Federal authorities have shuttered a weight-loss company operating in Branford, citing deceptive practices after learning the business had been charging customers some $80 for so-called free trials.
A federal court injunction froze the assets of LeanSpa LLC, which was based at a complex on East Main Street in Branford, following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, State of Connecticut and Better Business Bureau.
“LeanSpa was offering what was supposed to be a free trial if consumers paid shipping and handling," explained Howard Schwartz, communications director for the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut. "What ended up happening is consumers ended up being charged $79.95 for that so-called free trial, and then they were finding subsequent charges monthly on their credit card bills.”
Customer complaints substantiated those findings.
"I provided my credit card information to receive a free trial offer and be charged the $4.95 I was expecting in shipping and handling fees. My card was shortly thereafter charged $158.98 for two bottles of the product which I did not order or authorize," one customer wrote.
LeanSpa also made deceptive weight-loss claims in advertisements featured in the FTC's complaint exhibits, according to the Better Business Bureau.
“In this situation, the company was using logos from well-known news organizations in an effort to lend credibility to their products, and that's just not right,” said Schwartz.
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The FTC is now sending out claim forms to 400,000 customers who lost money to determine whether they qualify for refunds.
“Consumers will have 60 days from the time they receive this information to submit it and refunds should follow soon after that,” said Schwartz.
LeanSpa customers who lost money but did not receive a claim form can obtain one by calling 1-888-621-4156 or by visiting the FTC’s case site.
