Advanced Wellness Research review: overcharged! scam!!! online orders acai berry 500 321

I am also having issues with Advanced Wellness Research. I called and ordered my product and did recieve it in the mail. 3 days after taking it, I got sick from it and had to stop taking it. I then called to cancel my "free" trial. When I asked the person I spoke with for a reference number to go by for confirmation that it was being canceled, he said that all he had was my account number, that there was no confirmation or reference number for the call. I then got charged the $78.81 a few days later. I called the 877 number to find out why and they said that I had not called before my free membership was up, which in reality I had called before the 14 days. I tried to argue with the guy on the phone and he kept saying that I had called and canceled on the 15th day and that according to the "terms & conditions" I had received, that there was nothing he could do.

This is ridiculous that a company can get a way with this. There is no proof (no reference number or employee number) that they could give me for me to show that I did call before the 14 days were up. How do I prove to them that I followed their "terms & conditions" and get my $ back? What a scam! I would be more than happy to be part of any class action lawsuit if one gets started. joant22@yahoo.com

The way the ad online is stated, it appears that you get a free trial of the product for two weeks for only the shipping and handling. I did not see where I would then be charged for that first bottle but did understand that if I did not cancel before the 14 days I would start receiving home deliveries of additional bottles every two weeks and be charged the full price for the second and subsequent bottles. That was not the case. After two weeks (the trial period), my credit card was charged the full price and I received a second bottle. I then canceled my "subscription" and when I got my credit card statement, it showed a charge for the full price two weeks after the second bottle was received but I did not receive a third bottle.

I also order product from Life Fit Labs that advertised the same way--free trial offer, just pay shipping. The first bottle only cost me the shipping. After two weeks I received a second bottle for which I was charged the full amount, and then two weeks after that (and around the time I also canceled that subscription), I received a third bottle and charge.

Advanced Wellness needs to either change the way the ad is stated being very clear that you will be charged for the first bottle after 14 days and for any bottle thereafter.

I tried to return the rest of my 14 day trial period and could never get through on the phone number given for a RMA number. Also they charged me $78.81 before the end of the 14 day trial. After telling them I'm not afraid to contact an attorney they sent me an email stating they would issue me a refund. I guess we'll see about that one. After reading all these other complaints I'm not so sure that will happen. I tried many many times to get someone to talk to on the phone and they only answer if you say you want to order. I was also billed $69.95 for the colon cleanse they recommend to buy with it. I have not been able to find the company that billed me for that. I do not recommend buying from this company. If you want to try it find a different company and check for complaints. Read all of the terms and conditions.

The Add stated you could try the product for 14 days free. If not satified or no results, there would be no charge. Then all of a sudden there was a $78.19 charge on my bank account. The way they got my bank information is that I had to pay $4.99 for shipping charges. That is all they said I had to pay. They did not give me time to repsond to my satisfaction of the product, which I only took 6 of the pills. They made me sick and I could not take anymore. I was in the process of shipping them back. I only had them for 15 days when I noticed the charge on my account. They would not let me speak to a supervisor. I am diputing the charge with my bank and trying to have the charges removed

the same thing happened to me, I received another bottle and before I could tell them I did not want more. I called the company and they would not refund my money and I have not opened the product. I requested my account be cancelled, but refused to refund themoney they took from my account. This is not a good practice for customer service, and I will tell everyone I know or don't know not to deal with your company. All I want is my refund and nothing else will happen.

The Original [redacted] Title:
TryPureAcaiBerry.com/Advanced Wellness Research, Inc Much, much, much more then $4.99 Nampa/Miami Nationwide

The Original [redacted] Text:
After following the simple directions of pay shipping and handling for $4.99 only, I was billed for $78.81 less then 14 days after receiving the so called *FREE Trial Offer.* When I called to cancel the order I should have known I would be calling and talking to someone in India! That call only took 45 minutes to complete after listening to someone that you can hardly understand. The best part of the entire phone call was when he said to me "I guess you should have read the very small print in your terms and conditions." Either way, if you order product from this company or any affiliate of this company you are asking for problems with your credit card or bank billing and you do so at your own risk. They certainly are not willing to work with you on the intial order, they will cancel all future orders but they are very reluctant and refuse to cancel the initial order if you failed to read the "VERY SMALL PRINT" Nukinfutty Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.

