The Phoenix Better Business Bureau has issued a warning for consumers across the country regarding Central Coast Nutraceuticals (CCN). According to the BBB, CCN “advertises health related products online by offering $1 risk-free trials”.
CCN offers products on 14 websites such as non-FDA approved cholesterol reducers to weight loss and male enhancement products.
The BBB says it has received nearly 2000 inquiries and have closed 1008 since September 2008, alleging unauthorized charges, confusing return policies and poor customer service. The BBB said it has nearly 400 complaints against the company that are still pending resolution.
CCN currently has an ‘F’ rating with the BBB.
“Consumers across the United States complain that while they thought they purchased a $1 risk-free trial of the product, they soon discovered that their credit cards were charged for more than the trial price and they did not receive any products until after the trial period ended,” said BBB Operations Director Carrie Bowen.
Other consumer complaints allege CCN gave another company, Fit Consumers, their credit/debit card and email information, which now bills them for services they never signed up for. The BBB said CCN’s order form automatically signs up the consumer for other products.
Other complaints filed with the BBB claim the company does not honor its cancellation policy.
“We have spoken with CCN’s owner Graham Gibson regarding the company’s volume of complaints and questionable business practices. It appears that the underlying cause of complaints is stemming from the company’s negative option which requires consumers to manually “uncheck” pre-checked items located within the risk-free trial order form,” Bowen said. “Mr. Gibson has indicated that CCN is unwilling to change this practice. If these items are not unchecked, the consumer will be billed for them.”
The company states on its websites, “I understand that this consumer transaction involves a negative option and that I may be liable for payment of future goods and services under the terms of this agreement for $39.95 per month if I fail to notify the supplier not to supply the goods or services described."
The Arizona Attorney General’s office recently announced a lawsuit against Central Coast Nutraceuticals for violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act for a pattern of deceptive practices in its online sales.
The BBB also found multiple instances of deceptive advertising on the company’s websites that it believes will continue to mislead consumers. The websites feature endorsements from TV personalities Oprah and Rachel Ray as well as reports from national news media.
“It is important to note that while these personalities may have endorsed or reported on certain ingredients such as green tea or hoodia that can be found in the company’s products, they have not specifically endorsed the products sold by CCN,” Bowen stated. “The way they have designed the websites can easily mislead consumers. The product performance claims have not been proven,” Bowen stated.
The following are websites featuring Central Coast Nutraceuticals’ products:
www.centralcoastnutra.net www.acai-pure.com www.pomclear.com www.greenteaextreme.com www.hoodiacore.com www.colopure.com www.colotox.com www.hoodiawater.com www.myavela.com www.celebrity-smile.com www.slimlifediet.com www.cholestapro.com www.hoodiastarpm.com www.hoodiastar.com Consumers who believe they are being charged for unauthorized services associated with Central Coast Nutraceuticals should file a complaint online with BBB at
www.arizonabbb.org and the Arizona Attorney General’s office at
www.azag.gov.
