Seattle Plastic Surgery Practice to Pay $5 Million for Posting Fake Reviews and Intimidating Patients

Seattle-based plastic surgery provider Allure Esthetic and its owner Dr. Javad Sajan have agreed to pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit by the state Attorney General's office. The suit alleged that Allure posted fake positive reviews and coerced patients with non-disclosure agreements, violating consumer protection laws. The settlement, which includes restitution for affected patients and fees for the AG's office, aims to end these practices.

In a significant development in the realm of consumer protection, Seattle-based plastic surgery provider Allure Esthetic and its owner, Dr. Javad Sajan, have agreed to pay a hefty sum of $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought forth by the state Attorney General's office [1]. The lawsuit, which accused Allure of posting fake positive reviews, coercing patients with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and violating consumer protection laws, has been making waves in the industry, highlighting the importance of transparency and ethical business practices.

Allure Esthetic, known for its extensive offering of plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures in the Seattle area, has been under scrutiny for its review management practices. The company has allegedly engaged in a range of unethical tactics to manipulate online reviews, including coercing patients to sign NDAs that restricted them from posting negative feedback and intimidating or bribing patients to remove unfavorable reviews [1]. Furthermore, Allure has been accused of posting fake positive reviews, altering before-and-after photos, and intimidating or retaliating against employees who refused to participate in these deceptive practices [1].

The consequences of these actions extend beyond the reputation of Allure Esthetic. The Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA), a federal law enacted in 2016, prohibits businesses from using contract terms or other agreements that restrict, penalize, or otherwise discourage consumers from posting honest reviews of the business's products or services online [2]. Allure's alleged violations of the CRFA, coupled with the other deceptive practices mentioned, have prompted the state Attorney General to take legal action against the company.

As a result of the settlement, affected patients will receive restitution, and the Attorney General's office will receive fees for their efforts in pursuing the case [1]. The settlement is designed to put an end to Allure's unethical practices and serve as a reminder to businesses in the industry to prioritize transparency and ethical business conduct.

It is important to note that the case is not yet entirely resolved. The penalty phase, during which the NDA issues will be determined, is scheduled for September [1]. The outcome of this phase will provide further insight into the potential consequences businesses face for violating consumer protection laws and engaging in deceptive review management practices.

In the wake of this case, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant when evaluating online reviews and to seek out reliable sources of information. Businesses, on the other hand, must prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and compliance with applicable laws to maintain their reputation and ensure the trust of their customers.

References:
[1] Nearmedia. (2022, April 11). Seattle Surgeon Guilty of Breaking Law with Review Practices. Retrieved from https://www.nearmedia.co/seattle-surgeon-guilty-of-breaking-law-with-review-practices/
[2] Federal Trade Commission. (2017, October 31). Complying with the Consumer Review Fairness Act. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/business-blog/2017/10/complying-consumer-review-fairness-act