They are a dime a dozen: Products that promise to help you lose weight while you sleep; devices that are said to stimulate fat burning through electric currents; or electronic gadgets that claim to use the power of light to reduce appetite. As they said, if it sounds too good to be true…
Other products that go against common sense: natural oils that increase metabolism; do-it-yourself hypnosis tapes, books or seminars; appetite-suppressing eyeglasses; electronic muscle stimulators (EMS); body wraps. All of them are currently being offered by sale on TV and print ads. “Products like this just defy logic,” says Wolff.
How to Complaint
If you think you have been the victim of a diet scam, contact the following organisms for help:
Federal Trade Commission -- The website offers tips on avoiding scams plus a database of products currently under investigation. An online complaint form allows you to expose a company you think is promoting diet scams.
Consumer Affairs -- Also includes an online complaint form, plus a list of companies and products charged with bad business practices.
DietFraud -- Product alerts, database of articles and recalls.