnetic interchangeable fashion jewelry to consumers. According to the Company’s website, the Company’s independent representatives earn money through commission on product sales or recruiting other salesforce members.
Case #111-2023: Administrative Closure – Shaklee Corporation
Shaklee Corporation (“Shaklee” or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company founded in 1956 and based in Pleasanton, CA. The Company markets natural nutritional supplements, beauty products, and household products.
Case #110-2023: Administrative Closure – Prime My Body
Prime My Body LLC (“Prime My Body” or the “Company”) is a direct-selling company based in Carrollton, Texas. The company was founded in 2013 and sells CBD oils and other nutritional products.
Case #109-2023: Administrative Closure – Direct Cellars
Case #108-2023: Administrative Closure – Save the Day Seasonings
Case #107-2023: Administrative Closure – BeneYOU LLC (a/k/a Avisae)
BeneYOU LLC (a/k/a Avisae) (“BeneYOU” or the “Company”) is a direct selling company headquartered in Lindon, Utah, that acquired the Avisae brand in 2018. The company markets personal care and wellness products.
Case #106-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Magneceutical Health, LLC
Magneceutical Health, LLC (“Magneceutical Health” or the “Company”) is a company headquartered in Clearwater, FL that markets a medical device called the Magnesphere, which is a magnetic resonance therapy system designed to help reduce the symptoms associated with chronic stress.
Case #105-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Peach Underneath, Inc.
Peach Underneath, Inc. (“Peach Underneath” or “the Company”) was a multilevel marketing company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts that marketed premium, athletic-inspired clothing and intimate apparel.
Case #104-2023: Government Referral – Karatbars International
Karatbars International is a multi-level direct selling company founded in 2011 that markets small gold bars and gift items in gold bullion. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #103-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – Essential Bodywear, LLC
Essential Bodywear, LLC is a direct selling company founded in 2003 and headquartered in Commerce, Michigan. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #102-2023: Compliance Inquiry – Innov8tive Nutrition, Inc.
Innov8tive Nutrition is a direct selling company that was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #101-2023: Monitoring Inquiry – NeVetica International, Inc.
NeVetica International, Inc. is a direct selling company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and founded in 2016. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #100-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Youngevity International, Inc.
Youngevity International, Inc. is a direct selling company that sells health, nutrition, and wellness products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #99-2023: Government Referral – Perfectly Posh, LLC
Perfectly Posh, LLC is a direct selling company based in Salt Lake City, Utah that markets personal care and beauty products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #98-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Ruby Ribbon, Inc.
Ruby Ribbon, Inc. is a multi-level marketing company that markets women’s apparel, handbags, and other accessories. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #97-2022: Administrative Closure – Unicity International, Inc.
Unicity International, Inc. is a multi-level marketing company that markets nutritional and personal care products and operates in approximately 30 countries. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #96-2022: Government Referral – ViSalus, Inc.
ViSalus, Inc. is a multilevel marketing company that markets weight management nutritional products, dietary supplements, and energy drinks. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #95-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – PartyLite Worldwide, LLC
PartyLite Worldwide, LLC is a multi-level marketing company that markets candles, home décor, and home fragrance products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #94-2022: Administrative Closure – Tealightful Treasures, Inc.
Tealightful Treasures, Inc. is a retail company with a direct-to-consumer website that markets several varieties of loose-leaf tea products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #93-2022: Administrative Closure – Ardyss International, LLC
Ardyss International LLC is a multi-level marketing company that markets reshaping apparel, nutrition, personal care, and home care products.This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #92-2022: Administrative Closure – Sunrider International
Sunrider International is a multi-level marketing company that markets herbal food and beverages, nutritional supplements, and skin care and personal care products.This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #91-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Kannaway, LLC
Kannaway, LLC is a direct selling company headquartered in Poway, CA that sells CBD and wellness products to consumers. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent...
Case #90-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Zilis LLC
Zilis LLC is a multi-level direct-selling company headquartered in Argyle, Texas that sells wellness products to consumers.
Case #89-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – My Lala Leggings, Inc.
My Lala Leggings, Inc. is a multi-level marketing company headquartered in Palmdale, CA that sells women’s clothing, specializing in leggings.
Case #88-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – B-Epic Worldwide, LLC
B-Epic Worldwide, LLC is a multi-level direct-selling company located in Layton, Utah that markets health, detox, and fitness products.
Case #87-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – MWR Life, LLC
MWR Life, LLC is a multi-level direct selling company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that offers discounts on travel services such as flights, hotels, resorts, cruises, vacation rentals, car rentals, excursions, theme parks, and trains. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling...
Case #86-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Visi
Visi is a direct-selling company headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah specializing in a variety of health-related products, including protein, essential oils, and extracts. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring process, which monitors advertising and marketing claims made in the direct selling industry.
Case #85-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Reliv International, Inc.
Reliv International, Inc. is a multilevel direct-selling company located in Chesterfield, Missouri that markets and distributes nutritional supplements and personal care products. This...
Case #84-2022: Monitoring Inquiry – Navan Global
Navan Global was a multilevel marketing company located in Franklin, Tennessee, manufacturing and distributing health and CBD-related products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its...
Case #83-2022: Government Referral – Root Wellness LLC, a/k/a Root Brands
Root Wellness LLC is a direct-selling company founded in 2019 and located in Brentwood, Tennessee. The Company markets health and wellness products, most notably its Clean Slate, Restore, and Zero-In products. In February 2021, DSSRC initiated an inquiry regarding the dissemination of health-related claims by Root Wellness and its salesforce members and opened a...
Case #82-2022: Administrative Closure – LurraLife Global
LurraLife Global was a multi-level direct-selling company that marketed health and wellness products, including detoxification tea, to consumers. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #81-2022: Administrative Closure – QuiAri, LLC
QuiAri, LLC is a multi-level direct-selling company in Brandon, Florida, that markets health and wellness products. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #80-2022: Government Referral – Fifth Avenue Collection, Inc.
Fifth Avenue Collection is a multi-level direct-selling company that sells fashion jewelry products headquartered in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) commenced this inquiry pursuant to its ongoing, independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #79-2022 – Government Referral – Vyvo, Inc.
Vyvo, Inc. is a multi-level direct selling company that markets a smart watch, DNA and genetics testing, and nutritional supplements. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace and concerns earnings claims disseminated by the Company and its salesforce members.
Case #78-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – H20 At Home
H2O At Home is a multilevel marketing company headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania that offers consumers a line of non-toxic cleaning solutions. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC...
Case #77-2022 – Compliance Inquiry – Root Wellness LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) opened a compliance inquiry against Root Wellness after health-related product claims similar to those addressed in a 2021 inquiry appeared in the social media posts of Root Wellness salesforce members. In addition, during its inquiry DSSRC identified more than 30 other related issues.
Case #76-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Sanki Global LLC
This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. Sanki Global LLC is a multi-level direct selling company headquartered in Japan, with U.S. offices located in Henderson, Nevada.
Case #75-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Tranont
This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. Tranont is a multi-level direct selling company based in Utah. Founded in 2013, the Company sells health and wellness products, including a line of CBD products.
Case #74-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Opulence Global
Opulence Global is a multi-level direct selling company that sells skincare, personal care, and health & wellness products. This inquiry concerns product and earnings claims disseminated by salesforce members on social media regarding the Fountain of Life product, an antioxidant that includes a Picea Abies extract as one of its primary...
