A class-action lawsuit has been filed against a prominent online fashion retailer, accusing it of deceptive advertising practices that misled consumers into purchasing its products. The complaint was lodged by Amanda Bengoechea and others in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 10, 2025, targeting Roadget Business PTE. LTD., doing business as SHEIN, along with several associated influencers.
The plaintiffs allege that SHEIN engaged in unfair and misleading promotional activities by using social media influencers to endorse their products without disclosing these endorsements were paid advertisements. According to the complaint, this practice violates several consumer protection laws across multiple states including Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs argue that they were deceived into buying SHEIN's products at inflated prices due to these undisclosed endorsements. They claim that the influencers' failure to disclose their financial relationships with SHEIN constitutes a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act and state-level consumer protection statutes.
The lawsuit highlights how social media platforms have become breeding grounds for deceptive marketing practices due to a lack of regulation. The plaintiffs contend that they relied on what they believed were genuine recommendations from influencers but were instead exposed to orchestrated marketing strategies designed to inflate product prices artificially. They are seeking monetary damages exceeding $50 million, along with restitution and injunctive relief aimed at preventing further deceptive practices by SHEIN and its network of influencers.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Keith L. Gibson and Bogdan Enica from Keith Gibson Law, P.C., while the case is presided over under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1402 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.