Published: February 27, 2025Updated: March 9, 2025
The rise of online scams has led to increasingly sophisticated methods of deception. One such scam involves unauthorized charges for Keto supplements, often accompanied by aggressive and threatening behavior from fake customer service agents. This article delves into the details of this scam, providing insights on how to recognize it, protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
The Keto Supplement Scam: How It Works
The Keto supplement scam typically begins with an unsolicited phone call from a person claiming to be a customer service representative from a company selling Keto diet pills. These individuals often employ aggressive tactics, demanding immediate payment for products the target never ordered. They may claim that the victim's credit card is expired and needs updating or threaten legal action if payment is not made.
A Firsthand Account
One consumer reporter, Michelle Friedman, shared her personal experience with this scam. While working out, she received a call from a woman claiming to be from Keto Supplement customer service. The caller insisted that Friedman owed money for Keto diet pills she had supposedly ordered. Despite Friedman's repeated denials, the scammer became increasingly irate, threatening her with legal action and claiming to have a recorded admission of the purchase.
Red Flags and Tactics
Several red flags can help you identify a potential scammer:
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- Aggressive and Threatening Tone: Scammers often use a demanding and intimidating tone to pressure victims into compliance.
- Use of "Lady" or "Dear": Many scammers, particularly those operating from overseas call centers, use these terms in a way that feels condescending or out of place.
- Knowledge of Personal Information: Scammers may possess some of your personal information, such as your address or the last four digits of an old credit card, to appear more legitimate. This information is often obtained from purchased lists or data breaches.
- Gaslighting: Scammers may twist your words or deny reality to confuse and manipulate you into believing their claims.
Real-Life Examples of Keto Diet Pill Scams
The AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline has seen an increase in reports of keto pill scams since March. Scammers often promise that these pills will help dieters lose weight faster than just following a keto diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates.
Marjorie's Story
Marjorie, an 83-year-old woman from Oklahoma, encountered an ad on her smartphone for Ultra Pure 360, which claimed the pills would help her lose weight faster than a keto diet alone. Her debit card was charged twice for the $6.95 shipping fee, totaling $13.90. She then received the pills along with a "cleanse" she didn't order, resulting in an additional charge of $189.90, bringing her total loss to $203.80. Despite multiple attempts to cancel the purchase, she was unsuccessful. Because she used a debit card, she was unable to recover her funds.
Elizabeth's Story
Elizabeth, an 89-year-old woman from North Carolina, used a credit card to purchase keto diet pills after seeing a pop-up ad. She never opened the bottle, but she is now fighting for a credit of $235. Despite her attempts to return the pills, she was told to fill out a request form repeatedly, with no success. Although her credit card company initially denied her claim, she continues to fight for a refund.
How to Protect Yourself from Keto Supplement Scams
Here are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of this scam:
- Don't Answer Your Phone: If you don't recognize the number, let the call go to voicemail. Scammers often rely on catching you off guard.
- Be Wary of Spoofed Numbers: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a fake number, making it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate source. If you answer and the person doesn't sound like who you expected, hang up immediately.
- Ask for Verification: If someone calls you asking for money, request their full name, title, and a phone number where you can call them back. A legitimate representative will readily provide this information, while a scammer will likely become argumentative.
- Sign Up for Identity Monitoring: Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Consider signing up for identity monitoring services to receive alerts about potential fraud.
- Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards: Credit cards generally offer more protection against fraud than debit cards. With a credit card, your liability for unauthorized charges is typically limited to $50, and you have the right to dispute fraudulent transactions.
- Report Scam Calls: Report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help them track and combat these schemes.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you believe you've been a victim of a Keto supplement scam, take the following steps:
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- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Report the unauthorized charges immediately and request a chargeback.
- File a Complaint with the FTC: Report the scam to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
- Change Your Account Passwords: If you provided any personal information to the scammer, change your passwords for online accounts, especially financial accounts.
- Monitor Your Credit Report: Check your credit report for any signs of identity theft, such as unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: If you're concerned about identity theft, consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
The Role of the FDA and FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been warning against such scams for years. In 2014, the agency cautioned that companies often make unsupported weight-loss claims and that consumers who provide their credit or debit card information may be charged recurring fees that are difficult to stop. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also warns that dietary supplements do not require approval before they are marketed, increasing the risk of fraudulent products and scams.
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