Case #73-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Financial Education Services
Financial Education Services is a multi-level direct selling company that markets credit repair services to consumers. This inquiry concerns earnings claims disseminated by company salesforce members on social media.
Case #72-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Stella & DOT, LLC
Stella & DOT, LLC is a multi-level direct selling company that sells jewelry, bags, accessories, and women’s clothing. The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) began this inquiry pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. This inquiry concerns earnings claims disseminated by Stella & DOT and its...
Case #71-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Lifebrook, LLC
Lifebrook was a multilevel marketing company headquartered in Vermillion, South Dakota that sells juices, supplements, and other products containing Aronia. The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) began this inquiry pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #70-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – My Lala Leggings, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #69-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Max International, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #68-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Daxen, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #67-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – WorldVentures Marketing, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #66-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Tastefully Simple
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #65-2022 – Government Referral – FutureNet, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs.
Case #64-2022 – Compliance Report – Young Living Essential Oils, LLC
Young Living Essential Oils, LLC (“Young Living” or the “Company”) is a global multi-level direct selling company that sells essential oils and other personal care and wellness products.
Case #63-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Innov8tive Nutrition
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #62-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – MWC Living, LLC d/b/a BE (Better Experience)
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs and commenced this inquiry pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #61-2022 – Compliance Report – Mary Kay, Inc.
Mary Kay, Inc.’s (“Mary Kay” or the “Company) business model is that of a direct sales company, which means Mary Kay products are sold by Mary Kay independent sales force members, person to person, away from fixed retail locations. The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 and has an estimated three million independent beauty consultants selling Mary Kay®...
Case #60-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Morinda, Inc., Corporation
Morinda, Inc. is a multi-level direct-selling company that markets a noni juice blend (Tahitian Noni) and various dietary supplements, personal care products, and essential oils. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #59-2022 – Government Referral – BE Rules, a/k/a BE Factor, f/k/a Melius
BE Rules, a/k/a BE Factor, f/k/a Melius (“BE” or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company that markets forex and cryptocurrency trading package subscriptions. BE Rules is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and also maintains offices in India and the United Kingdom.[1] The Company maintains a Facebook page[2], an Instagram page[3], a company...
Case #58-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Surge365
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #57-2022 – Compliance Report – Le-Vel Brands, LLC
Le-Vel Brands, LLC (“Le-Vel” or the “Company) is a multi-level direct selling company headquartered in Frisco, Texas that was founded in 2012. The Company sells health and wellness products including dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics, and amino acids.
Case #56-2022 – Monitoring Inquiry – Immunotec
Case #55-2021 – Monitoring Inquiry – Wildtree, Inc.
Wildtree, Inc. is a spice and seasoning company headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island that specializes in healthy meal solutions for families. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #54-2021: Government Referral – Dot Dot Smile
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #53-2021: Monitoring Inquiry – Jeunesse Global
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) opened a monitoring inquiry with Jeunesse Global over concerns about earnings claims disseminated by salesforce members for the company. DSSRC appreciated Jeunesse’s good faith actions to remove the challenged claims on social media sites, but DSSRC recommended Jeunesse continue its communication with salesforce members to ensure that...
Case #52-2021: Monitoring Inquiry – Daxen, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #51-2021: Compliance Report – dōTERRA International, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. In 2019, DSSRC commenced an inquiry regarding several core health-related and income claims being disseminated on the social media pages of certain distributors of dōTERRA. More specifically, the inquiry included both...
Case #50-2021: Monitoring Inquiry – Chalk Couture
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #49-2021: Monitoring Inquiry – Lifebrook, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #48-2021: Government Referral – Q Sciences
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #47-2021: –Monitoring Inquiry– Root Wellness, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #46-2021: –Monitoring Inquiry– SwissJust USA
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #45-2021 – Monitoring Inquiry – Globallee, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #44-2021 – Government Referral – ByDzyne
Case #43-2021 – Monitoring Inquiry – Limbic Arc, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #42-2021 –Monitoring Inquiry– Max International, LLC
Case #41-2021 – Government Referral – Alliance in Motion Global, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #40-2021 – NGO Inquiry –Mary Kay, Inc.
Case #39-2021: –Monitoring Inquiry– Enagic, USA, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #38-2021: –Monitoring Inquiry– Zinzino, LLC.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #37-2021: –Monitoring Inquiry– Aihu, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #36-2021: – Government Referral – Bulavita
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self- regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #35-2021: – Government Referral – UWell Life, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #34-2021 – Monitoring Inquiry – via ONEHOPE Wine
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #33-2021: – Government Referral – RBC Life Sciences, Inc.
Case #32-2021 – Monitoring Inquiry – Magnetude Jewelry
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #31-2021 -NGO Inquiry- Primerica, Inc.
Case #30-2020 -Government Referral- Gano Excel USA, Inc.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #29-2020 -Governmental Referral- Flavon USA, LLC
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.
Case #28-2020 -Government Referral- Fortress Network LLC
Case #27-2020 - Monitoring Inquiry - LurraLife, LLC
DSSRC's inquiries are a result of ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. Here DSSRC challenged earnings and product advertising claims made by LurraLife, LLC and the salesforce for the multi-level direct selling company that provides nutritional, tea, and coffee products.
Case #26-2020 -NGO Inquiry- Counter Brands LLC d/b/a/ Beautycounter
DSSRC's inquiries cover the marketing disseminated by a direct selling company and/or its salesforce. Here, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to protecting consumers identified certain Beautycounter earnings claims being disseminated on social media and on the Beautycounter website. The NGO’s initial written submission to DSSRC...
Case #25-2020 -NGO Inquiry- International Markets Live, Inc.
DSSRC's inquiries are in regards to the marketing disseminated by a direct selling company and/or its salesforce. Here, a nonprofit NGO brought to DSSRC’s attention certain...
Case #24-2020 -NGO Inquiry- Le-Vel Brands LLC
Case #23-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Fifth Avenue Collection, Inc.
Case #22-2020 -Competitor Challenge- BioReigns
Case #21-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- R&D Global d/b/a B-Epic
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the...
Case #20-2020 -Compliance- Pure Romance, LLC
BACKGROUND
In 2019, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”), a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc, commenced a review pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct...
Case #19-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Initial Outfitters, Inc.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. Through its monitoring of the direct...
Case #18-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Tranont
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling...
Case #17-2020 -NGO Inquiry- dōTERRA International LLC
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced pursuant section D(ii) of the DSSRC Policies & Procedures.
Specifically,...
Case #16-2020 -Government Referral Report- New U Life
Case #15-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Global Domains International
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in...
Case #14-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Paparazzi Accessories, LLC
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the...
Case #13-2020 -Challenge- Young Living Essential Oils, LLC
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by TINA pursuant to the challenge provisions articulated in the DSSRC Policies & Procedures.
Case #12-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Aloette Cosmetics
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling...
Case #11-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Dose of Nature
BASIS OF INQUIRY
Dose of Nature (“Dose of Nature” or the “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company that offers water-soluble CBD and nano CBD products for humans and animals.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising...
Case #10-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- Magnolia and Vine
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct...
Case #9-2020 -Monitoring Inquiry- MyDailyChoice, Inc. DBA HempWorx
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. (BBB NP) This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising...
