Category Archives: False and Deceptive Advertising

Scam Protection Company Settles with Florida Attorney General

March 28th, 2012

A Florida company that claims to recover money for consumer fraud victims has agreed to pay up to $205,000 in restitution to settle a consumer protection lawsuit brought by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

Scammer Guard did not admit any wrongdoing, but the company has agreed to change its marketing practices and will no longer charge upfront fees before helping fraud victims. It will pay an additional $35,000 to cover the legal fees and investigative costs of the Attorney General’s Office.

Scammer Guard’s attorney claims the company is legitimate and that it has recovered more than $231,000 for fraud victims within the last year.

The suit brought by the Attorney General’s Office accused Scammer Guard of misleading prospective clients by claiming to have ties to government agencies and access to information not available to the public.

Attorney General Pam Bondi pointed out that her office does not work with any private organizations to recover funds lost to fraud.

Scammer Guard will no longer represent that it has any affiliation with government agencies. In addition, it will now collect up to 35 percent of any money it recovers for fraud victims instead of charging fees up front.

Sarelson Law Firm – Miami litigation attorneys

 

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Help For Elderly Victims Of Fraud

December 8th, 2011

A recent forum held at the Sunshine Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, brought together local experts to assist the elderly in avoiding fraud, and to provide resources for them if they are defrauded.

Some of the more prevalent fraudulent schemes that target the elderly include telemarketing schemes, bogus sweepstakes campaigns and lottery scams.

One guest at the forum, Postal Inspector Sherri Lanham, reminded seniors, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

She also pointed out that identity theft is a big problem for the elderly, encouraging them to shred any documents with personal information before throwing them away. Protecting your Social Security card is important, too. “[Do] not carry your Social Security card around in your wallet. Unless you need it for some reason when you are out, leave it at home,” Lanham said.

There is help for seniors who have been defrauded. The AAAPP has a Senior Victim Advocate Program, which can work a victim advocate for seniors.

Victim Advocate Cathy Stallings said, “I can accompany you to court, speak on your behalf and assist with property return and preparation of legal forms.”

Are you a senior fraud victim?

Sarelson Law Firm – Miami litigation attorneys

 

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Class Action Suit Filed for Stimulants In Supplements

November 21st, 2011

Attorneys have filed a class action suit against a successful Florida-based supplement manufacturer, claiming their bodybuilding supplements “contain a dangerous amphetamine-like ingredient that poses a serious health risk and has potentially life-threatening side effects.”

BPI Sports manufactures and sells multiple dietary supplements, including 1.M.R powder and tablets, RoxyLean ECA and Rx6. Marketed as bodybuilding and weight loss supplements, the products contain DMAA, a known stimulant that has been banned by multiple organizations and several countries. Both the World Anti-Doping Agency and Major League Baseball prohibit the use of DMAA, and Canada and New Zealand have prohibited the sale of the substance.

According to the class action lawsuit, BPI failed to inform customers that its products contain a dangerous stimulant. Don Caitlin, an anti-doping scientist, told the Washington Post that DMAA is chemically similar to amphetamine and ephedrine, and can raise one’s heart rate and blood pressure to fatal levels.

The plaintiffs in the class action are seeking restitution and class damages for consumer law violations, unfair competition, false and misleading advertising, breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty.

Have you used a dietary supplement that contains DMAA and are considering legal action? If you have questions about your legal options, please contact our Miami class action attorneys for a free consultation.

Sarelson Law Firm – Miami class action attorneys

 

Posted in Class Action Litigation, Class Actions, Consumer Protection, Diet & Fitness Fads, Drugs & Pharma, False and Deceptive Advertising, Supplements & Herbals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment