Shub Law Firm is investigating deceptive marketing practices involving hearing aids from Elite Hearing Centers of America. The company boasts “over 30 years of experience providing high quality services at an affordable price” for hearing health and aids, and has locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Florida. In a recent advertisement specifically targeted in Wisconsin, along with social media posts, the company claimed free hearing aids and a monetary stimulus through COVID-19 relief.
As the pandemic progressed, the federal government enacted the CARES Act to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families, and businesses affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act provides a stimulus payment of $1,200 to individuals and $2,400 to married couples, but offers nothing specifically for hearing aids, nor is Elite Hearing Centers of America authorized to make such a claim.
MISLEADING ADVERTISING AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CONSUMERS
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Americans hard. Shub Law Firm is ready to take down any company that aims to take advantage of vulnerable consumers.
The Elite Hearing Centers of America’s advertisement issued earlier this summer claimed “COVID-19 HEARING HEALTH CARE STIMULUS NOW AVALIABLE,” and offered up to $3,000 of stimulus payment. Despite having no authorization to claim COVID-19 relief money, the advertising campaign also announced that “THOUSANDS HAVE ALREADY BEEN HELPED.” The advertisement uses patriotic symbols, such as the American flag, to entice vulnerable consumers. Next to a symbol of the Great Seal of the United States, the advertisement claimed “FREE HEARING AIDS” for current and retired government employees.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION TAKING ACTION AGAINST ELITE HEARING CENTERS
On August 19, 2020, FTC and the state of Wisconsin issued a warning letter to Elite Hearing Centers of America for their deceptive marketing. In the letter, FTC states that the “materials are unlawfully advertising that consumers responding to the advertisement and posting are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in COVID-19 stimulus relief for hearing aids.” Due to those claims and others made through the advertisement campaign, FTC explains that “Misrepresentations or deceptive omissions of material fact constitute deceptive acts or practices prohibited by Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a),” making Elite Hearing Centers of America’s marketing decisions illegal. FTC gave the company 48 hours to amend their marketing and cease further deceptive practices.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU FIGHT BACK
The last thing Americans need right now are companies taking advantage of vulnerable consumers through the incredibly important COVID-19 relief packages. We’re here to fight for consumers who have been misled by false advertising and deceptive marketing! At Shub Law, our attorneys specialize in representing consumers who are victims of deceptive marketing practices, like those committed by companies making false and misleading marketing claims about their products.
Contact us if you or someone you know has been deceived by Elite Hearing Centers of America’s marketing and purchased the company’s hearing aids. Please contact us via email at leads@shublawyers.com or give us a call at 856-772-7200. Shub Law Firm is a national leader in representing consumers, just like you, who have been scammed by big companies that put profit over their customers. Our experienced class action attorneys are here to help you get justice. Contact us now! All consultations are free of charge.