Case #8-2019 -Monitoring Inquiry- New U Life
BASIS OF INQUIRY
New U Life (“NUL” or “Company”) is a multi-level direct selling company that was founded in November 2017 and is headquartered in Lehi, UT. NUL offers a variety of health, wellness and weight loss products including Somaderm™ which has been described as “a powerful, innovative transdermal human growth...
Case #7-2019 -Monitoring Inquiry- It Works!
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), is a national advertising...
Case #6-2019 -Government Referral Reports- MojiLife, LLC
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the...
Case #5-2019 -Government Referral Reports- Aloe Veritas, Inc.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing...
Case #4-2019 -Monitoring Inquiry- Pure Romance, LLC
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc., This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing...
Case #3-2019 -Challenge- Team National, Inc.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by TINA pursuant to the challenge...
Case #2-2019 -Monitoring Inquiry- Southwestern Advantage, Inc.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in...
Case #1-2019 -Monitoring Inquiry- Wildtree, Inc.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by the DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct...
Administratively Resolved Inquiry Summaries
Case #13-2020 -Challenge- Young Living Essential Oils, LLC
BBB NATIONAL PROGRAMS, INC.
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council
Case Number: 13-2020 – Challenge – Young Living Essential Oils, LLC
INQUIRY BACKGROUND
Truth in Advertising, Inc. (“TINA” or the “Challenger”), a nonprofit organization located in Connecticut, challenged certain marketing claims of Young Living Essential Oils, LLC (“Young Living” or the “Company”).
THE PARTIES
TINA is an online resource dedicated to protecting consumers against questionable advertising and marketing. It aims to achieve its mission through investigative journalism, education, advocacy, and the promotion of truth in advertising.
Young Living is a Utah based multi-level direct selling company that offers essential oils and related products to consumers. Young Living has approximately 4 million independent distributors including over 2 million distributors in the United States.
BASIS OF INQUIRY
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs, Inc. This inquiry was commenced by TINA pursuant to the challenge provisions articulated in the DSSRC Policies & Procedures.
Specifically, TINA identified several core product and health-related claims being disseminated on the social media pages of certain distributors of Young Living. TINA alleged that many of the representations at issue include both express and implied claims that Young Living’s oils can treat diseases and/or medical symptoms. In its initial written submission to DSSRC (the “Challenge Letter”), TINA identified 153 examples of such claims which are available on its website.[1] The representative product and health-related claims that were the subject of this review are as follows:
- “Essential Oils & Autism… Essential oils may help your child think more clearly, calm down, and stay focused on what they need to help them. If you're looking for holistic and new ways to help your child with autism, We would like to invite you to join Dr. Brooks for a personal 20-minute consultation… For Dr. Brooks' current patients, here is the link to purchase your Young Living Essential Oils for the month:
https://tinyurl.com/DrBrooksYL”
- “CONDITION: AUTISM
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between two and three years of age. Most cases of autism appear to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
*Vetiver: Contains relaxing and calming properties; helps with concentration and focus.
*Lavender: Calms the mind and body. Can help with neurological issues.
*Frankincense: Shown to reduce stress. Helps reduce heart rate and high blood pressure.
*Rosemary: Stimulates the senses and supports memory retention.
“RESEARCH: A recent study found that inhaling rosemary essential oil produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory. In addition, inhaling a combination of rosemary and lemon in the morning showed significant improvement in personal orientation.”
HOME REMEDY: Calming and Relaxing Blend. Mix equal parts of vetiver, frankincense, lavender and rosemary. Each morning and evening, inhale for as long as the child is willing. These oils can also be diluted in coconut oil and massaged into the skin.
Reference from: Essential Oils Ancient Medicine
By: Dr. Josh Axe; Ty Bollinger; Jordan Rubin”
- “How I cured my UTI in 3 days…
First, I made 9 capsules with the following recipe. Then I took 1 pill 3 times a day. And….. Literally did the happy dance and yelled “YAY” after every restroom visit following my 2nd pill!” with image of bottles of Thieves, Rosemary and Frankincense.”
- “A week ago Friday, I felt the symptoms of a UTI coming on fast. I had just started Whole30 and didn't want to go on antibiotics if I didn't have to! I pulled out my Young Living essential oils and started making my own capsules with Oregon and Thieves essential oil. Took 3 of those a day, drank lemon essential oil water, and oiled my abdomen and lower back with oregano and thieves a couple times a day. By the end of the day my symptoms were gone! I was amazed at how fast I beat it!!!! I did this for a few more days. I had a natural path appointment the following Wednesday and she confirmed my Uti was gone.
I love that:
1)I didn't have to waste my time sitting in a walk in.
2)I didn't have to find care for my kids (cuz who wants to bring kids to a clinic😬)
3)I didn't have to wipe out my immune system with antibiotics
Love that I have the resources that God made for us to use to heal our bodies! I love my essential oils and I love the that i can 100% trust Young Living's quality of oils. #yloilsforthewin #beatmyutinaturally #keptmyimmunesystem #empowering! #younglivingessentialoils”
- “Since I started using the young living essential oils especially thieves. Wills allergies are a whole lot better! And he really never gets sick anymore. Diffusing Peppermint really helps with headaches an thieves o it has so many uses! I call it a natural Lysol on steroids 🤣 Wanna know more just message me! Your gonna wish you did sooner!”
- “Thieves essential oil… Cold & Flu, Household Germs, Gingivitis or Bleeding Gums, Strep Throat, Fungal Skin and Toenail Infections, Mold, Cold Sores and Canker Sores, Bronchitis, Washing Dishes”
- “I LOVE 2 Young Living Oils: STRESS AWAY & SARA - brilliant to reduce ANXIETY & DEPRESSION. For all PTSD sufferers! And they smell good to boot. Don't believe FDA on this. They push pharmaceuticals funded by the World Bank...”
CHALLENGER’S POSITION
According to the Challenger, Young Living distributors have been using and continue to use unsubstantiated, and therefore misleading, health-related disease treatment claims to market the Company’s essential oil products. The Challenger asserts that such health-related claims include both express and implied claims that Young Living’s essential oils can treat or alleviate symptoms of, among other conditions, urinary tract infections, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, strep throat, influenza, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. The Challenger stated that it previously brought similar health-related claims to the Company’s attention in November 2016. The Challenger also maintained that 124 of the 153 claims identified in its Challenge Letter to DSSRC were collected by TINA after that time. The Challenger stated that these health-related claims were disseminated after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent Young Living a Warning Letter, dated September 22, 2014, regarding disease treatment claims for products sold by the Company.
In its reply submission (the “Reply”) to Young Living’s written response (the “Company Response”) to the Challenge Letter, TINA argued that the Company Response made clear that Young Living did not dispute the fact that the health-related claims at issue in this Challenge were unsubstantiated and should not have been in circulation. The Challenger further argued that the Company has a responsibility to search the internet for inappropriate claims made by its distributors and undertake to have such claims removed. The Challenger further argued that, while the Company did have many of the claims identified in the Challenge Letter removed from circulation, many other health-related claims remain in circulation. In addition, after receiving the Company Response, the Challenger found ten additional health-related claims being made by distributors of Young Living. In short, the Challenger argued that the health-related claims it identified were merely a sampling of the types of claims being disseminated more broadly in the marketplace and that the Company must improve its compliance oversight and enforcement to ensure that health-related claims similar to those at issue in this Challenge are not being disseminated in the marketplace.
