Weight Loss Scams

These scams promise weight loss in a short period of time and with little to no effort at all. The promise of success without anymore effort than it takes to write a check or provide a credit card number proves attractive to millions of consumers each year. Scam weight loss products are sold in a variety of forms (fat-burning devices, pills, patches, powders, shakes) and are advertised in a variety of ways: radio, television, and online commercials, as well as through direct mail inserts delivered to your home's mailbox.  Many of these products do not fully disclose their actual ingredients and this may prove harmful to consumers with allergies, potential drug-ingredient interactions, and the like.  Just as troubling, many of these scam weight-loss products contain ingredients which amount to little more than vitamins.  And, also troubling, some weight-loss scams involve never sending a paying customer the promised product.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

Avoid Weight Loss Scams

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
• Make sure that the business or vendor of the weight loss product/technique exists and has a business license
• Make sure the business or vendor has an actual, physical address
• Make sure that the weight loss product/technique has a return policy/money-back guarantee
• Read all terms and conditions before purchase to avoid hidden costs
  
• Research the weight loss product/technique; investigate its medical/scientific claims
• Ask others about the weight loss product/technique--does it work?
• Always ask a doctor's advice about weight loss products and/or techniques
• Always check to see if the weight loss product/technique is sold in physical stores, not just over television of internet ads 
• Avoid purchasing anything under pressure; do not make impulse purchases
• Avoid purchasing weight loss products/techniques which demand large advance payments or long-term contracts
• Avoid products and/or techniques which claim little or no effort to achieve weight loss results
• Avoid products and/or techniques which claim weight loss, cellulite, and/or fat reduction while sleeping
• Avoid products and/or techniques to reduce cellulite or fat from specific areas of the body (spot reduction)
• Avoid products and/or techniques which advertise with terms such as "miraculous" and "revolutionary"
• Avoid products and/or techniques which promise permanent weight loss and or permanent fat removal
• When possible, pay via check instead of credit card--do not provide PINs or security codes to unknown parties
• Never provide your social security number for a purchase