When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, scammers know losing weight and getting in shape are popular goals. This popularity has led to a slew of scams involving the sale of weight loss formulas and supplements that claim to offer rapid results. Not only are the products themselves questionable, but so are the business dealings of the companies promoting them.
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 fast.
These ads usually come with what are promoted as impressive before and after pictures of people claiming to have used the product, along with glowing five-star reviews. According to many recent reports to BBB’s Scam Tracker site, many of these weight loss products have even falsely claimed to have been featured on popular TV shows like “Shark Tank.” You may see these ads on TV or in newspapers or magazines, but the most popular spot these days is on social media. By using social media, the ads can disappear as quickly as they appear.
The sad truth is the ads are misleading, and not only will the products not perform as they’ve advertised, but many contain ingredients that can be damaging to your health. To make matters worse, some of these companies engage in unscrupulous selling techniques.
Dozens of consumer complaints filed with BBBs and submitted through Scam Tracker have described weight loss programs that are difficult to cancel, even if the product doesn’t work as claimed in the ads. Some consumers believe they were making a one-time purchase. Instead, the company repeatedly bills their credit cards for more of the product. When they contact customer service, the representative informs them that they signed up for a subscription, which was only disclosed in the fine print of their original purchase. Canceling an order can be difficult, and getting a refund is nearly impossible.
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 ketogenic 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.”
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 a 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. Always research the company before doing business with it, no matter who supposedly endorses its product. Also stay aware that thanks to developments in artificial intelligence, scammers can create false videos that make it appear celebrities are pitching their products.
— Avoid products that claim to help lose weight without diet or exercise. Be especially skeptical of claims that you don’t have to change your eating habits. Doctors, dietitians and other experts agree that losing weight takes work and should be gradual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing 1-2 pounds per week is a healthy goal and is more successful in achieving long-term weight loss. Pass up any product that promises miraculous, sudden results without any effort.
— Check a product’s ingredients with the Food and Drug Administration. 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.
— 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, especially if they try to engage you in a side conversation or have you click on a link. That could result in you falling for an identity theft scam or allow someone to unknowingly download spyware or malware onto your computer or other electronic device.
— Be realistic about your fitness goals. It’s hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one that you enjoy. Ask questions to help you gauge what will work best for you. Does a weight loss plan require special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find that the program doesn’t meet your needs? If you need help, ask your doctor for suggestions.
— Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Check BBB’s business profiles on companies that are promoting products and check online reviews about the company to see if there are any complaints or concerns indicating there’s red flags surrounding the promotion.
— Report the deceptive ads. Be cautious when you see a significant amount of highly glowing testimonials on a company’s website. Testimonials have become an easy marketing tool and can be easily faked. These are often accompanied by glorious before and after pictures.
We encourage you to contact us to report suspicious, confusing or misleading ads by using our BBB Ad Truth or BBB Scam Tracker sites. In addition, you are encouraged to report fraudulent ads to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov or by calling 877-FTC-Help. You can also report fake ads to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
BBB also offers a New Year’s guide where you can find more tips and alerts to help you kick off a healthy and safe 2024. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit BBB’s Festive Forest in Miller Park. You’ll enjoy 50 trees that have been decorated by trustworthy companies and organizations. The event runs through Jan. 1.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.
Staff photo / Chattanooga Better Business Bureau President Michele Mason