Acai diet scam alert!
Be very careful in subscribing to some sites offering Acai as a weight loss product. Read the comments below that have come in to eatWashington and a shocking number of people have been subjected what looks like a scam.
Endorsements for the Acai Berry Diet appear to come from major TV personalities. One blog links to "Rachel Ray's diet" with a plug for Acai berry. A link to a free trial of Acai Berry 500 states "Acai rated #1 superfood on Oprah!". My emails alerting both Rachel Ray and Oprah Winfrey have gone unanswered.
'Buyer beware' really seems the case here.
Related Ingredients...
Acai
Posted on Thursday 13th November 2008 in
Information
104 Comments
m budin
On Facebook I read about Oprahs Acai Berry Diet weight. I ordered sample which should be 1 moth supply. I received 15 Acai Berry tablets, suggesting you take 2 tablets 1/2 hour before a meal; it means 7 day supply not 1 month. I believe it is just a vitamin C I don't think it does anything for you. I canceled immediately, however within days I received next bottle and charged $90, and again another charge for $8.51. I called the 2 last tel. numbers, all the same company, they promised refund. I will follow up and let you know if they will refund money for something I didn't order.
Oct 5 $ 4.38 EASY 30 DAY THIN 877-3508480
Oct 19 $ 89.31 4CLEANSINGMYBO 888-7717020
Oct 26 $ 8.51 pricelimbo.com 877 3508480
Jayson Hunter
Definitely don't fall for this. They are also creating fake blogs such as Kimsweightloss and Heathersweightloss touting that these are personal blogs of people endorsing the product and saying they have lost all this weight using acai berry.
As a Registered Dietitian I feel you need to be aware that acai berry is a great antioxidant, but the research doesn't show if being effective for weight loss.
Be careful and avoid the blogs and websites touting acai berry as a weight loss miracle.
Jayson Hunter RD
Registered Dietitian
www.AskJaysonHunter.com
acai scam
You are right about the acai berry diet pill being a scam, You can read more complaints on acai-scam.com
N Harmon
The free trial offer is a scam. You will be billed at a later date for almost $90. Go immediately to your bank and have your credit card or debet card replaced and see if your bank will try to get your money back. Cancelling your cards will prevent any further orders from being processed and believe me they will be. Also have your bank turn them into the Better Business Bureau. If the bank doesn't do it, you should do it. I hope this helps people get their money back or not fall the scam. Also if you call the company to cancel your order they will not do it and will instead send you more stuff you don't want and charge you checking account.
brandi
are there any companys that are valid to use? that don't charge after fee's??? Does the colon cleanse charge to?
joseph trainer
i made a blog post about this on a simple blog i made.
http://beat-the-acai-scam.blogspot.com/
it basically says how to get around it. do you think i should comment on it here? let me know and its ok if you would rather not post this comment. glad to see others getting the word out. this page was found one week to late for me.
healthreporterplus.com
Hi
Acai is all the rage at the moment but some unscrupulous companies are scamming people for hidden costs in their free trials. When these free trials are taken out you are also signed up for membership and on going supplies.
Be careful
Sandra
http://www.healthreporterplus.com
Jeannette
All a scam. The pills did nothing, and now I've been charged twice in the month of December, a debilitating $98 a pop, and haven't even recieved the product!! I've been desperately trying to call and cancel the order, but to no avail. The number does not work, no matter what time you call, or how many times you try. This is rediculous. I had to cancel my credit card to stop the draining of my bank account! I strongly urge anyone who is going through this to contact the Better Business Beareau and report your losses! If enough of us fight back, maybe it will save future victims!!
liz
I fell for this too but luckly I read this in time and cancled on the 3rd day..so I call nice lady I talked to and she cancled everything for me and no charges..we will see if they charge the number they picked up on quick was 1866-407-1022..try and goodluck to all of u
Ken
Acai is good for you if picked and preserved correctly but for weight loss... who knows. For me the only thing that got lighter was my wallet. They charged not only my credit card, but somehow hacked into my checking account and withdrew even more as an ACH withdrawal. STEER CLEAR!!!!!!
amy
similar story...after almost $350 charged to my bank account after I ordered one time free and paid shipping. Beware...never thought I would get sucked into a scam! Shame on these false companies and shame on us losers who fall into the trap...no such thing as free!
Melanie
I had the same thing happend to me went to my bank they will fight the charges for me.Now that I found this site I will print and sent it to my bank. Thanks for the help.
Philip
I have similar story. It must have been late at night when I made an order, but I do remember looking for any language about continuing charges. I did not find any. Now I have charges on my credit card. Silly me; and shame on the companies doing this.
I will see whether I get a refund on the credit card. I will dispute it.
Pat
I too ordered COlon Cleanse and Acai FREE. The (Colon) have already sent me 2 more bottles that I did not order. I called my Discover card and told them not to pay them. I got an email from them today saying that when I ordered the Colon Cleanse I automatically signed up for more under their terms!!! I sent them back telling them all 3 (I never even opened the FREE one) had been sent back today. I expect the next thing will be arriving is the Acai. Never again will I order anything that says FREE!!!
CC
BEWARE with the acai berry supplement free trail scam. I signed up for a free trail but got charged for an additional outrageous price on my card. Apparently in the TsCs fine prints, they opted you into a continuous subscription and they'd charge you a monthly high price if you don't cancel within 14days of order. Even the first order that is supposedly a free trail would be charged as the full price order. They'll keep charging in the subsequent months without sending you orders until you call to cancel. Don't fall for the free trial scams!!!
Brook
Ordered Acai FREE and will check my credit card today. I trusted this because Oprah's name has been attached. Boy, feel like an idiot. Glad that I found this sight.
dennis p orwig
call to talk to some one be for you order on line if you can not reach any one you will get burned if you order on line .been there done that.
