The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Florida-based Evoke Wellness, accusing the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider of engaging in deceptive advertising tactics to mislead vulnerable individuals seeking help. The lawsuit claims that Evoke used misleading Google search ads to pose as other treatment providers, tricking potential patients into contacting them under false pretenses. This addiction treatment scam highlights the growing concern over unethical marketing practices in the rehab industry.
Between 2021 and 2023, Evoke allegedly ran at least 68,510 misleading search ads, resulting in over 3,500 calls to its call center. The company reportedly used competitors’ names as keywords, making it appear as if their ads belonged to unaffiliated treatment centers. When individuals clicked on these ads, they were connected to Evoke’s telemarketers, who continued the deception by misrepresenting their affiliation. This addiction treatment scam not only deceived individuals in need of urgent care but also violated federal laws designed to protect consumers.
The FTC alleges that Evoke’s deceptive practices violate the FTC Act and the Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act of 2018 (OARFPA). OARFPA grants the FTC authority to impose civil penalties on SUD treatment providers that engage in misleading marketing. The lawsuit argues that this addiction treatment scam has caused significant harm, preventing individuals from accessing the care they intended to seek.
Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, condemned these deceptive tactics, stating, “Preying on consumers suffering from addiction and other substance use disorders is wrong, and it’s illegal. The use of deceptive online ads to trick consumers into selecting one clinic over another is unacceptable, and the Commission will continue taking action against clinics, marketers, and others in this space, as well as their executives, when they break the law.” This addiction treatment scam is yet another example of why stricter oversight is needed in the industry.
Evoke Wellness operates seven treatment centers in Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, and Illinois, offering inpatient and outpatient care, detox services, and mental health treatment. The company has not publicly responded to the allegations. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to prevent Evoke from continuing this addiction treatment scam, civil penalties for each violation, and financial relief for affected consumers.
The FTC’s Ongoing Crackdown on Deceptive Marketing in Addiction Treatment
This case is part of a broader effort by the FTC to regulate misleading advertising in the addiction treatment industry. The agency has recently taken action against multiple companies for engaging in similar deceptive practices.
In April 2024, the FTC banned virtual alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment provider Monument from sharing patient health data for advertising purposes. Around the same time, the agency ordered telehealth provider Cerebral to pay $15 million in penalties for misleading consumers and misusing their sensitive health information. These cases, like the Evoke Wellness situation, demonstrate how an addiction treatment scam can put vulnerable individuals at risk.
In 2023, the FTC took legal action against AWAREmed Health & Wellness Resource Center for making false claims about the effectiveness of its treatments for addiction, cancer, and other conditions. That same year, the agency also cracked down on nicotine cessation company Smoke Away and alcohol treatment company Sobrenix for using deceptive marketing tactics. Each of these cases highlights a recurring pattern of fraud in the addiction treatment space.
The case against Evoke Wellness serves as a reminder that consumers must be vigilant when seeking help for substance use disorders. With the rise of digital advertising, the potential for an addiction treatment scam has increased, making it crucial for individuals to verify the legitimacy of treatment centers before committing to care. The FTC’s actions send a clear message that deceptive marketing in addiction treatment will not be tolerated, and those engaging in these unethical practices will face legal consequences.
Ultimately, this lawsuit reinforces the importance of transparency and honesty in the addiction treatment industry. Consumers should have access to accurate information when making critical healthcare decisions. By addressing cases like this addiction treatment scam, the FTC is working to ensure that individuals seeking help for substance use disorders receive the trustworthy care they deserve.
