WASHINGTON, D.C. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently targeted Lumos Labs with an enforcement action for alledgedly deceiving consumers in marketing the Lumosity “brain training” system. Television and radio ads made claims that using the program’s exercises for 10 to 15 minutes per day, three to four times per week would improve specific areas of the brain, leading to better performance at work and school, a reduction in cognitive impairments associated with age and serious health conditions, and help users in achieving their “full potential in every aspect of life.”

The FTC charged that claims were unsupported by scientific evidence, and that Lumos Labs failed to disclose it had solicited some consumer testimonials appearing on its site using contests with prizes. “Lumosity preyed on consumers’ fears about age- related cognitive decline,” says Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “But Lumosity simply did not have the science to back up its ads.” Lumos agreed to obtain competent, reliable scientific evidence before making any such claims in the future, and will also provide an easy way for consumers to cancel auto-renewal for the program. FTC will suspend its $50 million judgment after Lumos pays $2 million in redress.