Mary
What a scam indeed. I also got burned as did my daughter with this "FREE" Trail NOT! Not only was Ophrah's name all over this but so was Rachel Ray! If they knew their names were being used for these scams they would be outraged. http://www.acaidiettoday.com/step01.aspx Do not use THIS!!!
CB
I have to say I do not feel this is a scam. I have taken an acai product with a colon cleanse and my jeans are alreday looser on me. YOU NEED TO READ WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO!!!!!!I know what to expect because I read everything ALL THE FINE PRINT!!!!! This was on the Oprah and Rachel Ray show. You Tube it and I am sure that you will find it!!! I have no doubt that there are sites out there that are scamming! That is why you have to be very careful and look around and not just order on the first site that you see! Nothing in this world is free!! You just have to be smart and read the fine print!! Of course these companies are going to charge you. It is what you agreed to when you signed up!
kelly
Do not even click on the add - I made this mistake naturally curious - I filled out some general info - but NOT my credit card - I did not finish filling out the form and closed out of the ad. Well since then they have been calling my husband (why not my number no clue) and harassing him about the product. We have asked them several times to stop calling - not interested. Well today I was notified by my credit card to some suspicious charges - low and behold they traced back to this company - the fraud prevention informed me they have been receiving a huge amount of complaints stemming from this company which operates out of Cypres. The charges are all under $10 which can make them easy to overlook, but they add up.
I can only guess that by simply click on the ad they were able to harvest info from my computer - very scary. Luckily my bank is always on top of this - and the card has already been cancelled. Please don't even click on the ad. I've learned my lesson
Diet Ninja
I found this out too the hard way. I ended up creating a web site to educate people about it at http://useyourbraindiet.com
I hope my site helps people out - the last thing any of us want is to get scammed out of not only our money, but our health!
Lighter Wallet - NOT WAIST
You are not alone! Also taken in with "free" product only pay for shipping my ------- my mistake!
Stuff DOES NOT WORK ---------- and as a result of my "free" shipment --- i have received more useless product as well as other charges related to this product!
E-Book ---- and other stuff -------- watch your bank statement carefully! Have just called to have my card replaced -------- and am mailing back un-opened un-soliciticaed product ----- Would hope for a refund --- but don't expect it!
CB
I can't help but wonder what all of you have ordered? I started this 8 days ago and I have lost 7 pounds so far. I defintley think that there are scams out there so you do have to be careful. But I am not giving up hope on what I am using. I also am losing weight while I have my period!!!! I am using Acai Burn and Total Cleanse. I do not lose weight easily either. I have to be honest what I have been eating has not been the greates either! So I can only imagine that I would lose more weight if I was following a better diet. I have a habit of NOT eating.
eatWashington
In the interests of fair play and freedom of speech, CB's comment, # 23, is published. But I want to point out that CB also provided Comment # 19, the only other Comment in this thread so far that has been positive. Read all of them carefully, then make your own minds up.
Misty Wilson
Scam? Let me just say I am still trying to get money refunded for the order i cancelled a week after recieving my free trial. They of course are insisting they never recieved that call, and billed me anyways.
newMommy
i too ordered and was disappointed. i used a prepaid creditcard. one of the 25 dollar ones you buy at the grocery store. i ordered an acai product and the colon cleanse. the acai product said they would only charge $1 in s&h but they charged 5. the colon cleanse only charged one. i figured it was a scam so i hurried and spent the rest of the money( only about $19) on southbeach jewelry n got way more then i got from acai. the acai never camem the colon cleanse did. one good sized bottle. but that was it. i guess they didnt send anything else because there was no money left on the prepaid credit card. i never.used the pills though. i just joined weight watchers. atleast i know weight watchers isnt scamming me.
CB
Thank you for posting my comments! I just looked at the GNC website (www.gnc.com) and I typed in Acai and a bunch of stuff came up there too. A lot cheaper!!! So if you are looking for something like this then I would suggest going to GNC. They are ALOT cheaper!!! However I do not see the product that I am using there. I think that I am going to cancel with the company that I am going with now in hopes that I do not come across the same problem as some of you. When and if I do this I will keep you posted on my results. FYI I am down another pound!! Here is a link to the Acai products offered at GNC http://www.gnc.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=acai&origkw=acai&sr=1
CB
Me again! I am wondering if anyone has ever tried the product slim quick? If so how did you like it and what results did you get? Thanks!
Hubby Said So
DON'T fall for this like my wife did, this free 30 supply of snake oil cost us 2 payments of $85.55, plus $2.85, plus $1.00, and $1.00= 180 bucks Rachel and Oprah and the wizard of Oz need to stick with what they know and stop brainwashing people looking for the diet short cuts.
Karen
I called tonight, Feb. 24 09 and the number 866-407-1022 was answered by a very nice man who very briefly tried to talk me into keeping the "subscription" but otherwise compliant with my request. I had been signed up for some other product that I wasn't even aware of, so be careful everyone ! This is a scam -- I don't know yet if they will still bill me or not -- we shall see!
margaret
saw the ad when I went on the internet. the person whose last name was"Miller" from Semmes,Al. had a picture of herself and interesting comments about the product. I ordered the product 2/23 and the ad said it would be shipped out "in the next 24 hours" the cost was free with s/h at $4.99. had order # and within a couple of hours the S/h was taken out of my checking account. hope it isn't a scam but if it is I won't be the first person to learn their lesson.
Anne
I never have done anything like this before. I tried to call the the phone number they had on the paper and to no avail I got no where....The person said all operator are busy and my wait will be 35 min....Well I waited and still no ans.....I'm really upset that there can be scam artist out there...They are going to take 79.95 out of my checking acc"t every month...Thats what they think...
I going to my bank and take care of this and also call Governer Coumo, and explain to him....A friend of my did the same. There looking into this scam...to many people have been scam from this horrible people.....A good friend of mind did the same thing and can"t get these phony on the line.......They already took $79.95 out of her acct...She can:t get a hold of them either.....
that acai berry is just made from sugar and thats all.
