One month into 2024, you may be struggling with your latest New Year’s resolution:
Lose weight. And even more important, keep it off — permanent escape from the hamster wheel of healthy eating and exercise, only to be followed by a lack of continued good habits.
Don’t give up just yet.
Just don’t fall for quick-fix scams during your journey.
Melissa Ames, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Youngstown, said her agency often learns of consumers that struggle to cancel subscriptions that supply a myriad of solutions — from pills to exercise programs.
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Granted, many experts supply life-changing and life-saving support.
“But some of those promotions out there are just scammers trying to get your money,” Ames said, warning Ohio men, women and children.
“It’s like anything; they see the results. They see the before and after, and they want that ‘after’ so badly, they’re not paying attention to the red flags along the way.”
A lot of this digital deceit lives online.
Scammers often post ads online, according to the Federal Trade Commission, promising weight loss pills, patches, creams and other products and services. In some cases, the ads resemble news reports about “miraculous” new products that ensure they will help customers to lose weight, often without dieting or exercising. Or they proudly share altered “before and after” images that to untrained eyes, appear to be genuine.
To spot scams, the FTC suggests consumers to look out for these common false promises:
● If someone says you don’t have to watch what you eat to lose weight.
● If someone says using a product helps customers lose weight permanently.
● If someone tells you that, to lose weight; all you have to do is take their pill.
● If someone promises that you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days, that’s a scam.
● If anyone says their product works for everyone.
Said Ames: “You need to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Remember to read the fine print when you sign up. Know what the terms and conditions are. Is there an early termination fee? Can you find an early termination fee? And how does it work?”
