Free Trial Can Be Risky Business

A recurring concern we hear about at the BBB involves customers signing up online for ‘risk-free’ trials of various health products, including Acai Berry weight loss and teeth- whitening products.  In fact, offers like these made the Better Business Bureau’s Top Ten list of scams and rip-offs that took advantage of consumers and small business owners in 2009. What we’re hearing is that customers are sometimes being charged for these ‘free trials’ if they fail to cancel within the trial period. We’re also hearing that some customers are being billed for products they don’t receive and then have trouble getting billing issues straightened out. If you’re looking for health products online, here are some things you need to know:

1. Before taking any weight-loss supplement or trying a new health product, you’ll want to be sure to consult a health care professional. Some Web sites offering products like these make unrealistic claims or give advice which could be damaging to your health. Make sure you know what you’re buying and that the claims marketers are making have basis in fact and won’t jeopardize your health.
2. Before purchasing health products online, check out the seller first. You can do so at www.bbb.org. When you’re researching companies, don’t just enter their name. You can also do advanced searches using phone numbers and Web addresses. Remember, the more fantastic the health claim, the greater the odds customers somewhere have been disappointed by the product.
3. Make sure you understand all the terms of any offer you receive. Many times important information (such as future billings which will commence if you fail to cancel within a given timeframe) is buried deep in the fine print. Or else you have to click through multiple links to gather all the information you need to evaluate the offer. If you have concerns about an offer you receive, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, take a step back and do some more investigating.
4. Finally, consumers shopping online should look for the BBB seal on Web sites and click on the seal to confirm its legitimacy. And of course, consumers can always contact the BBB directly with questions, concerns and complaints.

Getting healthy is always an admirable goal, just be sure you’re keeping an eye on your financial health as well – investigate before you invest!

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