So People we been scam by acai berry......
IF EVERYONE WOULD WRITE TO GOVERNOR COUMO WE CAN RESOLVE THIS..........THANK YOU ANNE
Tracy
I tried the 30day trial of Acai Berry as was endorsed by Oprah. Was supposed to be billed only shipping fee. I have had 5 charges on my bank account in a 2wk period totalling over $200 from supplement related companies. Apparently they sold my bank card information. DO NOT BUY this or Colon Cleanse. Do not Trust them!
melissa Casey
this is a SCAM! they stole 78 dollars from me! after saying it would be a free tril and ONLY paying 5 dollar shipping fee! THIS IS A SCAM! i called these people a finaly got a hold of someone who worked there and i reemed them out! you should do the same
PLEASE CALL 1-866-421-6554 TO SEND HATE MAIL!!!!!!!!!
Missy
THIS IS HOW I HOPEFULLY TOOK CARE OF THIS::: I got caught up in the Acai Berry - Colon Cleanse scam as well. I had three $83.00+ charges on my credit card before I realized what was happening. The following is what I did and so far it is has been successful. I started with contacting the Better Business Bureau in Florida for FWM Laboratories. Then I contacted my credit card company and submitted fraud alerts for the three charges. I also had my credit card comany issue me a new number (as if I had lost my credit card) I then called the numbers listed on my credit card statement for each company (2 charges were same company and one charge was the other company) and was able to get through to a person on each of the two numbers and received a cancellation number on the one (from a very foreign sounding person) and was told I would receive an email confirmation on the other one. Never received it - ended up calling back and getting an email address. I emailed the company to confirm my cancellation and to get a return address to return the product. After getting a lecture by email on how I had agreed to the auto delivery program they told me they would reimburse me $41.00 of the 80 something charge and I could keep the product. (Yeah like I would ever take any of those pills now!!!). To date, my credit card company had deducted the three charges and the one company actually credited my account the $41.00. However, I am still going to check my credit card online daily just in case. That's how I did it. I covered as many bases as I could. Good luck to all. FYI - The two numbers I called ((Acaiberry&lifecleans 866-949-0138)) and ((Ids*max Colon 866-8707042 Ca))
jennifer
I think I was the one worst hit by all of this. I was taken for $491.45 total. I signed up on line for the "free" trial. I got my first bottle of pills about 2 weeks later and took them for about a week, nothing changed!!! I received acai berry with white tea and life cleanse. Both do not work!!! I cancelled about a month after I got the pills and they sent about four shipments there after. I returned them all to sender. (if you do this write down tracking number, I didn't). I noticed late that for the past two months I have been deducted a total of 491.45 from my checking account. I called today and one of the numbers said I would be reimbursed $220 and the other said to call back in a week for status of the refund. Both companies seem to be out sourced to other countries. My local credit union said they couldn't do anything but issue me a new card to block future deductions. Seems when you click "yes" or "submit" , that authorizes them to drain your account. I will keep fighting until I get something. Buyer beware, this is a huge scam. I ironically came home today to find yet more pills in my mail. I wrote down the tracking number so I will make sure they get them back. I also labeled their product appropriately "scam" and that I was reporting them to the better business bureau. This is a very expensive lesson!!!! NOTHING is free!!
Jennifer
Kaye
I unfortunately read the blogs on the acai scams too late. I ordered 3 products today and then quickly called back to cancel. On the MaxColon product I was told that my subscription would be cancelled. I will be charged the S&H charges and that I could keep the trial package. I was told that I didn't have to call back once the order was received but I plan on it anyway. On the Pure Acai Berry Pro I was told that I cannot cancel the request on the same day that the order was placed. I was told to call back when the order is received but I must call back within 14 days of the order date to cancel. I said that 14 days from the date of order isn't much of a trial period. To that comment I was told that I could request an additional 14 day trial period at no additional cost. We will see. On the Acai BerryDetox product I was told that my subscription would be cancelled, I will be charged the S&H charges but that I could keep the product. I don't see how this is possible since the T&Cs state the cancelled ordered product must be returned. So far just the S&H charges have been charged to my card but today is only day one.
Julie
Reading all comments I realize that there are many different products out there with different phone numbers! I too fell for this scam. When I called the Advanced Wellness Research Company (866-964-1011) they talked me into trying this for three months but lowered my price per month to $18 plus shipping. I think I better call back and cancel. After reading everyone's comments, I have lost confidence that the product will work for weight loss.
marilyn
both myself and my roommate were taken in by this scam...i've always trusted oprah and truly believed in her endorsement of this product....i wrote to her from her website explaining my disappointment with the product
and my loss of confidence in miss "o" herself...of course, i never received a reply of any sort....i'm sure my complaint was neatly filed away in the nearest wastebasket!
Kaye
I have an update. I fortunately was able to cancel all of my free trials and was allowed to keep the free trials. I asked for confirmations on the cancellations and confirmed the 2 products previously cancelled. However, according to my bank my credit card information was sold by one of these three companies. I did not received any more charges from MaxColon, Pure Acai Berry Pro, or Acai BerryDetox other than the S&H charges. I did receive charges from 1-800 Flowers, FTD Flowers, Apple ITunes, and Do It Yourself Center. The charges totaled over $400.00. My bank was able to catch all but one pending charge for $112. I will be credited for that charge in a couple of days. Here is what I recommend to anyone interested in trying these products, buy a pre-paid credit card. While I haven't noticed any weight loss I do feel a bit energized.
Sarah C
After not receiving my "free" trial I went back pulled up the micro terms your shown after your order is processed and found the obvious SCAM info. I called to cancel and replace my credit/debit card.We need to send a message to scammers out there.Since they used Oprah and Rachel Rae as lures, we should all contact these two ladies to inform them and have them to publicly disclaim these SCAM PRODUCTS.Remember replace your credit cards
Desaree Crane
Well, I got caught up in the scam as well. I just canceled my credit card and did get a credit. Everyone! You can buy these type of products at your local health food store or GNC. Acai Berry is very good for you, but do not get them on line!