COMPANY’S POSITION
Young Living informed DSSRC that it takes compliance with all applicable laws seriously. With respect to the five social media posts which contained the representative claims identified above in the Basis of Inquiry, the Company stated that it was able to facilitate the removal of three of those claims. Young Living stated that the two remaining representative posts belong to individuals who are no longer distributors for the Company and therefore, Young Living maintains, the Company does not possess the ability to force those individuals to remove such social media posts.
In its Company Response, Young Living further stated that its distributor compliance department carefully reviewed the 153 claims identified by TINA and that 103 of such claims had already been removed as of the time of the Company Response. The Company stated that another 32 posts were in the process of enforcement, meaning the distributors’ accounts with Young Living were placed on hold and subject to termination if the posts are not removed within a specified time period. The Company stated that the remaining posts belong to individuals who either were never distributors of Young Living, distributors of Young Living who have gone inactive, or distributors who are not identifiable via the platform of their post. With respect to these posts, the Company stated that it did not have any leverage to force these individuals to remove their posts.
With respect to the ten additional health-related claims identified by the Challenger in its Reply, Young Living stated that eight had been removed from circulation and the remaining two were in the process of being removed with the accounts of the distributors in question being placed on hold until such claims were removed.
Young Living stated that its distributor compliance program monitors its distributors’ online behavior and educates them on and enforces its distributor policies regarding product claims. Young Living further stated that the Company has identified that a vast majority of all product claim violations are made by new distributors who are first-time offenders. According to the Company, this suggests that the Company’s existing distributor base largely follows Young Living’s policies and that the Company’s educational program and compliance efforts are effective. The Company argued that since thousands of new distributors enroll monthly there is a continual need for education and, when necessary, enforcement with new distributors.
The Company stated, however, that it is impossible to remove an inappropriate claim immediately and that some improper claims will remain published, even if Young Living is working to remove them. Young Living stated that it has no authority or ability to remove others’ online claims on its own and that it must encourage its distributors to remove claims they publish which typically takes several days or longer if a distributor is uncooperative. The Company argued that even if Young Living terminates a distributor’s account for failing to remove an improper claim, such claim will remain online. Young Living also stated that it has no contractual right to request that claims made by a retail or preferred customer be removed. In short, the Company argued that the Challenger’s conclusion that Young Living turns a blind eye to disease treatment claims because some such claims can be found online is incorrect and fails to account for the fact that those claims may be in the process of being addressed by Young Living’s compliance department or that Young Living may have no ability to have such claims removed. [1]
Young Living also argued that the Challenger’s “illegal disease treatment claims” allegations are outside of the DSSRC’s jurisdiction since such claims relate, “not to the truthfulness of the claims” but the “disease-treatment” nature of the claims. The Company argued that “disease-treatment” and “inappropriate health” claims are grounded in FDA regulations, which it believes are outside the scope of the DSSRC’s authority. Young Living argued that TINA’s references to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) law and “unsubstantiated and misleading” claims were merely nominative and used to position this Challenge within DSSRC’s jurisdiction.
In response to DSSRC’s inquiry regarding the Company’s distributor training and compliance processes, Young Living provided DSSRC with additional distributor educational and training materials[2] which include, among other items a list for distributors of “hot words and drug claims to avoid when telling your Young Living story.” The prohibited words set forth the types of conditions and health-related claims at issue in this Challenge.
Young Living maintained that when the Company becomes aware of an unauthorized claim made by an active distributor through its own monitoring or via a complaint, it creates a “case” for such claim the distributor is contacted via phone and sent a “First Step Letter” via email and mail requesting removal of the unauthorized claims within ten business days. The Company provided DSSRC with an exemplar of a First Step Letter which, among other things, contained the following form language to the distributor:
Recently, it has come to our attention that you control and/or operate the following www.pinterest.com, www.instagram.com, www.facebook.com (“website(s)”), which currently contain claims about Young Living’s products that (1) are not supported by competent and reliable science and/or (2) are intended to diagnose, mitigate, cure, prevent, or treat diseases…
Please immediately take action to carefully review and revise content on all websites that you own, operate, and/or control for compliance with federal regulations and the P&P. Still have questions about what those regulations are? You can find the P&P in the Virtual Office Member Resources tab under “Policies.” Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist you in any way as you review these channels. We are here to support and empower you on this journey of wellness and success!
We’ll review your website(s) and relevant materials again in ten business days. If you have not corrected the information on your channels, Young Living may have to take further measures to ensure that these are either aligned to be in compliance with the P&P or completely removed.
Young Living maintained that it follows up on a case twice (by phone and email) within the ten-day period following its First Step Letter and that if the subject post is removed or sufficiently edited the case is closed. If the unauthorized post remains after ten business days, the Company stated that it then proceeds to an account hold of such distributor. In that case, the distributor is contacted via email, phone, and mail to notify such distributor that the time period for removal of the claim has expired and to notify such distributor that his/her account hold is being placed and that such account is placed on hold for five business days or until the claims are removed. The Company further stated that such distributor’s upline leader is then notified of the account hold and requested to facilitate removal of the unauthorized claim. Young Living stated that it then follows up on the case one time within five days by email/phone and that if the post remains after another five business days, a 24-hour notice is communicated to the distributor via phone and email and that if the post remains after the 24-hour notice, the distributor’s account is terminated.
With respect to an active distributor that engages in repeated claim violations, the Company stated that if a distributor engages in a second violation within 12 months of a first violation, the account goes to an immediate second step, is placed on hold and the process listed above is followed. A distributor with three or more violations account is reviewed by the Company’s product claims committee for review of potential termination, probation, and/or fine.
In response to DSSRC’s inquiry regarding what steps Young Living has taken to contact former distributors to request that unauthorized claims be removed from circulation, Young Living stated that its legal department regularly contacts inactive and non-members identified by its Conduct Success team who have infringed upon its copyright or trademark rights. The Company stated that since inactive and non-members have no agreement with Young Living, the Company is not aware of any legal basis to compel these individuals to alter or remove content that does not clearly contain a copyright or trademark violation.
The Company stated that if the social media platform where the subject post was made (e.g. Facebook) provides a mechanism for reporting trademark or copyright violations, the legal team will submit complaints to such platform seeking removal of such posts. The Company provided DSSRC with three examples of resolved complaints that it submitted to social media platforms. Young Living stated that if the violation occurs on a website or platform without a reporting mechanism, the individual is sent a letter and an email, if available, and is asked to respond within 14 days. If the Company receives no response, another letter is sent with a request for a response within seven days. The Company informed DSSRC that if no response is received, or the individual is unwilling to correct the issue, the Company then confers about whether to move forward with legal proceedings.
ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION
Young Living argued that the Challenger’s allegations as to “illegal disease treatment claims” are outside of the DSSRC’s jurisdiction since such claims relate, “not to the truthfulness of the claims” but the “disease-treatment” nature of the claims. Specifically, Young Living argued that “disease-treatment” and “inappropriate health” claims are grounded in FDA regulations, which it believes are outside the scope of the DSSRC’s authority.
