SAN ANTONIO - Here's a warning for anyone wanting to lose weight: Those "free" trial offers for Acai Berry dietary supplements aren't really free.
A News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooters viewer recently emailed us about some Craigslist ads that offered $1,200 to take part in an Acai Berry clinical trial. The ad included a link that sent our viewer to a website selling the dietary supplements. To take part in the clinical trial, our viewer would need to order a "free" month's supply. Of course, a credit card is necessary to pay for shipping and handling.
That's pretty much where the "free" part ends.
We've received complaints in the past from other News 4 WOAI viewers that punched in their credit card numbers for these "free" trial offers.
What they wound up getting was a costly headache from trying to cancel their membership. One viewer told us her "free" Acai Berry products cost her $184. Another said she was charged $87, then another $75.
Even the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about these companies. A BBB spokesperson warns that once these companies have your credit card information, they charge hefty fees. They also make the cancellation process time-consuming and irritating.
Most people know that "free" doesn't always mean "free." And really, that could go for just about any "free" offers.
Your best bet is to check out the seller before you sign up for any FREE products. You can do that by checking out a company's history with the BBB.
