Story Created:
Aug 12, 2009 at 3:26 AM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 12, 2009 at 3:26 AM CST
(August 11, 2009)
Main Topic: GNS – Ordering free samples will get you more than you bargained for.
The allure of getting something for free can be very tempting for consumers striving to save every penny in this soft economy. However, consumer complaints against Arvada, Colorado Internet-based Global Nutrition Sciences (GNS Inc.) illustrate a need for consumers to do their research before finding out what they signed up for isn’t what they are going to get.
Consumers claim Global Nutrition Sciences offers them a "free trial" of a product (mostly diet related) and they only need to pay a shipping charge. They allege that the following conditions are not made clear to them in the company's advertising: The "free trial" only lasts for a few weeks and then is automatically billed. In addition to billing after the trial period is over, consumers complain they are enrolled into a program where they are shipped and billed for a new supply of the product every month. This, "Auto Ship" program can also apply to regular orders outside of the "free trial" offer.
Consumers from across the nation have filed a total of 1,229 complaints against Global Nutrition Sciences over the past 36 months. The company has a rating of F due to the number of complaints filed, advertising issues found by BBB and the length of time Global Nutrition Sciences has taken to resolve complaints. GNS advertises among other ways on Facebook and was endorsed by Oprah.
BBB warns consumers that while offers for “free” products can be enticing, they need to be cautious before signing up for one. Consider the following tips:
- Be clear as to when the free trial starts and ends.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully for any hidden information that may not be communicated directly.
- Know exactly what will be charged if the product is kept.
- Find out if accepting a product at the end of the free trial automatically is transferred to a continuity plan.
- Check the company’s reliability report on www.bbb.org.
Scheme of the week: Online Technology Causes Proliferation of Obituary Scams
Unfortunately, some schemers possess no moral fiber at all and will do anything to make a dollar. Funeral/obituary scams are one of the cruelest scams out there. They have become popular due to technology in that obituaries are online. Usually an article names the funeral home, dates, times and most importantly the name of the widows (widowers are rarely targeted).
Three Samples of Scams, the first two targeting the widow.
Insurance scam:
Schemer calls the widow (note: this happens before the funeral)
- Schemer claims he is from the funeral home.
- He claims that the husbands has not paid insurance premium for the past several months. If the widow wants the insurance company to for pay for the funeral she will need to make up the payments that were missed. Of course the money she sends goes to the schemers.
- Sometimes a second schemer will get on the line impersonating an insurance company representative.
Loan Debt:
· Schemer calls the widow
· Schemer claims he is from a bank or loan company
· He claims the husband has a note and has not paid. If widow does not pay off loan, the loaning company will come after her for collection.
Online funeral guest books:
· Target is anyone to signs an online guest book
· Schemers mine for name and e-mail
