CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TechnologyMar 08, 2019
Ad Watchdog Asks FTC to Take Action Against Influencers
Truth in Advertising sent a complaint after investigating the same 21 influencers the Federal Trade Commission had already warned about “deceptive” posts.
Madison, Conn.—Ad watchdog Truth in Advertising has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against a group of social media influencers it says have posted deceptive ads despite previous warnings.
Nearly two years ago, the FTC sent letters to more than 90 influencers and brands, reminding them about disclosure and promotions on social media.
The agency followed up with a second batch of letters in September 2017 to 21 of those influencers—a mix of actresses, singers, reality TV stars and individuals who made their names strictly as influencers—reminding them of their legal obligations and requesting information about their connections to certain companies.
Truth in Advertising (TINA) is now saying there has been no public action from the FTC on this front, leading it to launch its own investigation into the influencers’ Instagram accounts.
The list of influencers, who have a combined following of more than 220 million, includes actresses Vanessa Hudgens, Shay Mitchell and Sofia Vergara, singer Ciara, and socialite and TV personality Scott Disick, who was on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” for years because of his on-again, off-again relationship with Kourtney Kardashian.
According to TINA.org, 20 of the 21 influencers “continue to violate federal endorsement guidelines” by not clearly and conspicuously disclosing their material connections—ranging from receiving free products to actual endorsement deals—to the brands in their Instagram posts. (The only one not included was Lindsay Lohan, though TINA.org noted that could be because the “Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club” star wiped her Instagram account clean in October 2018.)
It compiled more than 1,400 “deceptive” social media posts promoting more than 500 brands published between May 2017 and December 2018. The violations in the posts, TINA said, range from “a complete lack of disclosure to burying #ad in the middle of a caption, making it easy to miss.”
Fashion and lifestyle blogger Rach Parcell topped TINA’s list, with 265 allegedly deceptive posts during the time period, followed by Hudgens (175) and Mitchell (140).
Based on its findings, the organization filed a complaint with the FTC on Monday, asking it to take “strict enforcement action against these repeat offenders.”
A TINA spokesperson told National Jeweler it would like the FTC to expand its investigation into the marketing tactics used by these social media influencers and “put an end to this ongoing and pervasive consumer deception,” and that it is “confident” the FTC will take action against these 21 individuals.
The complaint and list of all 21 influencers can be found on TruthInAdvertising.org.
“It’s clear that these social media influencers do not take the FTC’s regulatory guidance seriously and continue to deceptively market goods and services to their fans,” TINA.org Executive Director Bonnie Patten said. “It is time that the FTC takes strict enforcement action against these repeat offenders.”
Earlier this week, FTC Chairman Joe Simons made a statement at the National Association of Attorneys General winter meeting indicating its commitment to enforcing truth in advertising laws about social media influencer marketing.
He said: “Truthful advertising will always be one of the FTC’s core missions, because it lets consumers make informed decisions. As online marketplaces and infomercials continue to flourish, we will continue to prioritize enforcement involving the inappropriate use of influencers, native advertising and consumer reviews.”
When asked by National Jeweler about the FTC Endorsement Guides members of the jewelry trade should keep in mind, Jewelers Vigilance Committee Senior Counsel Sara Yood said if a relationship exists between a brand/company and an endorser and marketer of its product, that relationship must be disclosed, especially if the relationship isn’t obvious. And it must be disclosed in such a way that is conspicuous to the consumer.
As TINA noted, these material connections can include a business or family relationship, monetary payment or the gifting of free product.
Yood also emphasized that the Endorsement Guides apply to both the brands and companies involved as well as the social media influencers and celebrities.
On Instagram, she said, disclosure should be done in the first few lines of the caption so users don’t have to click to expand the caption to see if it is sponsored.
The FTC also says that when multiple tags, hashtags or links are used, readers might skip over them, especially when they are located at the end of a long post, meaning that a disclosure placed in such a location is not likely to be conspicuous.
Truth in Advertising has an article outlining social media disclosure guidelines on its website.
“It’s clear that these social media influencers do not take the FTC’s regulatory guidance seriously and continue to deceptively market goods and services to their fans,” TINA.org Executive Director Bonnie Patten said. “It is time that the FTC takes strict enforcement action against these repeat offenders.”
Earlier this week, FTC Chairman Joe Simons made a statement at the National Association of Attorneys General winter meeting indicating its commitment to enforcing truth in advertising laws about social media influencer marketing.
He said: “Truthful advertising will always be one of the FTC’s core missions, because it lets consumers make informed decisions. As online marketplaces and infomercials continue to flourish, we will continue to prioritize enforcement involving the inappropriate use of influencers, native advertising and consumer reviews.”
When asked by National Jeweler about the FTC Endorsement Guides members of the jewelry trade should keep in mind, Jewelers Vigilance Committee Senior Counsel Sara Yood said if a relationship exists between a brand/company and an endorser and marketer of its product, that relationship must be disclosed, especially if the relationship isn’t obvious. And it must be disclosed in such a way that is conspicuous to the consumer.
As TINA noted, these material connections can include a business or family relationship, monetary payment or the gifting of free product.
Yood also emphasized that the Endorsement Guides apply to both the brands and companies involved as well as the social media influencers and celebrities.
On Instagram, she said, disclosure should be done in the first few lines of the caption so users don’t have to click to expand the caption to see if it is sponsored.
The FTC also says that when multiple tags, hashtags or links are used, readers might skip over them, especially when they are located at the end of a long post, meaning that a disclosure placed in such a location is not likely to be conspicuous.
Truth in Advertising has an article outlining social media disclosure guidelines on its website.
More on Technology
The Latest
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