ps. I will be forwarding many of these complaints to the US Attorney General office along with the State Attorney General's office in Florida and Idaho

I went through the same nightmare - trying to cancel my order within minutes of placing it. They are masters of the run-around. The funniest bit was receiving an email from "Jenny Brown" [a joke given the ethnicity on the end of every single call] and I immediately called the service # and of course I get [through a thick accent]: "She's not here right now." Me: "How can that be? She JUST emailed me." Them: "Uhhh well she must be at another branch." [BRANCH?!?! Riiiight] Me: "You just told me she wasn't there right now... so I'm assuming she must go back and forth between the branches then, huh?! Why don't you give me the name of that branch and its phone number?" And of course he hangs up on me.

My best advice - go through the pain in the *** ordeal of canceling your card like I did [any bank should re-issue a new one right away]. I almost beat the $5 shipping but my bank is refunding me that anyway.

God I hope some justice is exacted on these people!

Everyone on this board sounds like a big baby! If you are silly enough to order anything online, READ "TERMS AND CONDITIONS"!

I placed an order and on the same day my son placed an order. I was paying for both but the orders had different names and addresses. I got mine in 3 days, his never came and still hasn't . The first time I called about it I was told that it was sent and must be lost so they would put a priority on it and resend it. When I called yesterday I was told they've never had an order placed! I myself was charged the entire price for the first bottle and the full price for a second bottle onthe same day. I called and they have agreed to refund me $50 and give me all other botlles agt $18 per month.

I am in the same position as Pinkee. I ordered the acai berry through Advanced Wellness Research and received my shipment in just 2 or 3 days. My card was charged the 1.99 special as the lady had told me on the telephone when I ordered. I felt so uneasy about the order because of all the comments I keep reading about on the internet. The bottle I received is a 30 day supply, not a 14 day trial as the lady told me when I ordered. I have not opened the bottle, and I have not tried the product. I called this morning to cancel and let them know that I will send the unopened bottle back. I had no wait period, no hold time. Someone answered immediately, Richard, and he tried to give me the same option to keep the trial and continue with the shipments at a $60 discount - 18.81 instead of 78.81. He said it was a special they were running. I, of course, asked him how he could drop the price so much...he again said it's just a special right now. I told him that I am weary and that I don't know if he's lying..went over it with him over and over confirming that my card would be charged 18.81 per month until I cancelled and I'm not entering some membership bound to 6 months or a year. He assured me I was not. I told him that I would have to think about it. He said I had time and extended my trial period to 28 days. I hung up with him, then thought some more and called back. Frank answered..by the way, not Indian, Frank had a very clear American accent, easy to communicate with...and I explained that I was not comfortable with my purchase after reading all these comments online and I'd rather go ahead and cancel now and send the bottle back. He told me that he would cancel the order...put me on hold for 45 seconds or so...then gave me a cancellation number. I told him if this was all true, and there are no further charges to my card besides the 1.99, then I would put a positive comment about Advanced Wellness Research on this forum. He thanked me and we said goodbye. I will post an update in a few weeks as I watch activity on my card. I would like to think that maybe they're getting their act together and this could actually be a good product. But consumer commenting can definitely cause a scare, or a concern, or a helpful warning...we shall see. thanks to you all for expressing your experiences.

I ordered the free trial of Pure Acai Berry item # pf0058 and gave my acct info in regards to the s&h fee of $4.95... What scammers they are ! 2 days after receiving my sample, I was watching the local news station PIX11 and at that time Howard, from the station's Help me Howard was doing a case of which a young lady was experiencing with Advanced wellness Research Inc. as per her acct fraudulently being debited continuously for the same product. i was in such dismay, that, I immediately checked my online banking acct and had discovered that I too, was a victim of such a misleading company. However, this company is out of the country and is UNAUTHORIZED by the U.S.Government to operate in The U.S.A. Therefore you account is also debited a foreign transaction fee as well! So, they use a local address in Florida to ship the merchandise from and when you call the tollfree #, your calls are routed overseas ! The reps keeps giving u a run around and issue a cancellation ref #, but your account is still debited and you end up having to change your acct # with your local bank. If this had happened to you, you can help and prevent fraud by reporting this to your loca Better Business Burea and also The Federal Trade commissions office... and the bad thing about it is, it's routing you from the Oprah Winfrey website to their site!

