RALEIGH – Scammers know that many of us started fitness goals for the new year, which has led to a slew of scams involving weight loss vitamins and supplements. The shady products claim to offer rapid results. However, Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas (BBB) is warning consumers that 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,” or “burn” away fat fast. These ads usually come with some amazing before and after pictures of people who claim to have used the product, and rave five-star reviews. According to many recent reports, these weight loss products often claim to have been featured on popular TV shows like Shark Tank. The truth is the ads are misleading, and the products won’t melt away fat or give you a six-pack. In fact, many contain ingredients that can be damaging to your health.
To make matters worse, some of these companies engage in unscrupulous selling techniques. 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. 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. 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.”
To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB recommends the following:
- Always be wary of advertisements and customer endorsements promising “miracle” results or immediate weight loss. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that many shady weight loss products are accompanied by false promises. For example, if an ad says their product will make you lose weight “permanently,” you’re looking at a false promise.
- Don’t 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.
- Check a product’s ingredients with the FDA. Be suspicious of taking special pills, powders, or herbs. Some products have been recalled for containing ingredients with potentially dangerous effects. Check the list of public notifications from the FDA regarding potentially harmful weight loss products.
- Be wary of a lack of an ingredients list. Some companies have been accused of not advertising certain ingredients that can come with harmful side effects or mix adversely with prescription drugs.
- Be wary of free trial offers, and before signing up, 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. Before clicking check out or purchase, make sure the cart only includes the items you wish to purchase and does not include signing up for a subscription unless this is an option you want. Be cautious of any contract that takes payment from your credit card until you cancel.
- Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Read reviews about the company to see if there are any complaints alleging that it’s a scam.
- Report the deceptive ads. Be suspicious of extremely positive testimonials on the company website. Testimonials have become an easy marketing tool and are easily faked. Report a scam to BBB Scam Tracker or file a complaint about a misleading ad.
For more information
To find BBB Business Profiles of specific businesses, go to BBB.org.
