The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
FTC Files Complaint Over Detox Tea Maker’s Social Media Ads
The Federal Trade Commission took action against Teami, alleging it used deceptive health claims and influencer endorsements that weren’t adequately disclosed.
Washington, D.C.—The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against another company it believes has misled consumers with its social media advertising.
The FTC filed a complaint against Teami, a marketer of teas and skincare products, alleging the brand and its owners claimed “without reliable scientific evidence” that its products would help consumers boost their metabolism, fight cancer, clear clogged arteries, decrease migraines, and treat cold and flus.
The complaint also alleges the celebrities and social media influencers—rapper Cardi B and singer Jordin Sparks among them—who did promotional Instagram posts for the brand didn’t properly disclose that they were getting compensated to do so.
They didn’t indicate it was a sponsored ad to followers until they clicked the “more” option on the caption, the FTC said.
RELATED CONTENT: FTC Seeking Public Comment on Ad Endorsement GuidelinesThe FTC said it sent warning letters to the 10 influencers named in the complaint who allegedly made “inadequate disclosures.”
In a statement that could be applied to many industries, Andrew Smith, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection said: “Companies need to back up health claims with credible science and ensure influencers prominently disclose that they’re getting paid to promote a product.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Adrienne Eliza Houghton (@adriennebailon) on Oct 2, 2018 at 8:15pm PDT
The FTC said the activities mentioned in its complaint continued despite having already sent a warning letter to Teami in April 2018, reminding the company that any material connections to endorsers must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in their endorsements.
The court order settling the FTC’s complaints prohibits Teami from making the same kind of unsupported claims, requires clear and conspicuous disclosures its connection with the influencers, and imposes endorser monitoring requirements.
The order also imposed a $15.2 million judgment—representing the total sales of the products challenged by the complaint—that would be suspended after Teami paid $1 million.
Teami agreed to pay the fine.
The FTC has been consistently vigilant about proper disclosure of ads on social media as the use of influencers has increased.
In April 2017, the commission sent letters to more than 90 social media stars to “educate” them about proper disclosure and this past November, the commission released a “Disclosures 101” guide.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.