Executives settle $1.3M false advertising claims

VENICE — Three Venice-based companies and the companies' owners settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they “deceptively marketed and sold dietary supplements,” according to a press release.

The statement says corporate defendants NextGen Nutritionals, Strictly Health and Cyber Business Technology as well as owners Anna McLean and Robert McLean “made false or unsubstantiated representations for five dietary supplements.”

The supplements were marketed to prevent and treat the common cold, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS and more. The release says the court order settling the complaint bars them from similar misrepresentations and prevents them from using fake testimonials or certification seals.

The release also says the order imposed a judgment of $1,344,173, which will be partially suspended upon payment of $29,030, due to the defendants' inability to pay.