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Whirlpool Refrigerator PUR Water Filter W10295370 Rated at 6-Months May Require Replacement After 30-Days

Summary In many of their newer refrigerator models (see full list below), Whirlpool is selling a proprietary PUR filter system (filter part number W10295370) that is advertised as providing 6-months of service with a key feature being the removal of chlorine flavor. This claim by Whirlpool is used as a selling point to overstate the “savings” a… Continue reading Whirlpool Refrigerator PUR Water Filter W10295370 Rated at 6-Months May Require Replacement After 30-Days

Toshiba – Leading in Innovation and Leading in Misleading Advertising Designed to Look LIke News Reporting

Earlier this year, we reported on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action against advertising that’s embedded with news stories so as to appear to be factual. Apparently nobody at Toshiba got the memo from the FTC. If you purchase a new Toshiba computer, it will come configured to automatically load the Official Toshiba Start Page… Continue reading Toshiba – Leading in Innovation and Leading in Misleading Advertising Designed to Look LIke News Reporting

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Takes Action Against Fake News Websites as False Advertising

Activism > Consumer Defense Resource Group Update. Seven months after we first reported about the use of fake news websites as advertising (21 September 2010), the Federal Trade Commission began taking action against those using this deceptive practice. Our original report is below. Here are stories about the FTC actions: 19 April 2011 – FTC Seeks… Continue reading Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Takes Action Against Fake News Websites as False Advertising

Symantec Norton Security Scan Uses Scareware Fake Antivirus Malware Tactics to Scare Customers Into Buying Their Software

Technology Summary. Scareware is a kind of software that infiltrates your computer and then posts warning messages on your screen to scare you into purchasing the software. It’s a form of misrepresentation, deception, and false advertising that is forbidden and harshly prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission. We depend on reputable companies to keep us… Continue reading Symantec Norton Security Scan Uses Scareware Fake Antivirus Malware Tactics to Scare Customers Into Buying Their Software

GNC Claims Vitamin B12 is Only Available From Animal Sourced Foods – FALSE

Health Summary. In a recent advertising campaign, GNC published the statement that “Vegetarians and vegans are among the healthiest people in the world.” [source] Now that’s truth in advertising. However, the bold print of their advertisement reads, “The only natural source of vitamin B12 comes from consuming animal products.” Pictured in the ad is a cut of… Continue reading GNC Claims Vitamin B12 is Only Available From Animal Sourced Foods – FALSE

cnet Download Site Allows Misleading and Potentially Harmful Advertising

Technology Summary. Like many website, the Download.com website managed by cnet has advertisements. However, because the website is dedicated to software downloads, the advertising is strategically placed and deliberately misleading. UPDATE: We originally reported about this on 5 February 2010. It’s been over 3 years and the problem persists. Indeed, it’s become worse. Here is… Continue reading cnet Download Site Allows Misleading and Potentially Harmful Advertising