Today the FTC announced a settlement with a company that allegedly sold worthless environmental certifications to more than 100 consumers.

Tested Green, and its owner Jeremy Ryan Claeys, are now barred from making misrepresentations when selling any product. The company claimed that Tested Green was the “nation’s leading certification program with over 45,000 certifications in the United States.” They charged up to $549.95 for the labels which were supposedly endorsed by two independent firms. However, Tested Green actually owned the firms!

“It’s really tough for most people to know whether green or environmental claims are credible,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Legitimate seals and certifications are a useful tool that can help consumers choose where to place their trust and how to spend their money. The FTC will continue to weed out deceptive seals and certifications like the one in this case.”

full press release from the Federal Trade Commission