For Release
FTC and Missouri Attorney General Warn Hearing Aid Sellers About Deceptive Stimulus Payment Claims
The Federal Trade Commission and Missouri Attorney General have sent warning letters to two companies that sent mailers to consumers that suggested that they could provide government stimulus money to customers to purchase their hearing aids.
The letters highlight claims included in the mailers that implied that consumers were eligible for a government stimulus benefit specifically for the use of buying hearing aids, and that the companies were able to provide that benefit.
The mailers included language like “Call Today to Secure Your Stimulus Money. For Stimulus Voucher Appointments, Call Today!” and “CORONA-VIRUS (sic) PANDEMIC HEARING AID STIMULUS PACKAGE ANNOUNCED FOR MISSOURI.”
The mailers also included a document designed to look like a $1,000 check made out to the consumer labeled “OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED VOUCHER” and with instructions to endorse it on the back.
The letters warn the recipients to cease making all deceptive claims and also instruct them to notify the FTC and State of Missouri within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the concerns raised in the letters.
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