$113K FlexiPrin Refunds Mailed by FTC

The FTC is sending out checks to refund customers for FlexiPrin, a joint pain supplement that was reportedly marketed deceptively.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mailing out 2,897 checks totaling more than $113,000.

Each recipient can expect to receive a refund for their purchase with average check amounts around $39.18, according to the commission’s announcement.

The FTC and the Maine Attorney General filed their lawsuit against several companies in February 2017, claiming that the joint pain supplement utilized false and misleading claims.

The complaint included charges against XXL Impressions LLC, Jeffrey R. Powlowsky, J2 Response LLP, Justin Bumann, Justin Steinle, Synergixx LLC, Charlie Fusco, Ronald Jahner, and Brazos Minshew.

FlexiPrin allegedly made claims that it could reduce joint pain, back pain, inflammation, and stiffness in as little as two hours, rebuild damaged joints and cartilage, and reduce the need for medication in 80 percent of users. The supplement also claimed to reduce morning stiffness in all users. These claims were reportedly false, according to the FTC and the Maine Attorney General.

In addition to misleading marketing claims, the defendants allegedly failed to disclose kickback benefits. Marketing for FlexiPrin reportedly presented Jahner as an objective medical expert who could be trusted by consumers. However, the defendants allegedly failed to disclose that Jahner received a percentage of FlexiPrin sales, meaning he was not truly objective.

The other medical expert, Minshew, is reportedly not an expert in neurology or brain science despite claims made by FlexiPrin radio ads.

Both Jahner and Minshew were accused of failing to properly examine the products before providing endorsements.

The defendants were also accused of offering consumers a “risk-free” 90 day money-back guarantee with deceptive terms.

There were reportedly “undisclosed and burdensome requirements” if consumers wanted to obtain a refund for their products, including the return of empty bottles and high shipping fees.

Powlowsky, XXL Impressions, J2 Response, Bumann, Steinle, and Minshew agreed to two separate court orders that prohibit any illegal action in the future and levels $6.57 million in financial judgement.

However, due to a lack of funds, the defendants instead paid $556,000 to the FTC. This amount went towards penalties and refunding consumers for the purchase of misleading products.

In August 2017, the FTC announced that they had reached a settlement with the remaining three defendants. Synergixx and Fusco were ordered to pay $6.5 million, although that judgement was suspended due to the companies’ inability to pay. Under the agreement, the defendants are prohibited from any similar illegal conduct in the future.

The FTC previously sent out refund checks in connection with CogniPrin, another supplement marketed as a “memory improvement” aid and sold by the same defendants. 2,116 checks totaling over $355,000 were mailed in connection with this supplement. Consumers who purchased CogniPrin were able to recover refunds worth an average of $168.08.

Consumers who receive a check from the FTC should deposit or cash the check within 60 days. Any questions about the FlexiPrin refund can be directed to settlement administrator Rust Consulting by calling 1-800-598-3025.

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