In a win for consumers one company has agreed to a $1.375 million settlement involving deceptive online sales practices. The suit was brought about by the Arizona AG's office after they received numerous consumer complaints against the company, Central Coast Nutraceuticals, Inc. who didn't live up to their promise that their product came with a "free trial offer".
In the suit, brought about by the Arizona Attorney General, the AG alleged that CCN used a variety of deceptive tactics marketing low-cost "risk-free" trial offers of health supplements. According to the complaints, consumers who purchased the low-cost "risk-free trial offers" of CCN's health supplements were also charged for costly products and services that they did not request. These included pre-selected "up-sell" products that the consumer had to actively de-select in the online order form to avoid being charged. When consumers tried to contact CCN regarding the unauthorized charges, they often faced hold times over an hour and their e-mails never received a response.
For more on the suit click here.
Consumers who believe they were the victim of CCN's deceptive marketing must file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office by close of business on Monday, August 17 to be eligible for restitution from the settlement. To file a complaint call 602-542-5763, 800-352-8431 or send an email to consumerinfo@azag.gov.
This type of "bait and switch" advertising, whether online or on TV, is deceptive. It reminds me of those similar ads with the singing pirates touting so-called free credit reports -that aren't really free either.
I'm glad to see the AG took a stand on this type of deceptive advertising. We can only hope more will follow...
In the suit, brought about by the Arizona Attorney General, the AG alleged that CCN used a variety of deceptive tactics marketing low-cost "risk-free" trial offers of health supplements. According to the complaints, consumers who purchased the low-cost "risk-free trial offers" of CCN's health supplements were also charged for costly products and services that they did not request. These included pre-selected "up-sell" products that the consumer had to actively de-select in the online order form to avoid being charged. When consumers tried to contact CCN regarding the unauthorized charges, they often faced hold times over an hour and their e-mails never received a response.
For more on the suit click here.
Consumers who believe they were the victim of CCN's deceptive marketing must file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office by close of business on Monday, August 17 to be eligible for restitution from the settlement. To file a complaint call 602-542-5763, 800-352-8431 or send an email to consumerinfo@azag.gov.
This type of "bait and switch" advertising, whether online or on TV, is deceptive. It reminds me of those similar ads with the singing pirates touting so-called free credit reports -that aren't really free either.
I'm glad to see the AG took a stand on this type of deceptive advertising. We can only hope more will follow...
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EMC is holding an insurance payment I have to finish a house and have money tied up in house and can not get my money.
Glenda -this is a common complaint among homeowners. I am about to embark on a similar situation. I had plumbing damages and my insurance company that has agreed to pay for damages caused by the plumbing issues has sent us the money to do the repairs -unfortunately also made payable to the mortgage servicing company. I forwarded the check on for their endosement -and learned they will not release all the funds until we do the work. They instructed us to get 50% done, and then they would then inspect (I am sure their is going to be a large fee deducted for these inspections too) and wouldn't release all funds until the repairs were 100% done.
I will be documenting how we progress -and report here the good or bad results and how this particular mortgage servicing company handles themselves and our money! I know from many emails and comments on this blog, that insurance funds that are intended to be used for home repairs -somehow end up in the hands of the mortgage servicing companies who then refuse to release the money that results in further damage of the home. Keep us posted on how you make out -I intend to do the same.