DSSRC does not step into the shoes of the FDA and does not take a position as to whether the challenged claims are compliant with federal law. Nonetheless, it is the Company’s burden as the marketer to possess and provide to DSSRC evidence to substantiate all the messages reasonably conveyed by its advertising claims.[3] Prior advertising self-regulatory precedent by the National Advertising Division (NAD) is instructive and sets forth the standard DSSRC will apply to health-related claims such as those at issue here:
NAD does not make distinctions across product or regulatory categories. For example, whether a product is an OTC drug, a dietary supplement, or even a homeopathic remedy, NAD’s analysis remains the same: identify the messages reasonably conveyed by the advertising, examine the reliability of the evidence, and if reliable, determine whether the evidence is a good fit for the reasonably conveyed messages. The strength of the messages drives the level of support sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the claims.[4]
Here, DSSRC determined here that the requisite level of support for the challenged claims is competent and reliable scientific evidence because the claims at issue are powerful health-related claims that Young Living’s products may treat or alleviate symptoms of a number of conditions including urinary tract infections, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, strep throat, influenza, Alzheimer’s and arthritis.[5] Further, the claims strongly convey the message to consumers that the promised health benefits are supported by scientific testing.[6] While there is no requisite number of studies required, generally, competent and reliable scientific evidence consists of randomized, placebo-controlled, well-conducted human clinical trials with statistically significant results.[7]
Here, Young Living did not attempt to substantiate the health-related claims at issue and conceded that such claims should not be in circulation or used by the Company’s distributors. Indeed, the Company’s own educational and training materials for distributors make clear that health-related claims such as those at issue in this inquiry are not authorized by Young Living.
DSSRC acknowledges and appreciates that the Company’s materials include guidance for distributors as “Say This” and “Not That” to avoid problematic health-related claims in similar format to the following:
DSSRC also acknowledges and appreciates that the Company’s “Winter Hot Words” list contains a list for distributors of “hot words and drug claims to avoid when telling your Young Living story” which include the types of conditions and health-related claims at issue in this Challenge.
DSSRC determined that it is necessary and appropriate for the Company to continue its efforts to educate its distributors regarding the types of health-related claims they should avoid making. DSSRC also recommends that the Company actively monitor the marketplace for health-related claims made by active distributors of Young Living and employ the enforcement mechanisms described above including suspension or termination of a distributor’s account if necessary.
When a direct selling company such as Young Living is made aware of an improper product or income claim that was made by an individual that was an active distributor when such claim was made but that has since become an inactive distributor of the company, DSSRC acknowledges that the direct selling company may not be able to require the former distributor to remove such claim. In that instance, DSSRC nonetheless recommends that the direct selling company make a bona fide good faith effort to have the improper claim removed. DSSRC determined that actions similar to Young Living’s “First Step Letter” requesting the removal of claims communicated by active distributors would constitute a bona fide good faith attempt with respect to removing improper claims made by distributors that have since become inactive distributors. If the social media platform where the subject post was made provides a mechanism for reporting trademark or copyright violations, DSSRC recommends that the direct selling company promptly utilize such mechanism and seek removal of the subject claims and posts. If the subject claim that came to the attention of the direct selling company occurred on a website or platform without a reporting mechanism, DSSRC recommends that in addition to contacting the former distributor in writing as described above, the Company contact the website or platform in writing and request removal of the subject claim or post.
CONCLUSION
At the outset, DSSRC determined that it is the Company’s burden as the marketer to possess and provide to DSSRC evidence to substantiate all the messages reasonably conveyed by its advertising claims. Here, DSSRC determined that the requisite level of support for the challenged product claims is competent and reliable scientific evidence because the claims at issue are powerful health-related claims that Young Living’s products may treat or alleviate symptoms of serious medical conditions.
Since Young Living agreed that the health-related claims at issue in this inquiry should not be in circulation or used by the Company’s distributors, DSSRC determined that it is necessary and appropriate for the Company to continue its efforts to educate its distributors regarding the types of health-related claims they should not make on behalf of the Company’s products. DSSRC also recommends that Young Living actively monitor the marketplace for health-related claims made by active distributors of Young Living and employ the enforcement mechanisms described in this decision including, when necessary, suspension or termination of a distributor’s account.
With respect to improper claims made by distributors that later became inactive distributors, DSSRC recommends that, promptly upon learning of such a claim, Young Living make a bona fide good faith effort to contact the former distributor to request that the improper claim be removed. DSSRC also recommends that the Company take additional steps to remove such claims from the marketplace including utilizing the mechanism that websites and social media platforms may have for removal of trademark or copyright violations. If the subject claim by a former distributor occurs on a website or platform without a reporting mechanism, DSSRC recommends that the Company should also contact the website or platform in writing and request removal of the subject claim or post.
COMPANY STATEMENT
Young Living respects the DSSRC and its efforts to protect the direct sales industry. We also appreciate the opportunity to respond to Challenger’s allegations and explain our robust distributor compliance program. Per [DSSRC’s] recommendation, Young Living will continue to actively monitor the marketplace for improper health-related claims made by active distributors and will continue to employ enforcement mechanisms to remove such claims. Young Living also agrees to: (i) make reasonable efforts to request that former distributors who made improper products claims while Young Living distributors remove such claims and (ii) make reasonable efforts to request that such claims be removed through IP enforcement mechanisms when Young Living can confidently determine that Young Living’s IP was improperly used and Young Living has adequate IP rights to request its removal.
(Case No. 13-2020 HJS, closed on 2/19/2020)
© 2020. BBB National Programs, Inc.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #315
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") regarding four social media posts that communicated earnings claims and five posts that communicated health-related product claims. DSSRC expressed concern that the earnings claims conveyed that a typical salesforce member could achieve “financial freedom” and that typical Company salesforce members could earn...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #314
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets skin care and cosmetic products. The claims at issue consisted of two product performance claims and seven earnings claims that were disseminated on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #313
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that markets nutritional supplements, bath and beauty care treatments, aromatherapy, home accents, and motivational products regarding seven product performance claims and four earnings claims that were disseminated by the Company's salesforce on Facebook and Youtube, including one claim that appeared on the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #312
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that sells adult novelty products regarding nine Facebook posts that communicated earnings claims. DSSRC expressed concern about the posts conveyed claims regarding the potential income a typical salesforce member could earn from the Company's business opportunity, including the possibility of achieving...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #311
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that sells health supplements regarding two social media posts that communicated earnings claims, two posts that communicated health-related claims, and one claim on the Company website that communicated a parity claim regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s products. DSSRC expressed concern that the posts...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #310
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that sells personal protective equipment regarding fifteen social media posts that communicated earnings claims. Thirteen of the posts were communicated on Facebook, one appeared on Pinterest and the remaining blog post was created by a third party with no affiliation to the Company. DSSRC...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #309
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted, a direct selling company (Company”) that sells wine and spirits, regarding three Facebook posts and one YouTube video that communicated earnings claims. DSSRC expressed concern about the posts conveyed claims regarding the potential income that a typical salesforce member could earn from the Company's business opportunity, including the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #308
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that markets nutrition, personal care, home cleaning and cosmetic products regarding two references to “financial freedom.” One reference was made by an independent contractor and disseminated on his LinkedIn page and the second reference was made on the Company website. The website also featured a short...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #307
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") headquartered in Europe that markets magnetic jewelry products regarding 12 product performance claims (including hashtags) that were disseminated on Facebook. DSSRC was concerned that the claims at issue communicated the message that the Company’s products could prevent or treat health-related conditions...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #306
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") regarding five social media posts that communicated earnings claims and three posts that communicated health-related product claims. DSSRC expressed concern that the earnings claims conveyed that a typical salesforce member could achieve “financial freedom” and that typical Company salesforce members could earn...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #305
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that sells bath and body products regarding four social media posts that communicated earnings claims and two posts that communicated health related claims. DSSRC expressed concern about the posts conveyed claims regarding the potential income that a typical salesforce member could earn from the Company's...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #304
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets nutritional supplement and weight-loss products regarding health claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue consisted of six health-related product claims that were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #303
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that markets dietary supplements and other personal care products regarding certain claims that appeared on social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. The claims identified by DSSRC in the inquiry consisted of five earnings claims and two product claims. With respect to the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #302
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that markets travel products regarding 15 earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by members of the Company's salesforce. DSSRC expressed its concern to the Company about the social media posts conveying claims regarding the potential income that a typical salesforce member could earn from the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #301
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company ("Company") that markets health, fitness and beauty products regarding five earnings claims disseminated by members of the Company's salesforce on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #300
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) reached out to a direct selling company ("Company") that sells home and personal fragrance products regarding seven earnings claims disseminated on social media by members of the Company's salesforce. DSSRC expressed concern about the posts conveying claims regarding the potential income that a typical salesforce member could earn from the Company's...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #299
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets health and wellness products regarding nine earnings and health claims disseminated on Facebook by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #298
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that sells health, wellness, and beauty products, regarding 11 product performance claims and two earnings claims that were disseminated by salesforce members on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and X.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #297
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that sells personal care and cleaning products regarding claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue consisted of nine earnings claims that were disseminated on Facebook and Loom.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #294
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company that markets household good products regarding seven social media posts that were disseminated by a salesforce member on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #293
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company regarding seven earnings claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #292
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company that sells meal kits and other food accessories regarding 13 earning claims that were disseminated on Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #291
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) specializing in the clean air industry regarding ten earnings claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #290
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding two social media posts disseminated by Company salesforce members on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #289
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #288
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding eight claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #287
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding eleven earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #286
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding ten earning claims disseminated on Facebook and Instagram and which included terms such as “financial freedom”, “unlimited earnings potential” and “debt free.”
