Victims Lose Money – Not Pounds
Better Business Bureau, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) is warning consumers to steer clear of websites that use phony news organizations’
According to the FTC, millions of consumers are being lured to websites set up to resemble those of reputable news organizations. The “reporters”
There are widespread, deceptive ads for acai berry weight loss products purporting to be endorsed by popular news media outlets such as ABC, Fox News, CBS, CNN, USA Today and Consumer Reports.
In reality, the websites post deceptive advertisements placed by unethical marketers. The sites are aimed at enticing consumers to buy featured acai berry weight-loss products. These online operations are the subject of a nationwide law enforcement initiative.
In 2010, the FTC filed an action against acai berry marketer Central Coast Nutraceuticals, which has an F rating from BBB. According to more than 2,800 complaints to the Central, Northern and Western Arizona BBBs, the company deceptively marketed acai berry supplements nationally as weight-loss products, and “colon cleansers.”
According to the FTC, the defendants collectively spent more than $10 million to advertise their fake news sites and have likely received well in excess of that amount in commissions.
Before signing up for any free trial offer, read the fine print carefully, check the company out with BBB, and use extreme caution to prevent being lured into handing over credit card information. Victims can end up with recurring charges on their monthly statements.
Additional advice on signing up for free trial offers is available at www.bbb.org/