I also sent in for a trial and was billed for the product. There wasn't anything that came with the trial stating anything like this. This is a scam for a trial, as I thought a trial meant that and you wouldn't be charged. Also to top it all of it didn't work.

I did not authorize a charge of $78.81 for any product from Advanced Wellness. I only requested their "free" sample. Nor do I want to have any further dealings with this company.
I intnd to report this to the Better Business Bureau. I also believe it is a violation of a federal law when the mail is used to defraud someone.

John Ross
19 Peaceful Dr.
Morrisville, PA 19067

I agree with Shelby. This company was HORRIBLE ! I had to pay $78 dollars also. I swear that when I ssay this product there was nothing that said I would be charged this fee. Then when I attempted to contact them it was impossible to get in touch with them as apparently they have out outsourced their customer call center.
This company should be shut down.
Does anyone this Oprah and Rachel Ray know how terrible this company is and that they are using their names?!?!?!?!?!

so i ordered a "free trial" for only 4.99 at least that is what i thought it was (on 02-15-09)...i later went to check my bank statements online(the next day in the morning) and there was already a charge for the 4.99 +78.81 i was so angry!i called the number that was underneath the charge and the recorded voice lady was saying how they were having "difficulties" with their computers...that it was going to take more than 5 minutes until i was to be transfered to an operater...i was willing to wait so about 10 mins. passed and finally a lady(indian)answered i was telling her what had happened...and she rudely cut me off by saying there is nothing she can do about it right now i was to call back within 24 hours...so i hung up, and today(02-17-09)i called back and a different lady(speaking very good english, no accent)answered and i asked her why i was being charged more than i was supposed to...she asked me for my information i gave it to her(my name and my phone number i used to order the product)she said she couldnt find my information anywhere and there was nothing she could do about it...i was very upset.so i told her i was going to wait for the product to get here and i was going to return the asap!and i had no choice but to hang up the phone!so lets see what happens(if i ever even get the product)

When you order you can't call and quit! They hang up on you! SCAM!

Same thing happened to me. I have tried to call to no avail, finally got through on another number my credit card company gave me only to hear a recording to go to their website. Their website tells you to fill out their form and submit, which I did, got an "automatic response" back saying to "be patient and they would get back to me within 72 hours." 96 hours later I still have not heard from them. I am sending their product back with a certified letter, return receipt requested. If they keep sending the pills to me and billing my credit card, I will report them to the Florida Attorney General. This company is a professional scammer!

I have also been a victim of this wellness research co. I ordered the free sample and paid 4.95 for shipping and handling. It took about 2 weeks to get here. then they charged my bank 79.94 and they only refunded 70.00. I too also spoke to someone of indian culture. they were idiots! they tried to tell me that they can't refund all of my money because they charged me for the product i recieved. Try to explain what a FREE TRIAL means to them, can you say brain dead! This Co. is a scam and i will be reporting them to the trade comm. and also anyone else who will listen. tell all your friends and send e-mails to warn people about this Co. who is just stealing our money. I'am so frustrated for being dumb enough to try this product. NO ONE I know will ever order this product. I work with alot of people in a hosp setting and word of mouth is a killer for a business! So start talking more about how this Co. ripped us off!
They will be out of business soon i'am sure.

I also got charged $79.96 for something I did not order, had not received and after reading many similar complaints, I called them. At first it was going no where. He kept telling me that I was enrolled(in 3 different programs!) and trying to convince me how it will help me lose weight. He wasn't budging. So I decided to mention that I was taping our conversation and would pass it on to my Better Business Bureau. His whole attitude changed and I got a refund and cancellation numbers on the 3 programs. I received an email(while I was still on the phone with the rep) and should be receiving my refund within 10 days. My tip to everyone is to mention that you are taping the conversation : )
Mary

Not only was I scammed three times by this company but I took my free sample of Acai berries, and found I was forgetting things and I couldn't think of the words I wanted to use. I threw the rest of them away. It has been a whole week of trying to get my mind back. I thought I had Alzheimer's. I found the only thing different that I took were the Acai berries This is scary. My husband called the company and got the usual run-around. They said I would be receiving a confirmation but I never received it. I got taken to the tune of $250.00. I have a filed a claim with my bank and they will let the Better Business know. It is now the end of February and I noticed that this has been happening as far back as Nov. Can nothing be done to stop this company?