Caitlin
Luckily I read most of the blogs about the online scams but I do believe the acai and colon cleanse products actually work. Mostly for me it's reduced my hunger cravings so that I don't eat as much during the day and dont't really have to eat as much do be full. I also am a huge caffeine addict and was able to quit drinking pop and coffee cold turkey while on this product without having withdrawl symptoms and fatigue. Like I said though I read all about the online scams first so I got my products from a local gnc and I am pretty pleased with the results. It's been a week and I've already lost like 6 lbs. GNC's cheaper too and no credit card charges either. I suggest looking for an actual store that has them instead of ordering online. The products I use are Garden Greens AcaiBlast capsuls and Nature's Secret Super Cleanse twice a day.
Jules
Here is the scoop on this scam, and similar scams. They operate just within the boundary of the law – barely, mostly breaking it but hard to prove.
This company runs a scam called "Negative Option Marketing." There are dozens of them out right now. Anything you order on line with a "free trial" and only paying shipping and handling - read the fine print. The fine print (you'll barely see it if you're lucky) states by getting the free trial you're locked into a contract for a year or so, with usually $50 - $100 per month of products being shipped to you. Then they make it nearly impossible to opt out of. Since they have your credit card number from the "free trial" shipping charge, they will keep charging you. They won’t accept return shipments. They hang up and put you on hold.
The BEST way to protect yourself if you've been scammed like this is to ask your credit card company to send you another card with a new number, and cancel the old number (it will be your same credit card account and credit history, just a new number.) Then at least while you fight the original charges, they cannot continue the monthly shipments to you.
Now each scam company is different. Some make it a contract, others say you have until 30 days to cancel, etc. What they all have in common is they try everything to stop you from canceling. Even if you inadvertently signed up for a “contract” don’t feel obligated – they tricked you and scammed you and these companies have been fined over and over again. They are wrong, you were misled.
These newer negative option marketing scams are everywhere on website ads for “Acai berry weight loss” or “Mandy’s dieting blog” “Cut belly fat with this 1 rule!“ or “Tooth whitening secrets exposed!“ or “I cured my wrinkles!“ These sites pose as fake “real average people” with a blog about this great weight loss secret they’ve uncovered. Now, sites like that have been around a while so the new scam is that this average person has discovered a “dynamic duo” of two products that on their own do little, but together make you drop 7 pounds a week, have glowing white teeth, cure cancer, etc., etc. Then they say you can try their two products free, through this great site they tried themselves (the same damn site whose copywriters wrote the fake blog) just click the link for your FREE TRIAL! You only have to pay shipping and handling! Well that $5 shipping and handling charge, once they have your credit card number, is now an $80 a month “contract” you didn’t realize you signed. You’re stuck with acai berries up the wazoo for a year.
More info on negative option marketing scams - protect yourself by reading these stories on this website run/owned by Consumer Reports:
http://consumerist.com/5123930/careful-those-free-acai-products-might-come-attached-to-a-delicious-scam
http://consumerist.com/215416/florida-ag-investigates-freecreditreportcom
http://consumerist.com/5043005/whos-smiling-now-enzyte-scammer-gets-25-years-in-prison
Richard
You lot are all bonkers if you think there is any quick way to lose all the excess weight in your lardy bodies. This may come as a dissapointment, but less intake, better quality intake, and more exercise. Duhhh
Constance Cumbey
I've never tried the Acai Berry thing nor been tempted to do so, but I smelled the scam after discovering two very similar blogs that I'm now convinced are fraudulent advertising only. We live in Lake Orion, Michigan. I made a rare foray onto our home desktop computer the other day and there was a story pending of a "weight loss secret" -- easy rules to follow on a link on whatever page I was viewing. I clicked on it and there was a story about a "Lake Orion housewife" proclaiming Acai Berry and Dr. Oz solutions had caused her to lose a great deal of weight very rapidly -- unhealthily rapidly in my opinion. But because it was an alleged local girl, I was impressed.
Today sitting in my Bloomfield Hills law office, I saw a similar link. I pressed it and lo and behld there was an extremely similar story with identical "Dr. Oz" pictures and Oprah pronouncements. This one said "I live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan."
Of course the comments section was closed on each alleged "blog." Smelling a rat, I then googled using these terms: "Acai" "scam" and here I am.
Yes, it is a scam and a clumsy one at that!
CONSTANCE E. CUMBEY
cletus fraley
this is a scam -they send you a trial supply to get your cad information and bill you $79.95 before you can return it or delay sending you a return address so the can bill you.they want a full unopen return and this is a trial product. i will fight to get back my money. what a rip off--be warned
Seamus
This problem has been around for quite a while now but seems to continue with absolutely no consumer protection.
I was fooled by the website that represents the supposed manufacturer of one brand of Acai Berry. If you possibly can know in advance (not likely) that your so-called free
sample comes from FWM Laboratories in Hollywood Fl., then you should either avoid ordering it or cancel immediately. The website is very sneaky in hiding the "sign-up" conditions if they are there at all.. If you have any luck (also not likely), you will get
someone on the phone number listed. Usually you will get a recording stating that their voice mail box is full.
For the very few that will see these blogs prior to ordering....Don't be a sucker!
Mary Anne
I was looking into the colon cleaser and the acai berry pill until I read this. I'm very glad I did because I was about to order both today. Does such things really work and cause you to lose weigh fast?
Sandy
If you have be scammed: Cancel your credit/debit card immediately and have a new card with new number issued. Its the only way to stop these transactions from being charged to your account. Your card company may be able to provide you an address or phone number for these fraudsters. Send all data you have on this company to your local police, the police & district attorneys office for any addresses that you have for these people. They are operating under-multiple names and products. The web site you originally ordered from may not be there any more. Watch for multiple charges for .15, .30, 4.95, 9.95, 59.95, 69.95, 79.95. The Company name you ordered from probably will not be on you card statement. Watch for acaiburn, cw membership,international service, cw webservice and similiar names.
