How Can Consumers Report Ads That Exaggerate Health Benefits?

Consumers can take several steps to report advertisements that exaggerate health benefits. Here’s how to effectively report these misleading claims and the agencies involved:

Steps to Report Misleading Ads

1. Document the Advertisement:

Take screenshots, photos, or keep copies of the advertisement in question, including the date and medium (TV, social media, print, etc.). This documentation is crucial for supporting your report.

2. Identify the Claims:

Clearly outline the specific claims made in the advertisement that you believe are exaggerated or misleading. This can help the agency understand the issue better.

3. File a Complaint with the FTC:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertising practices and takes action against deceptive ads. You can file a complaint online through the FTC’s complaint assistant here or by calling their consumer response center.

4. Report to the FDA:

If the ad pertains to food, drugs, or dietary supplements, you can report it to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA monitors health-related claims and can take action against misleading advertising in these categories. You can report to the FDA via their website here.

5. Contact State Consumer Protection Offices:

Many states have consumer protection agencies that also handle complaints about misleading advertisements. Check your state’s attorney general’s office for more information on how to file a complaint.

6. Use Industry Self-Regulation:

Some industries have self-regulatory organizations, such as the National Advertising Division (NAD), which reviews advertising claims. While you can’t file a complaint directly, reporting to NAD may help address the issue within the industry.

Additional Considerations

- Social Media Reporting:

If the misleading ad appears on social media platforms, you can report the ad directly through the platform’s reporting tools. Most platforms have policies against misleading advertisements.

- Spread Awareness:

Sharing your concerns on social media or consumer advocacy forums can help raise awareness about misleading claims, prompting others to report similar ads.

Example

If a consumer sees an advertisement for a dietary supplement claiming it can cure diseases without scientific backing, they can document the claim, report it to the FTC and FDA, and notify their state consumer protection agency to help address the misleading advertisement.