XM Brands Deceptive Internet Sales Practices Hollywood Florida

I sent for a "free sample" of acai from XM Brands, paying $4.95 on my credit card for "postage and handling." In exactly ten days after this purchase (but less than ten days after I had received the sample), XM Brands charged an additional $139.95 to my credit card. Apparently there is fine print that signs the unsuspecting consumer up for a membership in this questionable weight loss program, unless he or she cancels within those ten days, AND there will be additional fees every two months unless one cancels fairly quickly. I searched the Internet until I found XM's phone number: 800-440-4397. After waiting on hold for a very long time, I finally spoke with a customer service representative, who informed me that I could cancel future charges but there would be no refund for the $139.95. I went onto the XM website to cancel the membership, then called the bank that issued my credit card and initiated a dispute process. Since I am returning the product and the man from XM plainly said that there would be no refund, I am going to request a chargeback from the bank. This is what people need to do in order to get their money back and stop this company from charging them further.

Incidentally, XM's "services" are bogus. First of all, acai berry can be purchased from other vendors who do not trick the consumer into a costly "membership." Second, the physical exercises described in the booklet are the same ones that can be found in any weight loss book, and they do not take into account that they are not right for everyone. (Older people, like me, may injure themselves with some of them.) Third, the food recommendations are not as well informed as those found in other diet books. In other words, XM's weight loss program is highly questionable.

Madeleine
Roslindale, Massachusetts
U.S.A.