Business Blog
FTC says what was “invisible” about Invisible Mask was proof for its anti-virus claims
By
Lesley Fair
October 24, 2023
According to a proposed settlement and a complaint filed by the FTC, two corporations, their President, and their CEO pitched a product called 1Virus Buster Invisible Mask, claiming that wearing the badge-like gizmo around the neck would create a three-foot barrier against 99.99% of viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19. But from the FTC’s perspective, the only thing invisible about Invisible Mask was scientific evidence supporting its claims.
The substantiation may not have been visible, but the defendants’ promises to consumers were definitely up front and out there. According to one of the defendants’ websites:
The 1 Invisible Mask offers three feet of protection from airborne viruses including Covid 19. This added protection is needed when masks are removed in order to eat, drink and speak filling that void. The quantum science behind the technology allows for this protective barrier to shield against pathogens and viruses – including COVID 19 – for up to 30 days.
How could a badge worn around the neck protect consumers from COVID? The defendants explained it this way:
The light-weight pouch containing the invisible barrier sits lower than one’s face and clips onto the clothing or worn loosely around the neck similar to an ID badge. In this way, the area surrounding the head and face receives the benefit of this invisible, protective formula. A patent pending technology called Isil-Chlor ensures the science by backing up the positive, proven results of this one-of-a-kind virus killer as reliable, safe, harmless, and easy as 1-2-3 to use.
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According to the complaint, the defendants further claimed to have scientific supported in the form of in vitro lab tests that supposedly evaluated the efficacy of the product against Staphylococcus aureus and a case study of 598 volunteers that purportedly measured the product’s “ability to kill viruses and bacteria and results on symptoms of allergies.” They also include on their websites a “Certificate of Registration” featuring the FDA’s logo.
That’s what the defendants said about their “quantum science,” but from the FTC’s perspective, their advertising claims reflected a quantum leap of logic unsupported by appropriate proof – or any approval from the FDA. What about that FDA “Certificate of Registration”? According to the complaint, “Defendants’ certificate is fake. The FDA does not issue certificates of registration to manufacturers of medical devices.”
This isn’t the first time the defendants has heard from the FTC about their representations. An earlier FTC warning letter advised them, “[A]ny coronavirus-related prevention or treatment claims regarding such products are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. You must immediately cease making all such claims.”
Three defendants – Gary Kong, K W Technology Inc. and K W Technology NV Inc. – have entered into a proposed settlement, which prohibits misrepresentations about the health, safety, or efficacy of any product; bans bogus claims of government approval or clearance; and imposes a $150,000 financial remedy. Litigation continues against defendant Timothy Wetzel.
Read the FTC’s Health Products Compliance Guide for more about substantiating health claims.
Tags:
- Consumer Protection
- Bureau of Consumer Protection
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Advertising and Marketing
- Endorsements, Influencers, and Reviews
- Health Claims
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Consumer Alert
Overcharging car buyers based on how they look? That’s illegal
By
Gema de las Heras
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
October 24, 2023
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It’s unfair and illegal to increase the amount someone ends up paying to buy or lease a car based on their race or how they look. But that’s how the FTC says a group of three auto dealerships in Rhinelander, Wisconsin allegedly overcharged some of their customers. Read on to learn more about the case — and what you can do to get a fair deal when buying a car.
According to the FTC and the State of Wisconsin, the Rhinelander dealerships unfairly and illegally charged American Indians hundreds or even thousands more in costs than non-Latino White customers. The dealerships also piled on charges for add-ons like optional gap insurance policies and service plans that were spread over time, making it hard for customers to spot. And in some cases, the FTC says the Rhinelander dealerships falsely told their buyers that the add-ons were required to buy or finance the car.
Now the Rhinelander dealerships and their general manager will have to stop these allegedly discriminatory and illegal practices and pay $1.1 million to reimburse customers who paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars more in financing costs and add-on charges.
Some illegal tactics are hard to spot, but here’s how to avoid overpaying for a car.
- Shop around for financing. Dealership financing often comes with marked-up interest rates. It’s not your only option. Start with banks, credit unions, and other financing companies. Get pre-approved and use that offer to negotiate with the dealer.
- Read the sales contract and financing agreement carefully. Make sure the terms you agreed on match what is in the contract. Get answers about any extra fees you don’t recognize or want.
- Walk away if you’re not getting what was promised. You don’t have to take the deal if you’re not satisfied.
Learn more about your rights when buying or financing at ftc.gov/cars. If you believe a dealership discriminated against you or charged hidden fees, please file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Topics
Scams
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