CALINDA
Can anybody please say something about how it works, basically this is what matter no? That why you guys ordered to have some health benefits. IT IS WORKING OR NOT, DID EVERYBODY TRY IT WHITOUT GETTING PISSED OFF FOR THE MONEY? You all here are talking about the money, how you got ripped off on your credit cards, like this is the only time that is happening to you, cell phone companies ripped peoples every day but because we live our cell phones nobody complains, nobody cares about money, so forgetter, money, money, money.......when you ordered you know will be some charges. The question is: THE PRODUCT IS WORKING OR NOT? If is working then paying for it is worth. So say something about please. Thank you
I did order it too and contrary of what you are saying here it came on time, a got the right charge on my credit card, l call them on the 1800# and l got a very prompt answer, l got the order on time, l wanted to sent it back and cancel, they said no problem.......but l wanna try it, l don`t care about money if is working, CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW IT WORKS, PLEASE PEOPLES YOU PAY FOR EVERYTHING YOU USE IN THIS LIFE, WHY ARE YOU EXPECTING SOMETHING FOR FREE???
Laura
I tried to cancel this crap and was on the phone for at least an hour while they put me on hold for 15 minutes at a time. The have taken almost 300 dollars from my acct. and after CANCELLING, with a cancellation number in hand, I have received 2 more bottles. DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT ORDERING FROM THESE PEOPLE. I was kept on the phone by an Indian man who claimed his name was, "Phillip Johnson". Yeah, right. Sadly however, I think that the only people who read this are the scammed. Change your bank acct. as soon as you can because they will be charging your acct. even after you cancel.
Bill
My wife ordered the "FREE TRIAL SAMPLE", and they ended up charging my acount about $51.00 before I closed the card out to stop them from any more theift.I reported it the CHASE BANK to investigate. It is a SCAM. My Doc says they include tree bark in the product with no health benefit. To all...STAY CLEAR and DONT GIVE THEM ANY ACCOUNT NUMBERS, IT IS NOT FREE they are theifs.
Be
I was contemplating the free trial and completed the form. I then had to leave my desk so I logged out without clicking the 'submit' button. Despite this the order went through and I have since been hit for $84.80, $13.53, $79.64 $8.93. I have cancelled credit card to prevent further theft.
jean
DO NOT ORDER THIS PRODUCT IF YOU'RE NOT ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU WILL USE IT. I ORDERED IT AND DID NOT EVEN OPEN THE BOTTLES AND WROTE ON THE ORDER FORM TO CANCEL. I WAS CHARGED FOR IT AND WAS SENT ANOTHER BOTTLE, ALSO SENT IT BACK CANCELING IT. WAS CHARGED AGAIN AND CALLED THEM. MAKE SURE YOU CALL AND CANCEL RIGHT AWAY. THEY SAY THEY WILL GIVE ME BACK $60. I'M OUT $25. READ THE FINE PRINT.
Christina
Im unfortunate to find all of these post today and not yesterday where I signed up for the free trial! Ugh, every # that I can find doesnt work and just has a busy tone. I have just cancelled my debit card and had to pay 16$ to have a new one overnighted to me because Im going on vacation. But I guess thats better than $100's! Ive learned not to shop on the interent.
Robert
I was also sucked in by the free 30 day trial that isn't,and the subsequent unauthorised credit card deductions. I had to cancel my credit card to stop these unscrupulous swines. Why VISA gives acreditation to these scamsters is beyond me.
becky
I called and cancelled this product and found out on my c/c statement that I was charged for it. I just got off the phone after arguing with them about the charge. When I asked to speak to a supervisor I was told there wasn't one that all were equal employees there. She just kept repeating that I read the terms and agreed to them. I told her that I didn't even receive the product within the 14 day trial period and was charged full price anyway. I was then told that no one ever gets a refund and that I again had signed the agreement when ordered. Please DO NOT fall for this scam. Also I am going to cancel my c/c # to make sure that I get no more charges.I will dispute with the c/c company the charges also. Again PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THIS.
Angela
Same story. I recently order the "Free trial" sample products for the Nature Pure and Acai. All that was suggested to pay for the "Free trial" was the shipping/handling. Here, 15 days later, I have received charges at $89 and $87 because "I did not cancel my order within 15 days (and they count when you order already as day 1). When asking for a Supervisor for both products, he was not available and the rep hangs up on me(and state they have other customers to assist) and I have called many times. I have spoken to my bank and they have advised to send back whatever I'd received (open or not) and they will dispute the charges but I may still loose out. I will still fight though because this is a complete SCAM. DO NOT ORDER THESE PRODUCTS!! (no matter the possible results).
jean cosgrove
i also signed up for the free trial am getting charged for stuff i am not getting tried bank to stop it but didnt get any joy there dont know where to go now might just change my bank
DS
I tip toed into this, having read some of the scam stuff. I decided to experiment, using a prepaid debit card and a fake name. I placed an order. I received a call confirming my order and telling me they did not accept a prepaid credit card. This call was from, get this, emmediate health, (spell check??. So, I cancel my order.Surprise, they deducted the $5.95 from the prepaid card, for free shipping and handling. I received the product,. I will forever recall the phrase "fall for". I gave them a a fake name, prepaid credit card with no balance, fake email. Then I call to cancel the order. I was told the "reorder billing " ( zero balance on the prepaid) was "denied" 4 times. I replied that was my purpose, to prevent additional charges. The product was bogus and I had no intention to pay for a product which "promised results". The guy said the fees were ##, but, I could settle with the company or have the charges sent to a COLLECTIONS AGENT and the charges would DOUBLE!!. He said I had committed to monthly charges for which I was in arrears.Meanwhile, I was raising my voice, asking for his name. He asked what the defensiveness was ab
CP
I too tried to product. It made me depressed so I returned it. REFUND? Good luck. You will get promices over and over but no money.