DSSRC Administrative Closure #285
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding nine earnings claims and one product performance claim disseminated on Facebook by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #284
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding nine earnings claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The posts at issue originated from Facebook and Pinterest.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #281
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding seven product performance claims disseminated on Facebook by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #280
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding ten earnings claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The posts at issue originated from Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #279
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding eight earning claims disseminated on Facebook by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #278
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding eight product performance claims and nine earnings claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #277
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding twelve earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #276
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding fourteen earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and Pinterest.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #275
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets home décor and fashion accessories regarding eight earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. All of the claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #274
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets beauty products regarding seven earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #273
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets CBD products regarding fifteen product performance claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. More specifically, the claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and Instagram.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #272
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding twelve earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and on the Company website.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #271
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding twelve product performance claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook, Vimeo, Pinterest, and Twitter.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #270
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets CBD products regarding eleven product performance claims and one earnings claim disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. Although several of the social media posts were disseminated in 2019 or...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #269
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding six earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #268
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding eight product claims and four earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #267
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding ten product claims and four earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #266
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that specializes in hemp-based CBD oil products regarding eleven product claims and four earning claims that were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #265
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding nine earning claims disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #264
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets jewelry and other accessories regarding ten earnings claims that were disseminated on social media. All of the claims appeared on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #263
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that markets clothing products regarding seven earnings claims that were disseminated on Facebook by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #262
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding fourteen product performance claims and one earnings claim disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook and YouTube.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #261
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding ten earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by Company salesforce members. The claims at issue were all disseminated on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #260
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct-selling company (“Company”) that markets dietary supplement products regarding six product performance claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members and as well as weight-loss depictions and testimonials that appeared on the Company’s website. DSSRC expressed its concerns regarding the claims that the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #259
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) that sells women’s beauty products regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at issue originated from eleven social media posts disseminated on Facebook. The eleven Facebook posts included claims that salesforce members can generally...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #258
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) initiated an inquiry involving a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding four earnings claims disseminated by Company salesforce members on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube. The inquiry pertained to the Company’s use of terms such as “a debt-free life,” “financial freedom,” and social media posts suggesting that the typical Company sales...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #257
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct-selling company (“Company”) that markets travel-related products regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members as well as an earnings claim made in the Company’s compensation plan on the Company’s website. The claims which were disseminated by Company salesforce members were...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #256
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding nine earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members on Facebook and the Company website.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #255
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims and one health-related product claim that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at issue were all disseminated on Facebook.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #254
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at issue were disseminated on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. DSSRC contacted the Company and expressed concern that these social media posts could be reasonably interpreted by consumers as...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #253
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. All of the posts at issue were disseminated on Facebook. DSSRC contacted the Company and expressed concern that these social media posts could be reasonably interpreted by consumers as meaning that the typical...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #252
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) opened an inquiry with a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding certain earnings claims disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #251
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims and health-related claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #250
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. All but one of the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #249
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct-selling company (“Company”) that sells wellness products regarding certain product and earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #248
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at issue included...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #247
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The claims at issue were all disseminated on Facebook. DSSRC contacted the Company and expressed concern that these social media posts could be reasonably interpreted by consumers as meaning that the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #246
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct-selling company (“Company”) that sells cosmetic products regarding certain earnings claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The posts were identified as part of DSSRC’s ongoing monitoring process, which found thirteen posts on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #245
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct-selling company (“Company”) that sells several brands of weight-loss and nutritional wellness products regarding certain earnings claims and health-related product claims that were disseminated on social media by the Company’s salesforce members. The posts were identified as part of DSSRC’s ongoing monitoring process, which found three...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #244
DSSRC Administrative Closure #243
DSSRC Administrative Closure #242
DSSRC Administrative Closure #241
DSSRC Administrative Closure #240
DSSRC Administrative Closure #239
DSSRC Administrative Closure #238
DSSRC Administrative Closure #237
DSSRC Administrative Closure #236
DSSRC Administrative Closure #235
DSSRC Administrative Closure #234
DSSRC Administrative Closure #233
DSSRC Administrative Closure #232
DSSRC Administrative Closure #231
DSSRC Administrative Closure #230
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) initiated an inquiry involving a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding six earnings claims disseminated by Company salesforce members on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The claims identified by DSSRC included, but were not limited to, “earn 4 to 5 figures income,” “you decide your income,” “I paid off my entire family’s medical bills,” “I just paid...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #229
DSSRC Administrative Closure #228
DSSRC Administrative Closure #227
DSSRC Administrative Closure #226
DSSRC Administrative Closure #225
DSSRC Administrative Closure #224
DSSRC Administrative Closure #223
DSSRC Administrative Closure #222
DSSRC Administrative Closure #221
DSSRC Administrative Closure #220
DSSRC Administrative Closure #219
DSSRC Administrative Closure #218
DSSRC Administrative Closure #217
DSSRC Administrative Closure #216
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a company (“Company”) regarding eighteen social media posts disseminated on Facebook and YouTube that were identified pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. Fifteen of the social media posts made health-related claims regarding skin conditions such as, but not limited to, eczema and psoriasis. DSSRC was also concerned that...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #215
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding four social media posts disseminated on Facebook that were identified pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. Three of the posts included references to the ability for Company salesforce members to earn full time income. In addition, the remaining post referenced the COVID-19...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #214
