Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS: FTC sends $6.3M in refunds for ‘Weight Loss Cure’ book, (Jun 23, 2016)

By Greg Hammond, J.D.

The FTC is issuing checks totaling approximately $6.3 million to consumers that purchased the book "The Weight Loss Cure They Don’t Want You to Know About." The book’s author, Kevin Trudeau, was ordered to repay more than $37 million in 2009 after violating a 2004 FTC stipulated order (FTC v. Trudeau, Dkt. 03 C 3904, File No. 032 3064).

The Commission filed a complaint against Trudeau in 2003, alleging that he deceptively advertised Coral Calcium Supreme as an effective means to prevent, treat, and cure cancer, heart disease, and various degenerative diseases, in violation of the FTC Act. Trudeau then violated a 2004 stipulated order by misrepresenting the contents of his "Weight Loss Cure" book in several infomercials that he produced in 2006. In particular, the FTC alleged that Trudeau claimed in his infomercials that his book offers an "easy" weight loss plan that ultimately allows consumers to eat "everything they want." The book, however, described a grueling regiment, according to the Commission, requiring daily injections, severe dieting, and lifelong food restrictions.

Consumers are encouraged by the FTC to deposit or cash their checks within 60 days of the mailing date. In addition, consumers could receive additional proceeds in the future if the Commission is able to locate and make additional Trudeau funds available.

News: ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews