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This settlement is closed!
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Mercola.com has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations it made false and unsupported claims that its indoor tanning systems are safe, can reduce wrinkles, and don’t increase the risk of skin cancer.
If you purchased a Mercola.com indoor tanning system and were dissatisfied with the product, you may be entitled to a refund from the FTC settlement.
The FTC filed the false advertising class action lawsuit in April against Mercola.com LLC, Mercola.com Health Resources Inc., and Dr. Joseph Mercola.
There are several different models of the Mercola.com indoor tanning system, including D-Lite, Sun Splash, Sun Splash Refresh, Sunsplash Renew, Vitality, Vitality Refresh, and Vitality D-Lite.
These indoor tanning systems vary in design. Some are designed as beds, door-mount or standing systems. The type and number of lamps also vary. Depending on the model, the lamps generate red, infrared and/or blue light.
The systems reportedly sold for $1,200 to $4,000 each.
According to the FTC, Mercola ran advertisements that claimed these indoor tanning systems were safe, that they did not increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer, and that they can “reverse the appearance of aging.”
The ads also allegedly stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration endorsed indoor tanning systems as safe, a claim the FTC says is false—and dangerous.
“These types of false claims are especially troubling because of the serious health risks posed by indoor tanning,” Jessica Rich, the Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said. “The fact is, indoor tanning is not safe because it increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.”
The defendants neither admit or deny any of the allegations. However, they have agreed to pay more than $5.3 million to settle the FTC lawsuit.
UPDATE: February 2017, the FTC announced that they are mailing out checks to more than 1,300 individuals who asked for a refund for the Mercola tanning system. The average check amount is expected to be about $1,800.
Who’s Eligible
Anyone who purchased Mercola brand indoor tanning systems since Jan. 1, 2012 may be eligible for a refund from the FTC settlement.
Potential Award
Varies.
Proof of Purchase
N/A
Claim Form Deadline
10/16/2016
Case Name
Federal Trade Commission v. Mercola.com LLC, et al., Case No. 1:16-cv-04282, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division
Final Hearing
N/A
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
FTC v. Mercola.com LLC and Others
Claims Administration Center
P.O. Box 2525
Faribault, MN 55021-9525
1-877-418-8082
Class Counsel
David C. Shonka
Janet M. Evans
Keith Fentonmiller
Guy G. Ward
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Defense Counsel
Todd A. Harrison
Leonard L. Gordon
VENABLE LLP
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21 thoughts onFTC Mercola.com Indoor Tanning System Settlement
UPDATE: February 2017, the FTC announced that they are mailing out checks to more than 1,300 individuals who asked for a refund for the Mercola tanning system. The average check amount is expected to be about $1,800.
February 7 2017
PRODUCTS: Tanning Beds
FTC SENDS FULL REFUNDS FOR MERCOLA.COM TANNING BEDS
The FTC is mailing refunds that total $2.59 million to more than 1,300 people who bought Mercola indoor tanning systems and applied for a refund before October 31, 2016. The average refund amount is over $1,800.
According to the FTC, Mercola.com made false and unsupported claims that their indoor tanning systems are safe, that they don’t increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, and that they can reduce wrinkles.
If you have questions about the case, contact the refund administrator at 1-877-418-8082.
I purchased a Mercola Sunsplash Refresh on 11/11/11, 6 weeks before the ‘if you purchased between 1/1/12…is there anything I can do? I called the FTC because I never received a claim form and found out is was because of the purchase date. It doesn’t seem fair as the reason I bought the darn thing was because it wouldn’t cause skin cancer and the red lights would supposed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. If there is any thing I can do to appeal I would appreciate your input, thanks!
Any updates?
Unfortunately, no word on when settlement payments will be made. It could possibly take the settlement administrator several weeks or months to review and process claims. Please keep checking Top Class Actions for updates. We will let our viewers know as soon as we learn that checks are in the mail!
When will we get paid
I bought a one of these tanning beds and I sold it after 6 months I didn’t get a claim form in the mail.
I do believe JEFF is right they send you a reference number , they had serial numbers not reference numbers
How and where do I find the reference number plz??
i found the ref# on ebay
isnt the reference number sent to you by ftc mailer?
Where do I get a reference # from?
I never got a notice in the mail.
I don’t have the bed anymore so i don’t know the reference number.
checks mailed out today 2/7/2017 was told this today from admin.