FTC: Company lied about claims of 'made in the USA ', being veteran-owned and donating to military charities

A press release by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that they are taking action against the Florida-based company, Old Southern Brass.

FTC claims that Old Southern Brass, also listed as EXOTOUSA, LLC., falsely claimed that certain products were manufactured in the United States, that the company was veteran-owned, and that they company has donated 10 percent of its sales to military service charities. 

According to the press release, the FTC's proposed order would stop the company and its owner, Austin Oliver, from making "deceptive claims" and require them to "pay a monetary judgement."

Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement, "This company and its owner's brazen deception cheated consumers who wanted to support U.S. manufacturing, veteran-operated businesses, and veteran charities. We will continue to hold accountable those who profit from false Made in USA and military association claims."

The complaint filed by the FTC alleges that Old Southern Brass made many claims on its website and in its advertising that the products it sold were made in the United States, including one specific post featuring "'Merica Gifts for the 'Merica Man In Your Life' that said, ... All of our products are 100% American made and nothing says 'Merica like making products right here at home for 'Merica man or woman alike."

The complaint states that despite that claim, many of the company's products were wholly imported from China or contained significant imported content. 

The complaint also points to several instances where the company claims affiliation with the United States military, including that it was "veteran-operated" and that it donates 10 percent of sales to military service charities. It also states that the company alleged that it sold products that included bullets or casing used by the United States military.

One of the posts on the company's website says, "...As a veteran-operated business in the United States, our mission is to give back to fellow American patriots who have served and protected our country."

One product listing on its website advertised an engraved 50 caliber casing bottle opener as being, "Handcrafted from an authentic 50 cal casing that was previously used by the United States military."

According to the FTC complaint, the company is not operated by a veteran and the products it sold as being using by the United States military were not actually used by the United States military. The complaint also charges that the company did not donate 10 percent of its sales to veterans' charities. The company allegedly claimed its charitable donations to be less than one percent of its sales.

The FTC's proposed order against Old Southern Brass and the owner, Oliver, which they have reportedly agreed to, prohibits them from making any false or misleading claims, including any about affiliation with or support of the United States military or veterans, and it requires that $150,000 be turned over to the FTC.

The order also includes a monetary judgment of $4,572,137.66, which has been partially suspended due to the defendant's inability to pay the full amount. However, if the FTC finds that they defendants lied about their financial status, the full amount of the judgment may become immediately due.