PLEASE DO NOT CALL MY PHONE FOR COMPLAINTS AT AREA CODE (661) THE PHONE NUMBER IS...[protected]. I AM ONLY TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK ALSO. THANKS.
ACAI BERRY PHONE NUMBER IS [protected]

My credit card was charged $78.81 and I did not order this product from them.

After finding out (of course I'd already paid for the "trial sample" ) that I would be billed $78.81 if I did not return product, I am unable to get a hold of the company. I called 3 times already and have been "mysteriously" disconnected after being put on hold. I have notified the Federal Trade Commisssion already about this company and I have been issued a new card by the credit card company to prevent further billing. Don't let this company scam you too. They got their $4.99 from me and that's all they're getting! I'm going to try to send back the rest of the bottle to the returns address they have on their website and get a receipt from the post office so I have proof. They can keep their product...I'm sure I can get this stuff cheaper any way at GNC or a health food store.

At least you got a hold of them...I keep being "mysteriously" disconnected after being placed on hold for 5-7 minutes. I cancelled my credit/debit card in the meantime so that they can even mess with my account further. These people need to go to prison. Contact your state police or the department of justice if they keep screwing with your account. They will help you file a report. I happened to catch the whole thing before they got anymore of my money.

This is my follow up to the above... I just now got through to them and I was given the run around by some guy when I asked him for the returning address so I wouldn't owe any money. He refused to give me the addresss and kept trying to bargin with me to keep them for $18.88. After I advised him that I have a degree in criminology and that I know that I have been scammed and I kindly advised him that if he did not give the address, I would be contacting the FBI and the Department of Justice if he didn't give me the address right then and there...he gave me the address. Little does he releaize that I have already contacted the Federal Trade Commission...they can take their pills back.

You are a very shady organization. Not only do you not disclose the fact that you will charge accounts for a substantially higher fee, you also do not mention that 15 days is all one has to cancel the order and receive a FULL refund. When I contacted your company, I was told I could and would receive only a $50.00 refund. I want the full amount credited back to my account, $78.81.

Unfortunately, I too am a victim of this "free trial" scam... Charge $5.04 for shipping before I received the product, received the product called the next day to cancel - spoke with an Indian accented person assured no future charges or shipment. Well, the no future shipment obviously was correct BUT, I was certainly charge $78.81 eight days later. Called again, placed on hold for 43 minutes and finally Victor (another Indian accented person) came on the line. Gave me some B.S. about the cancellation system was flawed but reassured me no future charges and shipment. Who knows if I'll ever see a refund, this was a costly example - NEVER will I fall for the FREE TRIAL offer again - NEVER. Advanced Wellness Research, Inc. is a great big scam and Pure Acai Berry is not even FDA approved. Be warn all - don't do it...

The company has changed for the better. I recently canceled my acai berry free trial period and had no problem of canceling. I was told that I would be charge the $4.95 free trial price.

My complaint is exactly the same only I cannot get through to anyone on the phone. i have phoned approximately 30 times and just get "our phones are all busy now" and after 5 to 6 minutes the phone goes dead. I will cancel my credit card and claim fraudulent activity. But as with everyone else, they get you for at least the first delivery of $80. and yes, i am guilty of not reading the fine print so they "get you" this way. It is a total and utter scam - I would love to have the contents of the ridiculously huge pink pills analyzed and have them up for even more fraud. But then again Florida is known as the Scam state of the USA. The government of Florida should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to continue. I have seen hundreds of complaints and it seems nothing is being done about it.
Fran

i got caught trying this product ...bad mistake ...i have received several withdrawal from my bank acct ...the sad point is they were done about 10days apart ...i called this morning and asked for refund of second withdrawal ...rep state i would receive refund within 5days ...waiting to see because i take part of the blame but i would say buyer beware...i have discontinue the use of the product...i feel violated

I ALSO WAS CHARGED ON MY CC CARD!

THIS WAS AFTER I REALIZED THAT I HAVEN'T RECEIVED THE PRODUCT ON THE 1ST OR 2ND DAY OF PLACING THE ORDER LIKE PROMISED.

I HAD CALLED TO CANCEL AND STILL WAS CHARGED, AND STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED A DAM THING!

