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Free Trial Offers

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT THIS IS A SCAM?

You receive an offer for a free trial of a health product, such as diet or weight loss pills or cures or treatment for ailments. You are asked to provide a credit card number to pay for the shipping and handling of your free trial, but you notice that after the free trial period ends, you still receive and are billed for the product.



HOW CAN CONSUMERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Some legitimate companies offer free trials. However, this scam is based on the assumption that the consumer will not read or understand the terms of the free trial - including the automatic enrollment to continue receiving and paying for a product you may not need. Read all of the terms of the free trial, and do not be pressured into ordering the product before you've had time to review with a trusted friend.

Be extremely wary of any company that offers a free trial of its product. Research the company with Better Business Bureau (www.cincinnati.bbb.org) to ensure the company has a history of responsible conduct.


HOW TO REPORT IF YOU'VE BEEN A VICTIM

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Contact the FTC (1-202-FTC-HELP) to report a free trial scam.

Credit card company: Immediately call your credit card company and dispute the charges. Ask them to reverse the charges - if a credit card company receives enough complaints about a company, it will be more likely to reverse charges in the future.