May 18, 2009
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News: Risk Free Trials
If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, take caution to a rampant marketing scheme circulating the country. Consumers have been signing up for risk-free trials of the acai berry weight-loss system and then find unauthorized charges on their credit card within days. The charges range from $50 to $80 a month. When the consumer takes note of the credit card charges, they contact the business only to receive added pressure and difficulty in getting the charges removed. The weight loss products are claimed by businesses to be a highly effective energy busting chemical that speeds up weight loss. Numerous online websites offer the no-risk free trial where the consumer need only pay a small shipping fee. The company acquires the consumer’s credit card information to pay the shipping fee and then initiates a recurring monthly charge.
After receiving numerous complaints, Attorney General Offices across the country have taken notice. Several states have begun legal action against the companies using the deceptive advertising to acquire credit card information from unsuspecting consumers. The Arizona Attorney General recently filed suit against Central Coast Nutraceuticals, Inc. based out of Phoenix alleging the company violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act. Residents in Michigan have also been warned about the scams. The Michigan Better Business Bureau has received numerous complaints against FX Supplements, Nationwide, and Central Coast Nutraceuticals. They are warning consumers to be very careful about signing up for these so called no-risk free trials. Many of the terms give a 15 day free trial. It often takes up to 14 days to receive the product and by that time the company has already initiated the recurring monthly credit card charge.
Attempts by consumers to cancel future automatic shipments have been met with great difficulty. In some cases, consumers have been canceling their accounts just to stop the monthly charges. Bottom line, lawmakers are warning all consumers to beware of any risk-free or free trial offers for any product; particularly those that require a credit card number to pay for shipping and handling. Furthermore, consumers should contact their local Better Business Bureau or State’s Attorney General’s office if they believe they have been a victim of these scams.