CB must work for one of these companies! CB is the ONLY person with positive comments. CB is definitely trying to put a positive spin on this product and I wonder why? The product does not do what it promices and all they want is your money. I have yet to talk to an American on the other end of the phone so where do you think your money is going? OVERSEAS! They have places in Florida etc where they ship the product but your money is definitely not staying in the USA. They should trying scamming their own people! And people wonder why we feel as we do about non Americans!
JL
I hope this acai diet scam alert is seen by those who are researching this, as it has been very helpful.
Edgard
I gess I am one of those that fell in the trap. This is a big scam and what recousrse do we have? I filled the free trial order. I have received more deliveries that I did not consciously ordered. The last delivery came with a charge of $184.00 I have not even open the packages and I have been trying to contact somebody to request approval for return. To my surprise these packages have been sent to me apparently from as far as from the city of Zhen hai in China, by a company by the name of Hong Da Group and by a person by the name of Wang. I am releasing this report in the spirit to alert many people that do not cooperate sammers to get to you.
anna
I WORK IN A CREDIT CARD COMPANY, fraud department..and i am telling all of you..ACAI IS THE BIGGEST SCAM. Since it started screwing card holder's accounts up, we had to open a brand new department that catered just ACAI and their sister companies, and believe me, there are a LOT, most of them have the name ACAI attached to eat but when they start to rebill you (at least 2X a month) they would use different names so as to confuse you!! So if your not very keen on checking your monthly statement, you might be one of those millions of victims who are being billed for over a year now and never noticed it because like i said, they use different names everytime they bill you. SO BEWARE.
RPS
all i have to say is cancel your card debit/credit as soon as you can after ordering free trial I am so glad I did but that was after 2 charges; 1 for $83. 1 for $88.I attempted to call to cx and went to the webb site, neither of which was successful I also sent written corespondence. With me they skipped the trial, went straight to the full size as well as the FULL BILLING after finally getting them on the phone I cx with them, I had already cx my card though. When I inquired what was so special about the product that they charge 80+ for when it can be purchased for around $20. I was told "people can charge whatever they want for a product" This particular co. is out of Scottsdale AZ the so called supervisor I spoke to was Jeff ID# 85252 Ya think this is correct info? right...
Becky
I cannot believe this company is still able to advertise and steal from people. I took the advice of cancelling the card that I used and will try to contact the company tomorrow for a refund. I sent the products back. I feel so angry at the company and the celebrities that have their name attached to these.
Girl
Can I make a POLICE REPORT on this? i sense something not right.
Girl
When you terminate the Acai Berry order, please write in e-mail so any dispute (be it they refuse to return you the correct amount or there are still further charges charged to your card), you can report police immediately.
mimi
8/11/9 - definitely a scam. i never recieved the free pills, they charged me for the second month, after being on hold for 30 minutes, got hold of some Indian Help desk who told me I had to send the pills back to get the refund. They did not understand or didn't care that I NEVER RECEIVED ANY PILLS! what a scam. credit card and bbb here i come
ACAtI doN'T BUT
I wish I found this site sooner! I feel like such a sap. I had tried other trials (fish oil supplements) and got my month free and cancelled, so I figured the Worst that could happen was a recurring $24 a month!! WRONG!! They charged me 6 seperate charges and I received nothing. Also, I received 45 automated phone calls from Arizona at all times of day and night trying to "confirm" my order (they were really trying to alter the contract and add a colon cleanse) Total scam! Cancel your CC immediately!!
k
Not only did they place unauthorized charges, when I reported the problem, and changed my card, they began to call 3-4 times a day on my cell and home phones with "free" offers if only I would pay the shipping with, ta da, my credit card. after a week the calls continue, who do you call to stop these calls??
Linda
I am stupid I fell for this Acai berry scam, I do not have alot of money and when I went to check on my account after ordering this Acai berry I had .43 cent in my account after it was suppose to be free just pay .99 in shipping and handling. I did receive the calls, the first call I was going to have $32.00 taken out of my account, but if I call and cancel I would just be paying for the S&H. The second call I owed $49.00, that I can cancel and just pay S&H. I did have $125.00 yesterday and know I have .43 cents and did not spend my money on anything else. I am pissed of at myself for trusting these people. They did use Opahs name.
zsz
These people are frauds...they kept going into my account and withdrawing a total of 300.00..Do not fall for the oakie doak...This is against the law...and I am not stopping here..unbelievable
Tessa Hopper
what really bites about all of it...you can get the real acai berry diet pills for 9.99 at your local pharmacy, and sometimes Alcos,Kmarts, and Walmarts....
GG
Yep, they got me too! I did want to take the opportunity to respond to 51 - Calinda. This blog is in relationship to the very real scam and not the benefits of the acai berry...that is clearly another blog site. Your insensitivity to the financial impact on the victims of these scams, as I won't try to speak for others, do not care to hear from people with your mentality. I think the point we are trying to convey here is that this is a scam and we did NOT receive what we paid for. I'm not sure how we could have conveyed that any more clearly to you. I would be interested in reading a comment from someone in the field of criminal investigation or what not to advise us what we can do to receive justice, if not only to protect future victims. I do wish Oprah and Rachel Ray did know what we were experiencing and speak out. Who knows, I wouldn't be surprised if they are receiving kick-backs from the scam artists themselves....in response the 72 - K, I would say while having them on the line ..."police officer, these are the people that continue to harrass me...did you get their location?" Just a thought.
DD
I'm trying to call these people now 877-833-1483 because I was charged over 90.00 man I knew I shouldn't have done it -
Katy
Do not fall for this; I am mad at myself for doing it! I have taken the pills for three weeks and not lost anything. What a joke.
I cancelled, but was charged for the bottle. When I called, I was told that if I hadn't called in 15 days, then I would be charged. I didn't even get the bottle in 15 days.
