The company advertises their products as effective mosquito repellents for sale online. The price points for the products are not inexpensive, charging $65 for a 50 ml bottle of spray and $40 for 7.5 oz. candle.
The FTC alleges the company’s website states that the Aromaflage sprays are “as effective as 25% Deet over 2.5 hours.” In fact, the website and Amazon storefront claim the sprays and candles are “rigorously tested at one of the world’s leading Universities and found to be as effective at repelling mosquitoes as the leading brand” and “repels mosquitoes that may carry Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever.”
The company’s Amazon storefront also includes five-star product reviews. The problem, however, is that the reviews are false. Surprisingly, the reviews are from Ms. Fensterstock herself, and other family members. Most egregious, the product reviews do not disclose the relationship between the sellers and endorsers.
No More Misleading Products or Advertising
In summary, the complaint alleges the false advertising claims include the following items. First, the products’ efficacy to repel mosquitoes, including those carrying the diseases cited is false. Secondly, the spray’s ability to effectively repel mosquitoes for 2.5 hours is unsubstantiated. Third, the candle’s ability to repel mosquitoes as effectively as 25% DEET, is false.
