Straight Talk: Carefully study weight loss ads, offers
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, scammers know that losing weight and getting in shape are among the most popular goals. This popularity has led to a slew of scams involving vitamins, supplements and weight loss formulas, all claiming to offer rapid results. Not only are the products themselves questionable, but so are the business dealings of the companies peddling them.
How the scam works
Most weight loss product scams start with promises that are simply too good to be true. Body wraps, topical creams, dietary supplements, pills, powders, skin patches, and even earrings have been advertised to "melt," "flush," "burn," or "dissolve" away unwanted fat quickly. These ads usually have some amazing before and after pictures and five-star reviews. According to many recent reports, these products often claim to have been featured on TV shows like “Shark Tank.” The truth is the ads are misleading, and the products will not melt away fat. In fact, many can be damaging to your health.
To make matters worse, dozens of consumer complaints described weight loss programs as difficult to cancel, even if the product does not work as claimed in the ads. Some consumers believed they were making a one-time purchase. Instead, the company repeatedly billed their credit cards for more of the product. The customer service line will say that they had signed up for a subscription, which was only disclosed in the fine print of their original purchase.
One consumer reported this experience to BBB Scam Tracker: "I came across what I now realize was a fake advertisement for a weight loss product supported by the legit ‘Shark Tank’ program. It used names and pictures of real people and their "results" using keto gummies. The advertisement said you could try one bottle and get one free for $52.44. Instead, I was charged $104.88. I called them right away to report this and cancel the transaction. I was told I couldn't cancel because the order had already shipped - only five minutes after I placed it! I called my credit card company, and they recommended returning the product for a refund. After I received the product, I followed the company's return instructions and sent the product back. A week later, I called them to find out the status of my refund, only to be informed the company has no return/refund policy."
Ways to avoid weight loss scams
• Be wary of ads and customer endorsements promising "miracle" results. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that many shady weight loss products are accompanied by false promises.
• Do not be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos to gain consumers' trust without their permission.
• Avoid products that claim to help lose weight without diet or exercise. Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that losing weight takes should be gradual. According to the CDC, losing 1-2 pounds per week is a healthy goal and is more successful in achieving long-term weight loss.
• Check a product's ingredients. Some have been recalled for containing potentially dangerous ingredients.
• Be wary of free trial offers, and understand all the terms and conditions. These deals can become "subscription traps" that hook consumers into expensive shipments of products they did not agree to buy.
• When participating in online forums and chat rooms focused on weight loss and fitness topics, be wary of individuals pushing products they claim will help quickly reach goals.
• Be realistic about your fitness goals. It is hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with. Does a weight loss plan require special foods? Can you cancel if you find that the program does not meet your needs?
• Research the company on BBB.org. Read reviews to see if there are any complaints alleging that it is a scam.
• Report the deceptive ads. Be suspicious of ridiculously positive testimonials on the company website; these have become a marketing tool and are easily faked. Report suspicious, confusing, or misleading ads to your BBB.
FOR BBB INFORMATION – Find and report scams at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Visit BBB.org or call us at 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events and follow us on social media.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Straight Talk: Carefully study weight loss ads, offers