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding four social media posts disseminated on Facebook and one YouTube video that were identified pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. DSSRC expressed its concern to the Company that all five posts communicated atypical earnings claims regarding the amount of income that could be...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #213
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding five social media posts disseminated on Facebook and one YouTube video that were identified pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. The Facebook posts included references to the efficacy of the Company’s products to treat several health-related conditions including arthritis and...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #212
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a company (“Company”) regarding thirteen social media posts disseminated on Facebook that were identified pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. The posts included references to, among other things, the Company’s “unlimited income potential” and how salesforce members can earn “$1,000 a month,” become “financially...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #211
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding three social media posts disseminated on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. DSSRC was concerned that these posts may be reasonably interpreted as communicating that by partaking in the Company’s business opportunity, salesforce members would earn a substantial income. The posts were identified by DSSRC...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #210
DSSRC Administrative Closure #209
DSSRC Administrative Closure #208
DSSRC Administrative Closure #207
DSSRC Administrative Closure #206
DSSRC Administrative Closure #205
DSSRC Administrative Closure #204
DSSRC Administrative Closure #203
DSSRC Administrative Closure #202
DSSRC Administrative Closure #201
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding five social media posts that DSSRC was concerned were communicating inappropriate earnings claims. The posts included references such as “replace another income,” “full-time opportunity,” “travel for free,” “what would you do with an extra $500 a month?”, and “looking for a new career or...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #200
DSSRC Administrative Closure #199
DSSRC Administrative Closure #198
DSSRC Administrative Closure #197
DSSRC Administrative Closure #196
DSSRC Administrative Closure #195
DSSRC Administrative Closure #194
DSSRC Administrative Closure #193
DSSRC Administrative Closure #192
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding three social media posts disseminated by company salesforce members that communicated health-related product claims. In addition, DSSRC also inquired regarding certain earnings claims that appeared on the Company’s website as well as earnings claims disseminated by salesforce members on social...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #191
DSSRC Administrative Closure #190
DSSRC Administrative Closure #189
DSSRC Administrative Closure #188
DSSRC Administrative Closure #187
DSSRC Administrative Closure #186
DSSRC Administrative Closure #185
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding one social media post disseminated by a company salesforce member. Some of the language in the post made an atypical representation regarding the level of income that a salesforce member could expect to earn from the Company’s business opportunity. The post was identified by DSSRC pursuant to...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #184
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding six social media posts. The inquiry involved a number of health-related posts which included claims that the Company’s products can treat Alzheimer’s disease and cancer and prevent diabetes and strokes. The posts were identified by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing, independent monitoring of the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #183
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding nine social media posts. DSSRC was concerned that these posts made both explicit and implied claims that typical salesforce members of the Company could generally expect to earn significant, full-time, or career replacement income through participating in the Company’s business opportunity. The...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #182
DSSRC Administrative Closure #181
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding one social media post that was disseminated by a salesforce member of the Company. DSSRC was concerned that the post communicated that a typical salesforce member will earn a significant amount of income from the Company’s business opportunity.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #180
DSSRC Administrative Closure #179
DSSRC Administrative Closure #178
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding four social media posts that conveyed the message that the Company's products can treat several serious health-related conditions including diabetes and autism. DSSRC was also concerned that some of the social media posts communicated the message that salesforce members can generally expect to...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #177
DSSRC Administrative Closure #176
DSSRC Administrative Closure #175
DSSRC Administrative Closure #174
DSSRC Administrative Closure #173
DSSRC Administrative Closure #172
DSSRC Administrative Closure #171
DSSRC Administrative Closure #170
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company regarding three social media posts disseminated by salesforce members that communicated the efficacy of the Company’s products to treat ADHD in children, COVID-19 and other health-related conditions. The social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #169
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding three social media posts that DSSRC was concerned conveyed, either through depictions or accompanying text, that the Company’s salesforce members can earn a significant income through the Company’s business opportunity.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #168
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding four social media posts that DSSRC was concerned contained health-related product claims including statements that the Company’s products could prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. DSSRC identified the subject social media posts that were made by Company salesforce members through its ongoing...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #167
DSSRC Administrative Closure #166
DSSRC Administrative Closure #165
DSSRC Administrative Closure #164
DSSRC Administrative Closure #163
DSSRC Administrative Closure #162
DSSRC Administrative Closure #161
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding four Facebook posts that were disseminated by salesforce members of the Company. All four of the post conveyed strong health-related product claims including the message that the Company’s products were effective to treat serious health conditions such as COVID-19, ADHD, dementia, Alzheimer’s...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #160
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding social media posts that were disseminated by salesforce members. The subject claims and social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention through its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #159
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding four Facebook posts that were disseminated by Company salesforce members. All four of the posts made reference to prospective salesforce members being able to “replace lost income” through the Company’s business opportunity and one of the posts included an implied reference to achieving...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #158
DSSRC Administrative Closure #157
DSSRC Administrative Closure #156
DSSRC Administrative Closure #155
DSSRC Administrative Closure #154
DSSRC Administrative Closure #153
DSSRC Administrative Closure #152
DSSRC Administrative Closure #151
DSSRC Administrative Closure #150
DSSRC Administrative Closure #149
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding one Facebook post and two TikTok posts disseminated by salesforce members of the Company. DSSRC was concerned that the Facebook post conveyed disease treatment claims and that the TikTok posts contained strong health-related product performance claims including claims that the Company’s...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #148
DSSRC Administrative Closure #147
DSSRC Administrative Closure #146
DSSRC Administrative Closure #145
DSSRC Administrative Closure #144
DSSRC Administrative Closure #143
DSSRC Administrative Closure #142
DSSRC Administrative Closure #141
DSSRC Administrative Closure #140
DSSRC Administrative Closure #139
DSSRC Administrative Closure #138
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding two Facebook posts disseminated by salesforce members. DSSRC was concerned that one of the posts conveyed claims that the Company’s products can protect against disease including express claims stating that the salesforce member is “COVID free” and the products being a “pandemic response.”...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #137
DSSRC Administrative Closure #136
DSSRC Administrative Closure #135
DSSRC Administrative Closure #134
DSSRC Administrative Closure #133
DSSRC Administrative Closure #132
DSSRC Administrative Closure #131
DSSRC Administrative Closure #130
DSSRC Administrative Closure #129
DSSRC Administrative Closure #128
DSSRC Administrative Closure #127
DSSRC Administrative Closure #126
DSSRC Administrative Closure #125
DSSRC Administrative Closure #124
DSSRC Administrative Closure #123
DSSRC Administrative Closure #122
DSSRC Administrative Closure #121
DSSRC Administrative Closure #120
DSSRC Administrative Closure #119
DSSRC Administrative Closure #118
DSSRC Administrative Closure #117
DSSRC Administrative Closure #116
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding six posts made on social media by Company salesforce members. DSSRC was concerned that the social media posts disseminated by these Company salesforce members included unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits including claims that the Company’s products can protect against...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #115
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding two Facebook posts by Company salesforce members that referenced serious health-related conditions that purportedly could be addressed by use of the Company’s products.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #114
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding two Facebook posts making claims about the Company’s products. The Facebook posts were disseminated by a Company salesforce member and a former salesforce member of the Company. The social media posts were identified during DSSRC’s monitoring of the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #113
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding three Facebook posts disseminated by Company salesforce members that were identified during DSSRC’s monitoring of the direct selling industry. DSSRC expressed its concern to the Company that all of the posts implied that the Company products are effective to treat a number of health-related...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #112
