Scam Watch
The pitch: “Lose weight without diet or exercise!”
The scam: That’s just one of the phrases the Federal Trade Commission says is a strong indication of a fraudulent weight loss program. Others include “Block the absorption of fat!” and “Everyone will lose weight!”
FTC actions: This year the agency secured settlements -- and $25 million in surrendered cash and assets -- from companies that made claims for widely advertised products such as TrimSpa, CortiSlim and One-A-Day WeightSmart.
Consumer advice: FTC’s consumer alert site on evaluating weight loss claims is at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/evidence.shtm.
-- David Colker
