The Chronic Consumer

Central Coast Nutraceuticals, makers and purveyors of ACAI Pure, an acai berry supplement, have been told by the FTC to stop selling their products over the Internet. The injunction comes amid numerous complaints from consumers alleging deceptive billing practices. Apparently, the company allegedly offered a free trial in which consumers were asked to provide a credit or debit card number in order to pay a $1.99 shipping fee. But instead of just charging that amount, the company charged the price of a whole bottle of supplements, and also enrolled the unsuspecting consumer in an automatic renewal scheme. Moreover, when customers tried to get refunds, they were only given partial refunds most of the time.

All told, the company allegedly scammed some $30 million in this manner. Their assets are now frozen and have been handed over to a receiver.

Online shopping is a great convenience, and I love it, but scams like this are a good reminder to be very vigilant of the charges on your card.