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding three Facebook posts that were identified during DSSRC’s monitoring of the direct selling industry and disseminated by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #111
DSSRC Administrative Closure #110
DSSRC Administrative Closure #109
DSSRC Administrative Closure #108
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) commenced an inquiry with a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding three Facebook posts disseminated by Company salesforce members.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #107
DSSRC Administrative Closure #106
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) about three Facebook posts disseminated by salesforce members of the Company. Two of the posts in question implied that the Company’s nutritional products could help individuals that consume such products fight viruses including COVID-19. The other post made specific health-related product efficacy claims...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #105
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) about two Facebook posts disseminated by salesforce members of the Company. The posts in question implied that engaging in direct selling of the Company’s products could provide replacement income for those out of work due to COVID and/or a new career during the current public health crisis.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #104
DSSRC Administrative Closure #103
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (Company) regarding three Facebook posts disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject claims and social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #102
DSSRC Administrative Closure #101
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company (Company) regarding three coronavirus related hashtags that accompanied a post stating that the Company’s product can strengthen the immune system. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated that coronavirus related claims and hashtags when coupled with claims that a product can strengthen or boost the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #100
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding two Facebook posts and one Instagram post disseminated by Company salesforce members. All three posts referenced the ability of the direct selling company’s product to prevent and eliminate the coronavirus.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #99
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company regarding three Facebook post disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject claims and social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #98
DSSRC Administrative Closure #97
DSSRC Administrative Closure #96
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (“Company”) regarding three Facebook posts disseminated by salesforce members that included claims that the Company’s products can assist in treating a number of serious health-related conditions including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #95
DSSRC Administrative Closure #94
DSSRC Administrative Closure #93
DSSRC Administrative Closure #92
DSSRC Administrative Closure #91
DSSRC Administrative Closure #90
DSSRC Administrative Closure #89
DSSRC Administrative Closure #88
DSSRC Administrative Closure #87
DSSRC Administrative Closure #86
DSSRC Administrative Closure #85
DSSRC Administrative Closure #84
DSSRC Administrative Closure #83
DSSRC Administrative Closure #82
DSSRC Administrative Closure #81
DSSRC Administrative Closure #80
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company regarding two Facebook 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 posts conveyed the unsupported health-related message that the Company’s direct selling products can protect...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #79
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company regarding three 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 concerns that the posts conveyed unsupported product, health and wellness benefits and the message that the Company’s...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #78
DSSRC Administrative Closure #77
DSSRC Administrative Closure #76
Social media advertising for a direct selling company that markets health and wellness products came to the attention of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) pursuant to its monitoring of the direct selling industry. DSSRC identified three Facebook posts that were disseminated by Company salesforce members as communicating egregious health-related claims. One post stated “build your immune...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #75
DSSRC Administrative Closure #74
DSSRC Administrative Closure #73
DSSRC Administrative Closure #72
DSSRC Administrative Closure #71
DSSRC Administrative Closure #70
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two Facebook posts disseminated by the company’s salesforce members that conveyed product performance stating and/or implying that the company’s products can help prevent or treat COVID-19. Both posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #69
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two YouTube videos disseminated by the company’s salesforce members that conveyed product performance claims while referencing the current global pandemic. Both videos came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #68
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two social media posts disseminated by the company’s salesforce members that conveyed product performance claims. Both social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #67
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about certain social media posts disseminated by salesforce members regarding product efficacy claims that referenced “Corona Virus.” DSSRC also identified more general product claims regarding viruses that DSSRC was concerned could be reasonably interpreted could be reasonably interpreted as meaning that the company’s products are effective against the...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #66
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about three social media posts disseminated by salesforce members regarding business opportunities during the pandemic. The social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #65
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about three business opportunity posts disseminated by salesforce members. The social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #64
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about three social media post disseminated by salesforce members. The 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...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #63
DSSRC Administrative Closure #62
DSSRC Administrative Closure #61
DSSRC Administrative Closure #60
DSSRC Administrative Closure #59
DSSRC Administrative Closure #58
DSSRC Administrative Closure #57
DSSRC Administrative Closure #56
DSSRC Administrative Closure #55
DSSRC Administrative Closure #54
DSSRC Administrative Closure #53
DSSRC Administrative Closure #52
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about four 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...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #51
DSSRC Administrative Closure #50
DSSRC Administrative Closure #49
DSSRC Administrative Closure #48
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about a social media post disseminated by a salesforce member. The subject social media post 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 post conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s direct selling...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #47
DSSRC Administrative Closure #46
DSSRC Administrative Closure #45
DSSRC Administrative Closure #44
DSSRC Administrative Closure #43
DSSRC Administrative Closure #42
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 concerns that two of the social media posts conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #41
DSSRC Administrative Closure #40
DSSRC Administrative Closure #39
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about thirty-five 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 concerns that thirty-three of the social media posts...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #38
DSSRC Administrative Closure #37
DSSRC Administrative Closure #36
DSSRC Administrative Closure #35
DSSRC Administrative Closure #34
DSSRC Administrative Closure #33
DSSRC Administrative Closure #32
Social media posts disseminated by distributors for a multi-level company came to the attention of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) pursuant to its internal monitoring process. More specifically, one Instagram post...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #31
DSSRC Administrative Closure #30
DSSRC Administrative Closure #29
DSSRC Administrative Closure #28
DSSRC Administrative Closure #27
DSSRC Administrative Closure #26
DSSRC Administrative Closure #25
DSSRC Administrative Closure #24
DSSRC Administrative Closure #23
DSSRC Administrative Closure #22
DSSRC Administrative Closure #21
DSSRC Administrative Closure #20
DSSRC Administrative Closure #19
DSSRC Administrative Closure #18
In 2019, DSSRC contacted a direct selling company regarding several earnings claims on the direct selling company’s website as well as claims that were being disseminated by the company’s salesforce on social media.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #17
DSSRC contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) about earnings claims disseminated on the Company’s website and on social media by salesforce members. Specifically, DSSRC identified a number of express and implied earnings claim that referenced financial freedom, exorbitant bonuses and vacations, luxury cars, the ability to pay off college loans and generous reward programs. The advertising also...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #16
DSSRC Administrative Closure #15
DSSRC Administrative Closure #14
DSSRC Administrative Closure #13
DSSRC Administrative Closure #12
DSSRC Administrative Closure #11
In 2020, a direct selling company contacted DSSRC seeking guidance regarding company events at which top distributors are recognized. The direct selling company stated that it had previously presented some of its highest performing distributors with oversized checks at the event but, since the success of those top distributors was not typical, it was concerned that the oversized checks might convey an...
DSSRC Administrative Closure #10
DSSRC Administrative Closure #9
DSSRC Administrative Closure #8
DSSRC Administrative Closure #7
DSSRC Administrative Closure #6
DSSRC Administrative Closure #5
DSSRC Administrative Closure #4
DSSRC Administrative Closure #3
DSSRC Administrative Closure #2
DSSRC opened an inquiry with a direct selling company regarding Instagram and Facebook posts made by the Company salesforce regarding claims of achieving “financial freedom,” a claim stating that potential recruits can “earn the income that want,” an unqualified claim of atypical earnings and an unqualified claim regarding company incentive trips.
DSSRC Administrative Closure #1
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) inquired with a direct selling company regarding twos social media posts disseminated by members of the Company salesforce. The first claim appeared on Instagram and stated that that the salesforce member was able to more than replace her salary from here previous, full-time job.