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CHAIR
WOMENS ISSUES

COMMITTEES
CIVIL RIGHTS CONSUMER AFFAIRS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE HEALTH PARKS AND RECREATION

THE COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NEW

YORK

JULISSA FERRERAS
COUNCIL MEMBER, 21ST DISTRICT, QUEENS

The Honorable Edith Ramirez Chairwoman, Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20580

Dear Chairwoman Ramirez, I am writing to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take a look into Herbalife. Herbalife has been accused of operating an abusive pyramid scheme that targets minority groups, especially Latinos, and falsely promises large profits. As a Council Member in a heavily Hispanic district in Queens, I am especially concerned about the impact this company is having on my constituents and the Latino community in New York. Latinos in my district, and across the country, are falling prey to Herbalifes targeted recruitment. Recruitment begins when victims are asked to join alleged nutrition and wellness clubs. In my district alone, there are dozens of such clubs. Herbalife representatives use these clubs to take advantage of people with little or no business experience. By making false promises of profit and ignoring all associated risk, Herbalife representatives recruit club members into becoming distributors of Herbalife products. Since Herbalifes success depends on this aggressive recruitment, new distributors are then pressured into recruiting additional members. Latinos and others in my district are being unnecessarily harmed by these aggressive recruitment techniques. By promising large profits and minimal work, Herbalife preys on vulnerable immigrant communities. Since the evidence of consumer harm is widespread in my district and across the country, I believe it is critical for the FTC to conduct a thorough investigation and protect consumers from these malicious recruitment tactics and false promises. If Herbalife is acting illegally by making false income claims to vulnerable Latinos in my community, then they need to be held responsible. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with officials at the FTC about this matter and can have my office assist in recruiting those who have been financially harmed. Sincerely,

Julissa Ferreras 21st Council District, Queens cc. AG Eric Schneiderman