How to spot misleading ads and subscription traps for weight loss products
Americans spend more than $70 billion each year on weight-loss products
(InvestigateTV) — Around 48% of Americans who made New Year’s resolutions for 2024 picked getting in shape as their number one priority, according to a new Forbes Health survey.
But before joining a gym or buying new fitness equipment, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has shared advice to help people make good choices and avoid getting scammed.
At the top of the list is a warning to consumers to avoid offers that sound too good to be true.
Melanie McGovern with the BBB said many quick and easy solutions to get fit or lose weight could be scams.
“The scam tracker report will always start off the same,” McGovern said. “‘I saw an ad on social media for these weight loss companies or this weight loss product and I ordered it, and one of three things could’ve happened: I never got it, it came and it wasn’t as advertised, or there were mystery charges on my credit card after the product arrived.’”
McGovern said consumers should be wary of any advertisements that promise miracle results or immediate weight loss. That’s usually the biggest red flag.
She also urged people to read over everything before giving out personal information.
“If there’s fine print, take some time to read it,” McGovern said. “If you’re not comfortable giving your credit card information for what is perceived to be a free trial, don’t give your credit card information! Try to find a different product that might suit your needs.”
Also, before buying any special pills, powders or herbs, McGovern asked consumers to check the product’s ingredients on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts website.
She said some products may have been recalled for containing ingredients with potentially dangerous effects.
The FDA has a page specifically listing known tainted weight loss products.
When it comes to joining a gym or fitness club, the BBB stresses the importance of looking carefully at contracts.
“Make sure you’re reading that contract. You’re checking the gym out at BBB.org. Seeing the complaints if there are any. How they’re responded to,” McGovern said. “Asking a million questions before the point of sale. Asking for a free trial. A lot of gyms do it to see if you like it or not. And if the commitment period is a little too long or you just aren’t comfortable, find another place to work out.”
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