I was invited to join an event on Facebook. It is for weightloss, specifically an Acai diet pill and the event was titled “The Future Is Now – It’s Time To Make A Change”. Let me save you the trouble – this is a scam!
When I got to the event, it quoted some ‘news article’ – News 6 Health to be exact.
When I clicked on the news link, it took me to a page that looks an awful lot like a news website except when I started clicking around on their business and entertainment links, it leads nowhere.
In the article, they talk about how they are so unbiased and they are going to test out the new product for themselves. They give it rave reviews (cough) and their links (even though they still point to the news website) come up with an order page. Even the supposed advertisements on their site (like iTunes) links to the Acai order form. The site is set up to make itself look legitimate.
When you place your order, it asks you for a small shipping fee of $3.95 and asks for your credit card. Here’s what is in the fine print.
“By clicking order you agree to enroll in the trial membership program which starts today, and after 14 days the trial expires, we will bill you for you a one-time membership fee of CAD $139.95. Then every thirty days we will provide you a fresh supply of the product at the discounted price of CAD $19.95.”
I did not order this and I strongly suggest that you don’t either.
Deep in their terms and conditions – you know that mumbo jumbo crap that you don’t read before you accept to pay. It reads that by placing your order, you agreed to their Terms & Conditions, which explain that you must cancel within 14 days of your order date to avoid the one-time membership fee of $139.95 and enrollment in monthly delivery program.
Now, I’m sure they are good people (cough). They’ll probably let you out of the monthly fee, but I’m telling you now that you won’t be seeing your $139.95 ever again!
CNN has a really good article about Acai scams in general. They are no better than any other berry out there and they ARE NOT a weightloss superhero. Period.
Oh, and PS – THERE IS NO SUPER DIET PILL! Eat right and get your exercise and you will be better off!
Buyer beware…
I was this scam and clicked on it, but when it asked for my credit card, I am amazed they are allowed to advertise!
Thank you for this post. It is so important for people to be very discerning with any information they find on the Internet!
Good advice in so many ways. I find scammers are becoming more and more creative in stealing your cash.
Way to go Sheri, you have checked this out and warned people. We agree with you, eating right and exercise are the only healthy options. Can't wait to see you guys in three weeks.
Love Mom & Dad
Wow! How do they come up with this stuff? Pretty sneaky though, I just hope no one signed up for it. If anyone did, phone your credit card company and try to do a charge back for it. Thanks for the heads up Sheri, our little detective! :)