WASHINGTON — There’s a new warning about deceptive ads claiming people looking to buy hearing aids can get COVID-19 stimulus money.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said the ads on Facebook and in newspapers wrongfully used the government’s seal to mislead people into thinking the companies are associated with the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
The FTC said an ad for Elite Hearing Centers of America claimed thousands have already benefited from the COVID-19 Healthcare stimulus program after purchasing a hearing aid.
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“It’s a public announcement that COVID-19 stimulus funds were available for a hearing aid,” said David O’Toole, a senior staff attorney in the Midwest Region for the FTC. “They actually put the official seal of the United States. It’s called the Great Seal next to a line about how federal employees might be able to get hearing aids.”
The claims are misleading.
The coronavirus relief aid passed under the CARES Act does not include any direct stimulus money for hearing aids.
The FTC said this is the second time the agency has sent a warning letter to a company about deceptive ads for hearing aids during the coronavirus pandemic.
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“With hearing aids too, we’re talking about consumers that are likely to be fairly vulnerable,” O’Toole said. “This is a one-time major purpose.”
The FTC said Elite Hearing Centers of America agreed to stop using the ads associated with COVID-19 stimulus money.
We reached out to the company for comment but have not heard back.
Cox Media Group
