Description:
An advertisement for an online clinic offering hormone therapy and wellness services offered a full hormone panel test at $1. When clicking on the online sponsored offer, the advertisement specified ‘’Review of blood work and eligibility assessment’’ for the price of one dollar.
Complaint:
The complainant alleged that the advertisement was misleading, as it presented a full hormone panel test and an eligibility assessment at the price of $1. The complainant was then charged $200 on her credit card. The complainant alleged that there was no mention of a $200 additional charge. The complainant believed the additional charge was for a consult with a Nurse Practitioner, which she never received.
Response:
Although Ad Standards requested a response, there was no response sent to Council.
Decision:
Council reviewed the complaint in light of the advertisement.
Council determined that the general impression conveyed by the advertisement was that consumers could obtain the advertised service that included a full blood test and an assessment for $1. Council noted that the advertisement did not disclose the existence of any additional costs. Council further noted that a charge of $200 was applied to the complainant’s credit card, with no indication in the advertisement that such a charge would be incurred.
Council found that the omission of the $200 charge, resulted in an advertisement that was deceptive, as it created a false expectation regarding the true cost of the service.
In light of all of this, Council unanimously determined that the advertisement contained misleading and deceptive representations and omissions, contrary to Clause 1(a) and Clause 1(b) of the Code.
Infraction:
Clause 1(a) and 1(b)
