Markets Wired

An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing 7,979 checks averaging $27.42 each to consumers who bought dietary supplements sold by national pharmacy chain Walgreens under its store-brand “Wal-Born” label.

In 2010, Walgreens settled FTC charges that it deceptively advertised that the supplements could effectively prevent colds, fight germs, and boost the immune system.

The company touted the similarity of Wal-Born supplements to those sold by Airborne Health, Inc., which settled similar deceptive advertising charges by the FTC in 2008.

The checks, which total $218,750.00, must be cashed within 60 days after they are issued.  The amount consumers receive depends upon the amount of claims they submitted that were approved The redress is capped at $30 per consumer.

The deadline for filing a refund request has expired.  Consumers who have questions should call 1-800-598-3025 or visit www.FTC.gov/refunds.  The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.

Consumers should carefully evaluate advertising claims for dietary supplements.  For more information see:  Dietary Supplements.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.   To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).   The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.   The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.   Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.