The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending refunds to more than 56,000 consumers misled by the dietary supplement Sobrenix. These refunds, totaling over $536,000, come after the FTC filed a complaint in July 2023, alleging that Sobrenix’s marketers used deceptive tactics.
Rejuvica, the company behind Sobrenix, sold the supplement as a way to curb alcohol cravings and consumption—a claim the FTC says lacked scientific backing.
Sobrenix’s advertising targeted people who struggled with alcohol dependency. Many buyers hoped Sobrenix would curb their alcohol use. Instead, according to the FTC, they were misled by unproven health claims that could have put their health at risk.
Rejuvica’s founders, Kyle Armstrong and Kyle Dilger, used several questionable methods to promote Sobrenix. The FTC’s investigation revealed that the company misled consumers through advertising, endorsements, and fake review sites.
Paid endorsers promoted Sobrenix as if it had been clinically proven, which it had not.
Furthermore, Rejuvica created bogus review sites that seemed objective and unbiased. These sites made Sobrenix look like a well-researched and widely recommended supplement.
Yet the FTC says Rejuvica owned and operated these sites to deceive consumers further.
For those seeking help to reduce alcohol cravings, these ads and fake reviews were compelling. Rejuvica marketed Sobrenix as an effective alternative to established treatments for alcohol dependency.
The company targeted vulnerable consumers with these tactics, steering them away from safer, proven therapies.
Such practices go beyond misleading advertising. They take advantage of people seeking solutions to health problems. In the case of Sobrenix, the FTC argued that the company’s tactics created a false sense of security for buyers.
The advertising implied that Sobrenix had been tested and proven effective when no such evidence existed.
The FTC responded swiftly and decently to Rejuvica’s claims and deceptive practices. After confirming the complaint, the FTC moved to secure funds for consumer refunds.
Now, affected Sobrenix buyers receive checks with instructions to cash them within 90 days.
To ensure consumers don’t face further scams, the FTC has stressed that they will never ask for personal or financial information to issue a refund.
Consumers who believe they may be eligible for this refund can contact the refund administrator, Analytics, at 844-716-5800. Additional details are available on the FTC’s website, which has a dedicated FAQ page for refund-related inquiries.
The FTC’s refund process reflects its dedication to consumer protection. Each year, the agency investigates numerous health product claims. This case underscores the FTC’s commitment to holding companies accountable when they exploit vulnerable populations.
The agency remains vigilant about protecting consumers from false promises, particularly in the health industry.
Supplements are widely popular, and their health claims can be compelling. However, the FTC regularly encounters companies that exaggerate or fabricate their products’ effects.
Sobranie is one recent example of such deceptive practices, but it is far from an isolated case.
Many supplement companies have come under FTC scrutiny for similar reasons. Health claims need to be based on sound scientific evidence. Without it, any claim that a product can treat or prevent health issues is misleading.
The FTC’s recent action against Rejuvica reminds us of this standard. The FTC wants to ensure supplement companies adhere to the law through refunds like these.
In cases like this, the FTC intervenes to prevent consumers from wasting money or risking their health on unproven products.
FTC sends more than $536,000 in refunds to consumers deceived by misleading ads for Sobrenix “anti-alcohol craving” supplement: https://t.co/pLjIoOE4nt
— FTC (@FTC) November 7, 2024
With health-focused advertising everywhere, consumers need to remain cautious. Deceptive endorsements are common, and companies may disguise paid promotions as genuine reviews.
Even seemingly independent review sites can sometimes be fronts for companies to promote their products.
Consumers should verify that the claims have scientific backing when considering any supplement. Reputable companies typically provide studies and references for consumers to review.
In contrast, companies engaged in deception rarely provide such transparency.
Consumers should research health products before buying them to avoid deceptive advertising. Checking multiple sources and searching for consumer feedback on independent platforms can provide a clearer picture.
If a supplement claims extraordinary results, it may be wise to approach it cautiously.
While the FTC works to identify and penalize false claims, consumers play a vital role in protecting themselves. By reporting suspected scams to the FTC, consumers help expose fraudulent activities.
This collective effort strengthens the agency’s ability to address deceptive health claims.
This refund consoled Sobrenix buyers who had high hopes for the product. The FTC has recovered funds to help these consumers, but many have likely suffered setbacks in their journey toward healthier choices.
Misleading claims have real consequences, especially for those dealing with alcohol dependency.
Rejuvica’s actions demonstrate why the FTC remains committed to oversight in the health supplement industry. This case warns companies that false health claims come with significant repercussions.
Armstrong and Dilger may have gained revenue from Sobrenix, but the cost of deceiving consumers has proven steep.
Transparency is crucial in a time when health products are more accessible than ever. For many consumers, supplements seem like a promising solution. However, cases like Sobrenix reveal that not all products are what they seem.
The FTC advises anyone unsure about a product’s claims to ask questions and verify evidence. Companies should be able to provide research that backs up their claims. If they don’t, it’s a sign that the product might not be reliable.
This refund effort demonstrates the FTC’s ongoing commitment to consumer rights. As consumer demand for health products grows, the FTC remains vigilant against deceptive practices.
Sobrenix may have reached thousands of consumers, but the FTC’s actions have ensured that those misled by its claims will receive compensation. Armstrong and Dilger’s tactics may have deceived buyers but ultimately led to FTC intervention.
Today, the FTC’s message to other companies is clear: honesty and integrity are essential in the health supplement industry.
This case reminds consumers to stay informed and cautious. The FTC’s refund to Sobrenix buyers aims to help them move forward. In a marketplace filled with health claims, informed choices remain the best defense against deception.