Tom Selleck's AAG commercials have come under fire for false advertising. Numerous companies will often hire a celebrity spokesperson to be the face of their company, and help them sell their products. This is because fans might buy a product that they see their favorite celebrity advertising, and because many who have considerable acting experience are good at their job.

Related: 8 Times Celebrity Spokespeople Made Commercials Or Comments So Controversial Someone Had To Apologize

Well-trained actors can come across as relatable and genuine while advertising a product they might not ever use, which is why so many companies might hire celebrities. AAG, American Advisors Group, hired Tom Selleck to be its spokesperson, and he soon began appearing in commercials for reverse mortgages.

However, AAG came under fire for apparently advertising reverse mortgages as having no risks. Tom Selleck's commercials for AAG have come under fire for false advertising.

Tom Selleck's AAG Commercials Came Under Fire For False Advertising

instar49004460

Companies will often hire celebrities to help them sell their products. This is because that celebrity's fans might be more likely to buy the product, or because the celebrity is incredibly skilled at connecting with an audience.

AAG, American Advisors Group, included their spokesperson, actor Tom Selleck in numerous advertisements for reverse mortgages.

The commercials featured the actor speaking to the viewer in a relatable way. According to The Daily Kos, one commercial featured Selleck walking around and speaking. The actor says in the commercial, “I thought what you thought. Just like you, I thought reverse mortgages had to have some kind of catch."

The article continues, "And he reassures viewers that a reverse mortgage is 'not a way for the bank to get your house.' It’s supposedly 'a simple idea' that enables you to stay in your own house while utilizing your home’s equity."

Reverse mortgages are a certain type of loan offered to people who are age 62 or older. According to the New York Times, "Reverse mortgages are loans that let borrowers draw on the equity of their homes."

According to ctwatchdog, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accused AAG of misleading people with its advertising.

The Bureau's acting director, David Uejio, stated, "American Advisors Group violated consumers' trust by advertising reverse mortgages with inflated and deceptive home-value estimates. The CFBP will act decisively when we uncover consumer harm or practices that seek to take advantage of vulnerable populations."

It appears AAG was misleading because, according to the New York Times, "the companies promoted the loans as essentially risk-free".

AAG agreed to pay a $400,000 fine, "without admitting or denying the findings."

Tom Selleck Appeared In Numerous Commercials As The Spokesperson For AAG

Tom Selleck

Many companies will hire celebrities to be their spokesperson. Several of them seem to choose well-known actors, because they usually come across as more genuine and sincere when they are advertising a product such as a car or makeup brand.

In 2016, AAG announced that Tom Selleck would be its new spokesperson. He began appearing in several commercials for the company soon after that. Tom Selleck's commercials were for reverse mortgages.

According to Your Next Shoes, AAG CEO, Reza Jahangiri, had wanted to hire a celebrity that older people connected with. He said, "It's critical we partner with a spokesperson that older homeowners trust and with whom they feel a connection. I am confident that Tom, with his stature and credibility, will greatly assist us in continuing the conversation about the importance of home equity in retirement planning."

Jahangiri continued, stating, "He has been a welcome guest in American households for nearly 50 years and his record of service speaks for itself. We're proud he's part of the team."

Related: 10 Celebrities Who Genuinely Love What They Endorse

In the commercials the Mangnum, P.I. actor appears relatable as he gets his messages across. The actor said, "I am pleased and proud to be working with AAG. It was, after all, Fred Thompson who sparked my interest in reverse mortgages."

However, Tom Selleck will probably never need to even have to think about a reverse mortgage, considering he's a celebrity with a hit TV show.

An article in the New York Times mentioned the foreclosures that can happen with reverse mortgages. Stacy Canan, assistant director for the bureau's Office for Older Americans commented, "Foreclosures do happen with reverse mortgages."

She also said, "The bureau has received complaints from borrowers faced with foreclosure because they failed to submit proof of occupancy of the home to their reverse mortgage servicer, or because the servicer claimed - often incorrectly - that they had not paid their taxes or had failed to keep the home in good repair."

Tom Selleck Appeared In An Ad Defending Reverse Mortgages

instar48694024

When controversies occur, sometimes celebrities and/or companies will distance themselves from each other to save their own reputation. However, Tom Selleck has supported AAG.

According to The Mortgage Group, AAG put out an ad continuing to support reverse mortgages. Selleck says, "This isn't my first rodeo" according to Reverse Mortgage Daily.

The Blue Bloods actor then continues, "And let me tell you something: I wouldn’t be here if I thought reverse mortgages took advantage of any American senior. Or worse, that it was some way to take your home. It’s just a loan designed for older homeowners, and it’s helped over a million Americans."

Related: The Biggest Scandal Of Tom Selleck's Career Involved Stealing 1.4 Million Gallons Of Water For His Avocado Farm

However, it appears there are a lot of people these haven't helped. Reportedly numerous people who got a reverse mortgage faced foreclosure and homelessness.

According to Naples Daily News, thousands of people risked losing their homes. Attorney Lynn Drysdale revealed that she has represented clients who had cases "in which the foreclosure was unwarranted".

Drysdale said, "Loan officers make up the rules as they go along. Mailing in a card that says you live in the home is not anywhere in the mortgage papers these people sign."