That was the acaii pills. I have emailed colon cleanse several times and haven't heard from them. I am calling them tomorrow. I am also calling my bank to see if I can block this company from billing me anymore. They did tell me my account was closed, but with those business practices, I don't believe them.
Linda Jo Voelker
A scam! i had to cancel my bank cards and put a hold on my account. As soon as i called the bank, they knew exactly what i was talking about. the company started charging me for items i did not order. be very careful, FREE is not so FREE. I learned a valuable lesson.
CS
TOTAL SCAM... DO NOT order from Acai Tropic Berry! I was one of those who ordered, did not receive the trial and found my credit card charged. Phones are not answered and IF you happen to get through, usually on a cell phone, you are placed in a holding loop. I finally got through after waiting for over 1/2 hour and asked my order to me canceled... We'll see. So far credit card co. is working with me well, so I am optimistic. DO NOT order
Acai Tropic Berry. I sure wish I hadn't... Now I have great doubts as to the contents of the bottle as well!!!
Lee
At least some of you had a slight interest in the product. I started getting phone calls at 06:00 this morning confirming orders I never placed. This is the first I have heard of it. I looked at my bank account and I have 17 new orders for this Acai and clenze stuff. At $80 a month that will add up! This was a phishing trip on their side. I want to know how they got my info. My bank caught it before I called and I have to get a new card. They will not stop calling to confirm this morning 23 calls so far. I ask what country she was in she said "Idaho" I ask if it was snowing she said "I don't know"
EJ
I just read a article on this product posted by a woman from Columbus on how she lost 47 lbs. I'm sorry but people are always out for a scam please get a real job.
padman
I have lost about 25 lbs in 2 months. Just eat properly! There are NO miracle diets. DO NOT OVER EAT! GET SOME BASIC EXCERSISE (not elaborate exercises. Walk, take the stairs, etc). If you have bad eating habits, then CHANGE THEM! The only sure diet is a change from bad eating habits to good eating habits. If you have to snack during the day, eat something like a small handful of almonds and eat them SLOWLY. Baby carrots are a great snack since they are crunchy and sweet. Eat whole grains and NO processed sugars. It is so simple and you have heard about proper eating habits ALL of your life. Now just stop eating too much and stop eating bad food (you know what is bad for you). Good luck and stay away from NAMED diets. Just eat right and exercise.
Fernandes
DONT FALL FOR "FREE" TRIALS, IS A SCAM.. AS SOONS AS U CALL THE BANK ABOUT IT THEY ALREADY HAVE AN OPTION:if your're calling , about acaiburn, press 1.. ACAI IS INDEED VERY GOOD FOR U, IS ONE OF THE BEST FRUITS THERE IS, IS HAS MORE VITAMINS THAN ANY OTHER, BUT (THE FRUIT)! AND U CAN GET THEM IN BRASILIANS SHOP, FOR 1 QUID EVEN, U GET THE POLP, THAT'S THE REAL STUFF.
Kat
I too was caught up in the hype of the Acai diet. My story ends up EXACTLY like all the entries I've read.
There needs to be laws that will protect & uphold our rights as consumers from these "pirranas! Other than the Better Business Beaure. What will it take for the FDA, or the Govt. or ? to step up & make it crystal clear the consequences of scams & frauds these companies inflict upon trusting americans? All of whom are looking for help in attempting to lose weight which has become so common in our country. It's becuz' we're so trusting that these companies see their warped opportunity to sock it to us with all they got, for all we got in our banks & cr. cards. I should've researched further before finding out the hardship way. Shame on the people who work for these companies. Have you no conscience? I know the economy's bad but it's not so bad that you have to lie & cheat the very people who financially struggle just like you.
Phyllis
I to tried this and it is a scam the lady could not even pronounce my name right. I cancelled my card and my bank put in a fraud alert but I have learned my lesson this won't happen again and the product does not work.
Kevin Glover
ACAI is the worst company in the world out to exploit anybody and everybody unfortunate enough to stumble across their website of lies and falsehoods. You are not stupid if you get caught up in the lies and deceipt of ACAI, but I emplore you to contact them instantly and cancel any subscriptions you have made either knowingly or otherwise, or rise paying £55 a month for what can only be described as Satans stool pellets.
Cancel your bank card asap if you have taken the ACAI pills and are still under the trail period, before you get charged for them, and believe me, you WILL be charged.
Unauthorized Charges
12.9.09: YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR BANK CARD ASAP AND FILE A REPORT WITH YOUR BANK. THEY WILL CREDIT YOUR CARD AND INVESTIGATE. WE NEED TO STOP ALL THE INTERNET FRAUDS. YOU CAN GET THESE AT A HEALTH FOOD STORE.
Tracy
BELIEVE it! the acai ads on the web are a scam but the product does work. I went to my local vitamin store and bought an ACAI supplement, so I wouldn't worry about the extra charges from companies on the web. Go to your local GNC or vitamin world to purchase ACAI supplements that really do help with overall health.
Kim
I was so scammed!!! Is there any one or any where we can report? I was charged hundreds of dollars for the pills and like someone else, never received the items. I finally just canceled my card to keep from anyother charges from being added! If someone knows of who I can contact to report or try to regain any monetary loss, please let me know!
KB
Hope everyone does their research like me! My poor co-worker is telling me about this while she is putting her credit card number in! Hopefully she won't have so much trouble getting her money back!
AcaiBurn
Hello,
If there was some confusion about your subscription, we honestly didn't mean to inconvenience you in any way. Our goal is not to inconvenience our customers .The terms and conditions of our offer are very visible on the order page, they are stated on the order page where you confirm your order, located directly to the top of where your credit card information was entered. There is also a link at the top of the home page that opens up the terms and conditions in a separate window. Customer service is our number one priority and we do everything we can to be open with all of our customers. Of course, mistakes can be made; and if you were not aware of our terms and conditions in our site, we are happy to offer you a full refund if you return the unused product back to us. We have always honored our 30-day guarantee and will continue to do so.
