The Better Business Bureau serving Acadiana is warning of a new scam that involves ‘Free Trial’ offers. Keep in mind if something is truly then you should not have to pay money or divulge financial information. According to a report from the BBB this scam is disguised as a free trial offer to sample Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is an ingredient of cannabis. Victims who signed up for the free offer, were instead charged money.
The scam usually appears on social media or during an internet search. The ad looks professional featuring a celebrity endorsing the product. Some victims reported that Joel Osteen’s image was used in one of the CBD ads. According to the fake ad, in order to get the free sample of CBD oil, all the consumer has to do is pay for shipping. The consumer then inputs their financial information. This is where the problem starts. Most did not receive the free sample and now the scammer possessed their personal bank information.
Victims were not only charged shipping but also charged for an ongoing monthly fee that ranges between $80 and $100. And according to previous claims, consumers had a hard time canceling the subscription.
Here is how to avoid getting tricked. First, do your research. Search the company’s name online and see if anything pops ups connecting the company to a scam. Look for complaints and check the business’s rating on the BBB website.
Read the terms in the agreement before signing up. If you can’t find the ‘terms’ this is a sign that the company could be fraudulent.
Report losses to your bank right away. Be wary of celebrity endorsements. Check your financial statements often and always notify your credit card companies of suspicious charges. And if you think you may have been scammed, report it to the BBB.
SOURCE: BBB – FREE TRIAL OFFER SCAM
ABOUT BBB:
“Look for the Seal” and Start with Trust®. BBB Serving Acadiana is a private non-profit organization. BBB strives for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses.
Please contact Better Business Bureau at (337) 981-3497 24 or bbb.org 24 hours a day for information on businesses throughout North America.
BBB Serving Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.