BBB issues warning about diet supplement

The Better Business Bureau of Utah issued a nationwide warning Wednesday about South Jordan-based Ultralife Fitness, a Web-based diet product company.

"Several hundred complaints on this company have come in to the BBB from Utah and every state across the U.S. in the past year," the BBB said in a prepared statement.

Consumers have complained that the company offers a "free" bottle of diet pills for the cost of shipping, which ranges from $3.95 to $9.95. However, the complaints allege that customers actually were subjected to a recurring charge of up to $99.90 — a notice that was until recently posted in what was apparently an inconspicuous place on the company's Web site (below the "Click Here to Complete Your Order" icon).

According to the BBB, Ultralife has responded to many of the complaints filed against it by stating that customers "should have read the terms and conditions that states they have 30 days to try out the product, and if they do not cancel within the 30 days, they would be auto-shipped an additional bottle and charged for the bottle." The company also said it informed customers they were signing up for a free 30-day membership, provided contact information should they choose to cancel and stipulated that once the product was shipped, no refund would be given.

"This company preyed on individuals who did not read the small print," Jane Driggs, BBB president, said in a prepared statement. "While it is true that it is the customer's responsibility to read all information, the company should make this information conspicuous. It is obvious that customers are not aware they are agreeing to more charges."

The BBB reminds consumers that when purchasing over the Internet, it is important to verify the company's contact information before providing any personal information; read the terms and conditions very carefully, and don't do business with the company if those terms or conditions are not satisfactory or understandable; and use credit cards (instead of debit cards) for online purchases.

For more information or to contact the BBB of Utah, call 801-892-6000 or toll free at 800-456-3907.