AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s attorney general says the state will get nearly $75,000 as a part of a settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and a footwear company over unsubstantiated health claims about its products.
Skechers USA Inc. will pay $40 million to settle charges by the FTC that the company made unfounded claims that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their butt, leg and stomach muscles. The FTC says Skechers also made false claims about other shoe styles it makes.
Attorney General William Schneider said Wednesday that of the total settlement, Maine, 43 other states and Washington, D.C., will share $5 million, with Maine getting $74,715.
So, who exactly gets the money? general fund?
Nope, I heard it was some guy who posts on the BDN who goes by..ChefBoyRPete.
I just know, it ain’t me.
general fund then transfer it to welfare funds, just like all of the money the state has
Darn! No wonder my butt is still big!!
Who gets the remaining $35 million?
it appears to be a class action suit with many states involve. I”m not sure how the money was divided up
Well the lawyers involved will be getting at least probably $500 an hour plus all costs associated with it like travel, meals, and other expenses….
I wonder if the people that actually bought these shoes get anything???
Yes, you can get a refund.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/cases/skechers/index.shtm
If the site times out, refresh. It will/might take a few tries.
Im a bit confused about who is going to get the money
Don’t expect a check in the mail.
And the lawyers make ALL the money yet again!!!
They always say if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. As long as people are interested in losing weight, looking great, getting rich, healthy etc. somebody will be willing to make false promises and take your money.
I’m sure just like the tobacco settlement money Mr. LePage has already made plans on how to spend this 75K.
Plan One: Hire another LePage on the taxpayers backs.
Plan Two: Pretend to balance another budget.
Plan Three: Give more tax breaks to people who need them the least.
Plan Four: Hire more people to post “Likes” for conservative comments on the BDN.
The tobacco money came in during the days of Jonny B but you can bet that any money will go into the “Black Hole” called the general fund
There’s a sucker born every minute, as well as a bottom feeding lawyer to take up his cause.
I agree……. If you fell for the ad you are a fool..
Maine gets $75,000, and probably paid lawyers only $225,000 to get it. Remember, if you find a lawyer up to his neck in <> sands, call for two more feet of sand! I know, cheap shot.
I am one of the idiots that fell for the ad. I paid over $100. for a pair of sneakers! Plus another $7 in taxes to the state of Maine! NOW, the state is getting $75,000. because of false advertising….yep…government comes out on top again!
someone posted a site above your comment where you can go and get a refund
There is nothing new there..I even called the toll free number and it was a bunch of legal jargon which translate into State $75,000. Lawyers undisclosed amount. Consumer zero
Wow, I wore those shoes on my butt for months! No wonder it never shrank! :(
Isn’t Sketchers just doing the same thing every other shoe company does? If you think just buying shoes will make you “fit” then thats your fault. What exactly is the difference between false advertising and effective advertising? Seems like a bs lawsuit to me.
Um, are you serious? If there are blatant lies in an advertisement then that constitutes false advertising. You can be truthful and effective at the same time, obviously.
http://delrond.hubpages.com/hub/Skechers-Shape-Up-shoes
I always thought those shoes looked rather funny and dangerous to walk in. I have 15 pairs of Skecher shoes, but not the type that’s subject of this article. I will have to say that they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
Maine needs healthier butts. Try the Brazilian Butt lift workout ladies.
Just look at the Lepage family, they all wore them and got fatter and fatter.
Why in heck does the state get anything. if anything they made money from the sales tax..
They should also pay the customers for the cheap shoes they make but charge a outlandish price
Let me get this straight, this is the only product sold to Mainers that does not do what it’s supposed to?