Acai Berry Scammers Caught By FTC Lawsuit
Recently acai berry has become very popular around the world as a nutritional supplement. Although no scientific studies have yet been made, there is strong empirical evidence that this purple grape from the amazon jungle holds many health benefits.
Oprah Winfrey recently featured the acai berry fruit on her show and touted the amazing benefits she felt it had. The real hidden power in the acai berry is its concentration of beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino acids. The acai berry has been measured to have up to 20 times higher level of antioxidants than a regular grape! These levels are what make the acai berry so effective as a holistic nutritional supplement. The acai berry is often claimed to be effective in weight-loss treatment as well and protect against a number of diseases such as heart disease, impotence and libido problems and general immune system deficiencies.
ftc-announces-lawsuit-against-online-acai-berry-marketers
The following news release was posted on the FTC website yesterday. It’s a much anticipated and necessary blow (although very late) in the battle against the plethora of Acai Berry Scams that have been preying on desperate consumers for nearly 2 years now.
The headline does sounds promising, but if you read the news release, you see they are announcing a lawsuit against a SINGLE COMPANY! There are dozens of companies participating in these scams. We do hope the message being sent will scare some others out of the business, but if prior such actions are any indication, we doubt it. Check back next week and we’ll have an update on the repercussions.
FTC to Announce Action Against Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and “Colon Cleansers”
Millions of consumers who are anxious to lose weight or prevent cancer have seen the ads: “…USE WITH CAUTION! Major weight loss in short periods of time may occur,” or “detoxify your organs,” and break down and remove “toxic waste matter which may have been stuck in the folds and wrinkles of your digestive system for years and years.” Come and learn from the victims themselves what the “free” trials of these products have cost, and how the Federal Trade Commission and the business community are taking action.
WHAT:
The Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Monday, August 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., to announce a lawsuit against a company that marketed acai berry weight-loss supplements and “colon cleansing” supplements by promising consumers “free” trials of the products.
WHO:
David C. Vladeck, Director, FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Martin Elliott, Senior Business Leader, Payment System Risk, Visa Inc. Two consumers who lost money on “free” trial offers promised by this company.
WHEN:
Monday, August 16, 2010, 10 a.m. (The room will be open 30 minutes early for media set up.)
WHERE:
Federal Trade Commission, Midwest Region
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 1825
Chicago, Illinois
Call-in Information:
The toll-free phone number in the U.S. and Canada is (866) 363-9013, the confirmation number is 94253184, and the chairperson is Gail Kingsland. The lines, which are for media only, will open at 9:45 a.m. CST. Please reference the confirmation number when joining the call.
PRESS CONTACT:
FTC Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
