When Tobacco and Other Companies Misled the Public

Camels cigarettes In 1946, a Camels cigarettes advertisement boldly asserted that doctors preferred their brand, citing an allegedly independent survey. However, it was later exposed that this survey was conducted by an advertising agency using questionable methods. The commercial even featured actors posing as doctors casually smoking between house calls. At that time, there was already substantial evidence indicating the dangers of smoking. Using doctors to imply the health benefits of their cigarettes was considered a particularly unethical and deceptive form of advertising.

L’Oréal skincare cosmetics L’Oréal made claims that its Lancôme Génifique and Youth Code cosmetics could prevent skin aging by enhancing genetic activity in users. However, the company couldn’t substantiate these assertions when challenged. As part of a settlement, L’Oréal was prohibited from making any claims about their products altering users’ genetics.

New Balance toning shoes New Balance, a sports shoe manufacturer, asserted that its toning shoes could help individuals burn calories more effectively than other footwear. Yet, there was no concrete evidence to support this claim. In 2012, New Balance settled a class-action lawsuit related to these allegations, agreeing to pay $2.3 million.

Skechers Shape-Ups Skechers advertised that its Shape-Ups shoes could assist wearers in losing weight and toning their muscles. However, these claims were deemed misleading, leading Skechers to settle a lawsuit for $50 million.

Pure Green Coffee antioxidant capsules Nicholas Scott Congleton promoted Pure Green Coffee as a weight loss solution. The company behind it used fake news organizations and borrowed logos from legitimate media outlets to bolster their baseless assertions. Even Dr. Oz endorsed this product on his show, which later resulted in him being called before a Senate Consumer Protection panel to explain his actions.