A deceptive weight loss supplement scam known as ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies has recently emerged targeting fans of the popular TV show Shark Tank. This scam uses fake celebrity endorsements and misleading marketing tactics to sell an unproven ketogenic product at inflated prices through unauthorized auto-ship programs. Read on to learn how to identify and avoid this brazen fraud.
Scam Overview
The ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies scam uses fabricated celebrity endorsements, fake testimonials, and outrageous weight loss claims to lure customers into purchasing monthly subscriptions for inferior products. Legal tricks enroll victims in recurring charges without consent. Canceling or getting refunds is made impossible by design. The company evades accountability using shell corporations and P.O. boxes when challenged. By absorbing losses from refunds, the scam persists and avoids being shut down. Strategic deception at every stage allows this unethical business model to continuously dupe trusting consumers.
How the ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies Scam Works
The ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies scam begins with Facebook advertisements featuring doctored images of Shark Tank cast members. Headlines promise unbelievable weight loss results and claim the product was invested in on the show.
Upon clicking these ads, users are redirected through various sites promoting ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies with fake celebrity endorsements and news articles. Stock photos depict Melissa McCarthy, Drew Carey, Jennifer Hudson and others using the product. None of these celebrities have actually endorsed ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies.
Eventually users land on prohealthketoacv.com, the apparent official website. This site makes outrageous claims about ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies’ effects:
- Losing 52 pounds in 28 days
- Containing a secret mineral for weight loss
- Getting endorsed by Dr. Oz and major media outlets
- Being created by Emily Senstrom, a Harvard medical student
Reviews on the site from “verified buyers” are all fake. There are no links to the clinical trials or ingredients list to back these bold claims either.
Visitors are prompted to enter their payment information to claim discounted bottles of ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies. In reality, this enrolls them into expensive monthly subscription plans without consent.
Hidden terms and conditions authorize charges of up to $100 per month to customer accounts. The products themselves ship from dubious addresses and appear to be ineffective supplements at best.
How to Spot This Scam
Recognizing a few red flags can help consumers avoid ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies and other scams:
1. Look for Fake Celebrity Endorsements
Scams frequently use edited images and quotes to imply endorsement from celebrities. Verify these claims by looking for official announcements from the public figures in question.
2. Research Unbelievable Claims
Outrageous promises like losing massive amounts of weight rapidly without diet or exercise are always untrustworthy. Consult medical experts about supplements making such assertions.
3. Check for Actual Scientific Evidence
Legitimate products will provide details about ingredients, dosages, and point to specific clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety.
4. Beware of “Free” Trials
Offers for risk-free trials that only require payment details often enroll users into expensive monthly auto-ship programs without proper consent.
5. Read Terms and Conditions
Buried in the fine print are typically clauses that allow dubious charges for monthly shipments at inflated prices.
6. Avoid “As Seen on” Claims
Scams frequently lie about getting featured in mainstream media outlets and TV shows to appear credible. Verify such claims through trusted sources.
How to Avoid This Scam
Follow these tips to steer clear of the ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies shark tank scam:
- Do not click on promotional ads for weight loss supplements claiming Shark Tank endorsements online. These are fakes.
- Research companies extensively before purchasing from their websites, especially those marketing diet pills and ketogenic products.
- Consult doctors before trying supplements marketed for weight loss. Never trust miracle cure claims.
- Read terms thoroughly before buying “risk-free trials” and entering payment information. Decline any enrollments into auto-ship programs.
- Use credit cards when possible for the ability to contest unauthorized charges more easily. Avoid debit cards and other payment methods.
- Beware of pop-up ads as you browse warning of limited time deals on supplement products. These ads are often used in scams.
- Check tertiary review sites to read about other customers’ experiences with a company and its products before purchasing.
- Do not trust testimonials on an unfamiliar company’s website, especially accompanied by incredible weight loss promises. Many are fabricated.
What To Do if You Are a Victim
If you unfortunately fell for the ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies shark tank scam, take the following steps right away:
- Call your bank to report unauthorized charges and contest recent transactions from the company. Cancel any cards used to avoid future bogus charges.
- Contact the credit bureaus to place fraud alerts preventing new accounts from being opened in your name without consent.
- Research canceling the monthly ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies subscriptions and recurring charges. Note that getting refunds is extremely difficult however.
- File official complaints against the company with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, and Better Business Bureau to aid investigations.
- Warn others by reporting fake celebrity endorsement ads for ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies to social media platforms when spotted. Leaving negative reviews detailing your experience can help too.
- Consult lawyers if significant financial damages occurred for potential legal remedies, especially for senior victims more vulnerable to scams.
Conclusion
In summary, the ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies shark tank scam relies on deceptive marketing, fake celebrity endorsements, and sketchy free trial offers to peddle ineffective diet pills and enroll customers into expensive monthly auto-ship programs without consent.
Consumers should thoroughly research products and companies online, consult doctors before using diet supplements, and avoid limited time deals requiring payment details. Reporting scams raises awareness and helps prevent additional victims.
With vigilance, consumers can recognize obvious red flags and make informed decisions. Never trust unbelievable assertions from unfamiliar websites about miraculous weight loss results from taking promoted supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies?
ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies appear to be a ketogenic weight loss supplement whose ingredients and efficacy are never fully disclosed. The product is promoted online using various false claims and endorsements.
Did Shark Tank really invest in ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies?
No. ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies have no affiliation with the investors or products legitimately featured on Shark Tank. Scam ads only use doctored images of the Sharks endorsing it.
Are the celebrity endorsements real?
No. ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies ads use stock and edited photos to falsely imply endorsements from Melissa McCarthy, Drew Carey, Jennifer Hudson and more. None have endorsed it.
Is Emily Senstrom a real Harvard medical student?
No. Emily Senstrom does not exist and was fabricated to add credibility to outlandish claims about ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies’ weight loss effects.
How much does ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies cost?
Deceptively cheap trial bottle offers can enroll customers into costly monthly subscription plans exceeding $100 without consent. The marketed discounts are fictional.
Where is ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies shipped from?
Various dubious shipping addresses have been reported, often involving P.O. boxes instead of legitimate business facilities. This hints at an illegal operation.
How can I cancel ProHealth Keto ACV Gummies subscriptions?
Cancelling the unauthorized subscriptions is extremely difficult by design. Contact your bank to block charges and report the fraud immediately after recognizing being scammed.