You can talk to customer support seven days a week. Our U.S.-based help lines are also staffed each and every day of the week to respond to any questions you may have both before and after your order. Simply call us at 888-591-2190 or visit our 24/7 live help at https://www.acaiburnpremium.com/contactus.php and we will be happy to walk you through the entire cancellation process.
Your satisfaction is our number one concern,
Thanks,
T
This makes me so sick that i fell for this crap. I was CHARGED 10 times at 129.98 on my credit card for a products that I didn't realize that i had signed up for... PLEASE READ the fine print before falling for this horrible Acai berry scam... Please does anybody know how I can get this money back. I didn't even receive the products either. How sickning is that!!
angela
Hello,
If there was some confusion about your subscription, we honestly didn't mean to inconvenience you in any way. Our goal is not to inconvenience our customers .The terms and conditions of our offer are very visible on the order page, they are stated on the order page where you confirm your order, located directly to the top of where your credit card information was entered. There is also a link at the top of the home page that opens up the terms and conditions in a separate window. Customer service is our number one priority and we do everything we can to be open with all of our customers. Of course, mistakes can be made; and if you were not aware of our terms and conditions in our site, we are happy to offer you a full refund if you return the unused product back to us. We have always honored our 30-day guarantee and will continue to do so.
You can talk to customer support seven days a week. Our U.S.-based help lines are also staffed each and every day of the week to respond to any questions you may have both before and after your order. Simply call us at 888-591-2190 or visit our 24/7 live help at https://www.acaiburnpremium.com/contactus.php and we will be happy to walk you through the entire cancellation process.
Your satisfaction is our number one concern,
Thanks,
azzy
The <A HREF="http://www.acai-berry-life.com">Acai Berry</A> comes from Brazil and it combats free radicals.
Maria
I feel very lucky. I too fell for the scam but when I purchased it, I put the charges on a visa card that I received as a gift that only had a very small balance. I received the order, read the fine print and cancelled the remaining orders. I don't know if they tried to charge me for another month or not because I didn't have any money left on the gift card.
michelle
the acai berry diet does work but in it's purest form the pills, powder or juice should be purple in color and are kind of pricey but I ordered the acai and colon cleanse from amazon and got pretty good deals. I was to worried to order something that said "free trial offer" because NOTHING is ever free.
Leslie
I went to GNCand got their 7 day colon cleanse ($35). I also bought the super acai blast (under the super fruits display-$24). I had been fooled buy an Acai that I bought a WalMart-it's mostly oil. The pills I bought at GNC are purple and have 1000 mg. The purest form I've found in a local store so far. Plus, the cleanse is backed by GNC and it works wonderfully. I have noticed a big difference already and it's only been a week. I would never buy anything on the internet that I can buy at the store...so go to your neighborhood GNC and avoid getting scammed!!!
helen brooks
i ordered a free sample sent it right back unused but was charged 24.95 on my credit card. have tried 5 times to get my money credited but so far nothing.
Gregory Tang
Hello,
If there was some confusion about your subscription, we honestly didn't mean to inconvenience you in any way. Our goal is not to inconvenience our customers .The terms and conditions of our offer are very visible on the order page, they are stated on the order page where you confirm your order, located directly to the top of where your credit card information was entered. There is also a link at the top of the home page that opens up the terms and conditions in a separate window. Customer service is our number one priority and we do everything we can to be open with all of our customers. Of course, mistakes can be made; and if you were not aware of our terms and conditions in our site, we are happy to offer you a full refund if you return the unused product back to us. We have always honored our 30-day guarantee and will continue to do so.
You can talk to customer support seven days a week. Our U.S.-based help lines are also staffed each and every day of the week to respond to any questions you may have both before and after your order. Simply call us at 888-591-2190 or visit our 24/7 live help at https://www.acaiburnpremium.com/contactus.php and we will be happy to walk you through the entire cancellation process.
Your satisfaction is our number one concern,
Thanks,
kathy
I was also scammed to the tune of $177.48-two different debits to my ckng account and I had cancelled within the first couple of days when I received a phone call from the company asking if I had received the order. Had to cancel my debit card and file complaint-Bank has credited me for the first debit and waiting on the next. These people are shrewed. They offer you the free
bottle-you pay shipping and handling......Somewhere it is written, I did not see, supposedly you have 14 days to cancel. Nevertheless, I cancelled over the phone during the first 3 days or so and was still billed. Then they had the balls to send me 2 months worth of the garbage, which I had to pay postage to send back....Oprah and anyone else that promotes this out to be ashamed of themselves.....People are definately being scammed!
totoy bibo
thanks guys for this blog!!prevents me to fall on that sh.t!!
Molly
People need to wise up and realize that there is NO such thing as an easy, "no diet changes made, no exercise required!" diet. Stop being lazy. The only way to truly lose weight is to expend more energy than you put into your body. i.e. eat less, work out more. ANY diet or supplement claiming to help you lose weight without any effort on your behalf is ALWAYS a scam. Educate yourselves.
JASON
same thing happened to me i got one of the trial offers only costing me $6.94 for shipping and 14 days later i got charged $88.73 and got shipped another bottle soon as i noticed it in my bank account i called them and canceled my account i asked for a refund but i was told no so i started to think of ways to get my moneys worth from the company.... and i came up with this well first off i was getting the acai berry select and i did lose weight so i did like the product but i was mad at them so i went back to the webpage i ordered from www.freesupplementfinder.com and signed my self back up under my girlfriends name and only payed the $6.94 for shipping and the next day i called and canceled before they could bill me and i used a pre payed credit card so there was no way for them to ever bill me and i been doing it for the last 4 months so after my 5th month supply gets here i wont feal so bad about the $88.73 i got charged because i have got well over $88 in supplements i thought i would share my store with you guys who got ripped off by the acai businesses its time for you to start scamming them.
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