I WANT MY MONEY BACK !

Back in the begining of February I ordereda a free trial of Acai Berry which I was charged $4.99 shipping and which was taken out of my account., but on February 23 I found out the Advanced Wellness Research, Inc had also taken $78.81 out of my account. I never authorized this to be done. I am retired and on many medications and need my money to pay for them. I cannot afford the $78.81 taken out of my account. I am outraged at this
business practice. My order #2626588 Batch 4879. Please refund my money as I need the money to survive.
Thank you for your assistance. I NEVER RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION CODE!

SCAM-SCAM-SCAM! NO DISCLOSURE OF FACTS...TOOK MY MONEY! MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED AND STATES THEY RECEIVE 3-4 COMPLAINTS A WEEK ON THIS COMPANY. BEWARE.

FYI- CALL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY. THEY WILL CREDIT YOUR CARD AND SEND A DISCLAIMER TO
ADV.WELLNESS REGARDING THE COMPLAINT . THE COMPANY IS FINED FOR THESE COMPLAINTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS AND CAN FACE FRAUDULENT PRACTICE CHARGES IF IT CONTINUES.

I also got caught up in the hype of this product. I ordered the product on 2/11 and received it on 2/17. I didn't think anything about it because 5 - 7 days is about the normal amount of time for shipping if you do not pay to have it rushed. I, like many of you, assumed the trial began once I received the product. I was WRONG! Within a couple of days I was charged $78.81 for a product I hadn't used yet and on top of that I haven't lost a pound. I spoke with an Indian guy named "David" who kept quoting that the product ships out within 24 - 48 hours, but also told me in the same sentence that my order was not shipped until 2/14. When I brought it to his attention that the company did not meet their 24 - 48 hour guaranteed shipping he started talking about something else. "David" continued to provide lots of B.S. that did not help or resolve the issue that the company charged my account before the trial expiration date. I asked to speak to a manager, but they were not available (they were in a meeting) and he could not transfer the call. Long story short I would not use or recommend this company or their products. They have poor business and customer service skills and are clearly scamming people. I called back to confirm that my order was cancelled, was assured it was, and was given a confirmation number. I also called my bank and they were able to place a hold on any recurring charges requested from this company or in the amount of 78.81. I learned a big lesson and the saying is true "buyer beware". I won't be able to get my money back from the first charge, but I refuse to fall victim to future fraudulent charges from this company. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

So you did get your refund from them? I just spoke with them after seeing the charge to my account and was told I would get a refund with in 4-5 days. I hate that I fell into this scam!

Same happened to me. First the guy was going to credit me $50 and then $70. I told him he was going to credit me $78.81. I ended to conversation and shortly thereafter received an email saying I had been credited $70. I called my CC before calling them and I will get all the money back other than the $4.99 trial offer charge. What a scam.

I am a South African Citizen and I have ordered Teeth Whitening product from Advanced Wellness Research. I haven't received the product so I have contacted them to hear when I will receive it. Because there was a charge of $23.98 on my credit card. The lady informed me that I need to go to my nearest American Post Office Service to collect the package. I STAY IN SOUTH AFRICA! They 've charged $69.99 on my credit card for a product I didnt receive or haven't had the opportunity to try out!
This is the first time I have ordered something from USA, and what a disappointing experience. shame on you!
I have been taught that one must not generalize but be assured that I won't ever visit the USA.

I am furious. i answered an email for a free trial for an acai berry supplement. They charged my account 78.81 without notifying me ahead of time, and told me i should have read the information at their website. what website? they solicited me. the product came with no information, not even a receipt. i just happened to be checking my bank statement today and saw that they charged me for an automatic shipment, along with another product from another company that at least had the decency to put a phone number in the bank charge. they were also quick to cancel the shipment when i called, and supplied me with a phone number for advanced wellness research. when i called i was on hold for around 10 minutes, and the woman who answered told me it was not their fault i didnt read the information at the website. i kept asking for a supervisor and was told they were in a meeting. she told me she could only return $50.00. i kept asking for someone higher and she finally put me on hold for 5 minutes and then came back and said she could credit me $70.00 . at that point i was tired of arguing and accepted it. DON'T DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE. THIS IS A RIPOFF.

i would like to cancal my trial sample and not be charge for any more produts from your company chris jock