Radialabs, a company that touts its wrinkle-reducing face cream as “the fountain of youth in a bottle,” has left a trail of disgruntled customers across the nation- including Tucson- Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns.

Consumers say that Florida-based Radialabs, sellers of “Instant Wrinkle Reducer,” offered them free trial samples for $3.95 postage but then charged their credit cards $74.95 or more when they failed to cancel the orders and return the samples in 18 days.

BBB also has concerns about Radialabs’ advertising claims and suspicious consumer testimonials on its website.

Radialabs has an “F” grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible.  Consumers from 43 states, including Tucson, have filed nearly 200 complaints involving Radialabs in the last 12 months.

Kim States, BBB President, said Radialabs’ marketing takes advantage of a so-called “negative option” to sell its face cream.  That means that unless consumers cancel within a specified period, they will be charged for the sample product as well as for any future shipments.

Several complainants told the BBB they were not aware of the terms of the offer; others said they were aware of the terms, but had difficulty canceling in time to avoid the additional charges.

“Businesses like Radialabs don’t make money giving away free samples,” States said. “If a company wants your credit card number for a $3.95 payment, chances are it wants more than just $3.95. It’s crucial that consumers read and understand all terms and conditions of any online sale.”

Officials with Radialabs did not respond to a BBB request for information.

Similar “negative option” websites, selling everything from tooth whiteners to health products to cosmetics, have come under fire from state agencies in recent years. In most cases, the businesses offered a sample or free trial and then charged the consumer full price when it was not returned on time.

BBB offers the following tips to consumers considering free or reduced-price offers:

• Be cautious when ordering free trials or free samples via the Internet, especially if you are asked for a credit card number.  In many cases, you will be charged full price for the trial product unless you return it by a specified deadline.
• Read the website carefully, especially the section marked “terms and conditions.” It is that section where you usually will find any restrictions or added charges tied to the trial offer.
• Be alert to fine print and be careful when clicking a box authorizing recurring charges.
• If you want to return the trial offer before additional charges go into effect, make sure you follow the return rules. Some companies will reject your cancellation request if you do not follow the instructions exactly.
• Get a BBB Business Review by going to www.tucson.bbb.org or by calling (520)888-5353.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is issuing an urgent scam alert cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that is purporting to be from a bbb.org email address about a recently filed complaint. The email contains a dangerous attachment regarding a complaint and appears to direct recipients to the BBB website. This is a scam – BBB does not send complaints as attachments via email.

The email appears to come from a fake BBB employee claiming that the recipient needs to review this matter and advise the BBB of their position. From there, the email appears to direct the recipient to the BBB website, but actually directs them to an outside link. This email is fraudulent and does not originate from BBB. The email attachment and link are malicious and we are strongly advising to not open or click them.

Should you receive such an email, please disregard its message, and report any information received to BBB’s Scam Portal, and then delete it.  If you have clicked on the link, immediately do a virus scan.

Consumers who let down their guard during the hectic holiday season can easily fall prey to scammers poised to pounce on careless or overburdened shoppers, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns.

BBB has identified five common scams that consumers should watch out for during the holidays, whether they’re shopping online, juggling packages at the mall or simply reading their email.

“While the rest of us are checking off items on our gift lists, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Kim States, BBB President. “By being vigilant, consumers can help turn holiday scams into ghosts of Christmases past.”

1. Online shopping scams: Everyone loves a great deal, but some websites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season, BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a “great deal” online, but received little or nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB logo when shopping online and click on it to confirm that it is legitimate. If you’re shopping on sites that aren’t household names, check out their BBB Business Reviews at www.tucson.bbb.org. Confirm that the company has a physical address and telephone number.

2. Nabbing the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online: When stores sell out, you may find the items online at sites like Craigslist or eBay— but for a much steeper price.  Some sellers will take your money and run, leaving you without the gift or money to buy it elsewhere.

BBB Advice: If you shop Craigslist, look for local sellers and conduct transactions in person. Bring a friend if you’re uncomfortable meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you’re (more…)