Beware of Free-Trial Acai Berry Scams
Despite its size, the Acai berry supposedly packs a powerful punch. Thought to be a “superfood” because of its high anti-oxidant properties, the Acai berry’s popularity is rapidly growing.
Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Ray have featured Acai berries on their television talk shows, sparking an even bigger interest in the fruit. Quickly ads offering risk-free trials began popping up all over internet, most of them, outright scams. Check out the Help Me Howard report.
Two months ago, Xiomara Saldarriaga came across one of those Acai berry "pop-ups" while she was surfing on the internet. The ad offered a 14 day free trial. According to the ad, the only thing she would have to pay for was $3.95 for shipping and handling. She filled out the online form and hit "send."
Xiomara said she never received an e-mail confirmation, so she thought that her order didn't go through. Also, she never received the product in the mail, so basically just forgot the whole thing until...she got her bank statement.
After going over it, she saw there was a deduction for $3.95 and another for $87.13, from a company name Lipaphen located in Florida. She called the number on her statement to inquire as to what the charges were for. A Lipaphen representative told her that it was for the Acai berry pills she ordered. Xiomara explained to the representative that she never received the product and wanted a refund. The rep told her that her refund was going to be processed.
But it never was. For two weeks straight Xiomara said she called and was left on hold for 10, 20, or 30 minutes at a time before a representative would take her call. Xiomara, extremely frustrated at this point, requested a name and a number to contact the refund department directly. The rep told her that she could not contact them directly over the phone, only through e-mail. The rep gave her 2 addresses; turns out both of them didn't work.
That was the last straw. Xiomara called Lipaphen and when she finally spoke with someone she threatened to go to the authorities. A couple days later, she saw that she was credited back $40.00 of the $87.13. We called Lipaphen for comment on this story but they just told is that her refund was being processed.
The Better Business Bureau has given Lipaphen an unsatisfactory rating for misleading advertisements. At the beginning of this year, the BBB issued a warning about Acai free-trial offer scams.
Now, if you do find your self still being charged, the BBB suggests that you go to the bank or call your credit/debit card company and dispute the charge. Ultimately, you might have to cancel you card and get a new card number.
Comments: 8
wow.. I have no sympathy for this woman, she clicked on a pop-up ad and got scammed. It's almost as dumb as falling for a 'wallet inspector' scam.
Howard,
I have almost the same acai berry story, except that I did get the full credit on my credit card, after numerous long waits on the phone. I did finally get the credit for the "pills" that I never recieved, but also be aware that just on my last statement I had a charge for $8.99 and when I called the phone #, I was told that it was for a "participation fee", the did say that the "recurring fee" would be cancelled, but they could not issue a credit for the "already charged fee". I just don't get how they can charge for something that was previously cancelled and credited!!!! I'll let you know if it is on my next statement.....stay tuned!!! LOL
Renee
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
Health Reporter Plus
http://www.healthreporterplus.com
Hello, I suggest that everyone check their local CVS our Walgreens they have started carrying all natural Products such as this in their natural sections and If it isn't there try the natural foods section of your grocer. Odds are that they will have or eventually start to carry these items. It is always smart to read the fine print of any free trial and if your not sure if you were charged, to actually check with the company ahead of time just to be safe. Another Alternitive that I use is spoke up to both my bank and credit card company to clear online purchases which means they will call me either the same day or the following business day to clear that I made the purchase. Very comforting especially when it comes to safety these days cause it protects your debit and credit cards being used online.
Just wanted you all to know that I have spent endless time on hold with Advance Wellness Research, they are out of Nampa, ID 866-964-1011. After cancelling my original order and sending back the inferior product (certified mail, no less) I was charged 87.02 6 days after I sent it back. I called their customer service (and Carla is right, they are barely understandably and when I asked to speak to a supervisor, I was told that he/she was in a meeting, all 4 times I have called) and was given the runaround until I finally told the rep to shut up and let me talk, the rep finally agreed refund 78.81 of the 87.02, I know I should be happy that I got something back from them but now it is the principal. I am filing a dispute with my bank and they will deal with them from here on out…..once again, the company I dealt with is *Advanced Wellness Research*
The same scam has happened to me and after numerous trys to inquire why my money hasn't been refunded the rep stated she would make a note that my money NEVER be refunded. I also stated that their company super foods was on the news not to long ago and she said "oh really thats awesome". I know have had to call my bank and cancel my card and wait 2 weeks to wait for a new card.
I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of "searchprofitsystem". They promise to be an online job based business.... I wasn't sure if they were a scam or not. If anyone has any info on these people please lat me know... Thank you.
I commented about the berry issue, but I think I am fighting a computer virus at the moment. My take on this is anything could work if you believe in it. But I don't like scams. I do, however, believe in angels, so maybe that makes me even nuttier than the people who believe in berries.