Power Balance Forced To Refund Customers in Australia Due To Misleading Advertisements

According to several international news reports, the maker of Power Balance wristbands has been forced to refund customers in Australia and to admit misleading advertisements.

Power Balance wristbands
Credit: Esfahouse.com

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) forced the company to back up its claims that the bracelet improved “balance, strength and flexibility” of people wearing it. However, Power Balance admitted that there is “no credible scientific evidence” that supports their claims.

“Power Balance has admitted that there is no credible scientific basis for the claims and therefore no reasonable grounds for making representations about the benefits of the product,” ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel was quoted saying.

“Its conduct may have contravened the misleading and deceptive conduction section of the Trade Practices Act 1974,” Mr. Samuel added.

Refund for Power Balance wristbands is being offered until June 30, 2011.

Here is the full text of the admission as posted on their website:

In our advertising we stated that Power Balance wristbands improved your strength, balance and flexibility.

We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach of s52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974.

If you feel you have been misled by our promotions, we wish to unreservedly apologise and offer a full refund.

To obtain a refund please visit our website www.powerbalance.com.au or contact us toll-free on 1800 733 436

This offer will be available until 30th June 2011. To be eligible for a refund, together with return postage, you will need to return a genuine Power Balance product along with proof of purchase (including credit card records, store barcodes and receipts) from an authorised reseller in Australia.

This Corrective Notice has been paid for by Power Balance Australia Pty Ltd and placed pursuant to an undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission given under section 87B of the Trade Practices Act, 1974.

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