A South African consumers' guide to scams, pseudoscience and voodoo science, OR, a critical thinker's guide to the ins and outs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Homemark submitted several documents to the ARB, along with an explanation why it believes that these documents substantiate the claims that this product is making.
After considering the substantiation, the ARB was not willing to accept the 2014 report from “Dr M Burnstein Research & Development” as substantiation for efficacy claims previously ruled against.
And significantly, there is very little aragan oil in this product!
Decision of the ADVERTISING REGULATORY BOARD
Advertiser: Homemark (Pty) Ltd Consumer/Competitor: Consumer File reference: 3392 – Homemark Aragan Secret Nail Treatment Oil Outcome: New substantiation not accepted Date: 20 November 2024
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called upon to consider new substantiation submitted by the Advertiser in this matter.
Background to the dispute
In 3392 – Homemark Aragan Secret Nail Treatment Oil (6 September 2024), the Directorate ruled that the Advertiser did not provide any evidence … Read the rest
Homemark submitted new ‘evidence’ (substantiation) to argue that the claims for their product, Pest Magic, was true.
The ARB interrogated the substantiation, and concluded:
Accordingly, the Directorate cannot accept the new substantiation, and the claims previously held to be unsubstantiated remain, at this time, unsubstantiated and in breach of Clause 4.1 of Section II of the Code.
Furthermore: The Complainant noted that this product is advertised as an “Ultrasonic Pest Repeller”. Ultrasonic devices emit sound. Mr Nusser, however, referred to the product as an “Electromagnetic Pest Control” device. Electromagnetic devices do not emit sound. This contradiction alone implies that the Advertiser is misleading consumers about the nature of the product.
A quick dictionary, or even Google search, would show that “ultrasonic” refers to high sound wave frequencies (too high for humans to hear), whereas “electromagnetic” refers to electronic particles and magnetic charges between them that … Read the rest
A commercial promising a wonder cure for infected toenails – and which has drawn dozens of complaints over the years – has again drawn the ire of the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), after two consumer complaints.
The advert, displaying images of discoloured toenails and infected toenails transforming into shiny, perfect specimens after the application of a special oil, “introduces” Homemark’s “… tried and tested Aragan Secret Nail Treatment Oil… harvested from the Aragan tree found only in Morocco …”
The narrator says the oil contains ingredients that ensure “low pH levels to not only keep your nails smooth and attractive …”
TimesLIVE reports that the ad features various visuals of people applying the oil to their fingernails or toenails, some of which appear chipped or discoloured.
An animated image shows what appears to be a badly damaged or infected nail being … Read the rest
Homemark continues to dupe customers claiming, now for years, that this treatment can fix broken nails, fungal infections, etc, in spite of numerous ASA/ARB (Advertising Regulatory Board) rulings against the claims. The rulings are valid for Homemark is unable to supply a shred of evidence to back up its claims.
Now two consumers coincidentally laid a new complaint with the ARB arguing that this product is no more than a ‘scam’. The ARB asked Homemark for evidence for their claims, which Homemark was unable to supply and hence a ruling against Homemark followed.
Decision of the ADVERTISING REGULATORY BOARD
Advertiser – Homemark (Pty) Ltd Consumer/Competitor – Consumer File reference -3392 – Homemark Aragan Secret Nail Treatment Oil Outcome – Partial uphold Date – 6 September 2024
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called upon to consider two consumer complaints against a commercial … Read the rest
The company, which has been hauled before the advertising authorities repeatedly for false advertising, says zappers lure mozzies into a trap, which then kills them. But UV light alone doesn’t work.
Ever bought a UV-light mosquito zapper and wondered why it wasn’t zapping dead legions of the little buggers?Chris van Eeden is likely to be one of many consumers duped into buying the devices to kill mosquitoes. Peaved because his didn’t work, he took his complaint about a Homemark television advertisement for a “killer” electric mosquito USB lamp – that is claimed to electrocute the flying parasites – to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB).
The 30-second advert describes the device as a USB-powered mosquito killer that is “chemical-free and safe for loved ones and pets”.
“The energy-efficient ultraviolet light helps to lure the mosquitoes and other flying pests closer to the
Homemark continues to scam consumers selling unproven products, and products known to be scams. Like their Remedy Health Detox Foot Pads.
A complaint was laid with the Advertising Regulatory Board, and here is an article, behind a paywall, on this.
TV stations ordered to discontinue ‘misleading’ adverts for foot pads claimed to detoxify the body while user is asleep
03 April 2023 – 20:27 BY GILL GIFFORD
A Homemark television advert promoting Remedy Health Detox Foot Pads has been found to be in breach of the Advertising Code by the Advertising Regulatory Board, which has advised broadcasters to stop flighting it. .. TimesLive
Since time immemorial, women have been sold products to narrow their midsections and flatten their bellies. In the United States, whalebone stays of the 18th and 19th centuries gave way to tight-cinch girdles under 1950s flounce.
Now, the lucrative shapewear industry and celebrity influencers have pitched certain stomach-squishing products as more than just strategies for smoothing special outfits.
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called upon to consider a consumer complaint against a Homemark television commercial promoting the Remedy Health Detox Foot Pads.
In fact, Homemark has been marketing this scam product for years, and keep on re-advertising the same product using the same TV advert. Shame on Homemark, shame on DSTV Multichoice for accepting the advert in spite of previous ASA and ARB rulings.
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called upon to consider a consumer complaint against a Homemark television commercial promoting the Remedy Health Detox Foot Pads. The commercial was flighted on the Kynet Channel 144 on Dstv on the 2nd of February 2023.… Read the rest
Homemark makes the following claims for this product:
“blasts away unwanted fat, smooth and softens the appearance of orange peel skin, and improves circulation”;
The name “Fat Blaster”;
“improved circulation and daily massage is proven to assist with the reduction of cellulite and orange peel skin”.
A complainant argued that these claims are false and highly unlikely. He is unable to find any evidence that this device, or a similar device, is able to satisfy the claims being made. Therefore, without evidence, the claims are unproven and will dupe the ordinary consumer into purchasing a likely useless product.
This product claims in a Carte Blanche advert that it would allow users to “Lose the weight you’ve always wanted to lose, in only seven short days, without ever stepping foot in a gym …” It adds that this “… Jump Start seven-day programme is super-fast weight loss to flush out stored toxins, and once you remove these toxins the fat is released from your body in a quick, yet safe manner”. It also features the following “Before” and “After” photos of people purported to have lost weight using this programme.
The Complainant submitted that there is insufficient evidence to support reliance on juice- based diets, that research from trusted sources have linked liquid diets to an increased risk of eating disorders and health complications, and that people should only undertake liquid based diets under close medical supervision.
The Complainant added that there was no evidence … Read the rest