O2PUR
TINA.org investigated e-cigarette company O2PUR and found that it deceptively advertised the health and financial benefits of switching to e-cigarettes, enrolled consumers in a negative option offer without properly disclosing all the terms, and advertised a free starter kit that was not free, in violation of a 2014 Settlement Agreement with the State of Utah.
Highlights
- Filed complaint with Utah attorney general
- Utah filed enforcement action
- Company and founder required to reimburse consumers and pay more than $40,000 to settle action
Timeline
2017
January
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection enters into a Settlement Agreement that requires Scott Barth to pay the Division $37,500 for violating the previous agreement, plus $5,000 to be paid by his company, Alpha International Marketing. Barth also agreed to provide full refunds to consumers who were charged for “free” trials and who file complaints within 12 months of the agreement.
2016
September 16
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection brings a formal action against former Vapex executive Scott Barth seeking to impose fines for violating the previous Settlement Agreement in connection with his marketing of O2PUR.
February 4
TINA.org sends a letter to Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and Director of the Division of Consumer Protection Daniel O’Bannon alerting them to related e-cigarette company O2PUR’s deceptive marketing campaign, as well as violations of a Settlement Agreement between the State of Utah and e-cigarette company Vapex and executives.
2014
October 10
E-cigarette company Vapex and company executives, Scott Barth and Kourtney Salvatori, among others, enter into a Settlement Agreement with the State of Utah that prohibits them from making unsubstantiated, false, or deceptive marketing statements about their e-cigarettes.
Evidence
Featured
O2PUR E-Cig Marketer Previously Cited by Utah Faces Fines
Utah seeks hearing that executive Scott Barth violated previous agreement prohibiting misleading marketing.
The Latest
Marketers Downplay Consumer Harm Caused by Negative Option Offers
Marketers are attempting to put a positive spin on the negative option.
Deceptive Ads 2016
O2PUR E-Cig Marketers to Issue Consumer Refunds in Settlement
Consumers complained that “free” starter kits left them with unexpected charges.
State says e-cigarette company changed its name, kept deceptive marketing
Robert Gehrke, The Salt Lake Tribune
O2PUR Free E-Cigarette Starter Kit
Déjà vu? TINA.org files complaint with Utah Attornery General regarding “free” and other claims.