Keto Advanced Weight Loss: Is It A Scam?

The Keto Advanced Weight Loss pill is one of many products that claim to help with weight loss. These products are often marketed using celebrity endorsements and promises of quick results. However, it's important to be cautious as there have been numerous reports of scams associated with keto diet pills. In this case, customers have reported being charged multiple times, receiving additional products they did not order, and having difficulty contacting customer service for refunds or cancellations. It's always a good idea to do your research and consult a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

Keto diet pill scams endorsed by celebrities

Keto diet pills are a popular and controversial weight-loss trend. Keto diet pill scams have been endorsed by celebrities, with fraudsters promising quick and easy weight loss. These scams often involve fake endorsements from celebrities, who claim that they have used the pills to achieve their slim figures. In reality, these celebrities have never endorsed the products and have no ties to the companies selling them.

How the Scams Work

The scams usually involve pop-up ads on smartphones or websites that mimic major media outlets. The ads feature fake testimonials from celebrities, claiming that they have used the keto diet pills to lose weight quickly and easily. The pills are often offered as a "free trial" or at a discounted price, but customers are then enrolled in monthly subscription plans and charged exorbitant fees. When customers try to cancel or return the products, they are met with obstacles and challenges, making it difficult to obtain refunds.

Examples of Celebrity Endorsements

• Chrissy Teigen: Model, actress, and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen complained that her identity was used to endorse keto diet pills on Snapchat. She fired back with profanity-laced tweets and threatened a lawsuit. Snapchat removed the ad and suspended the company from its platform.
• Lori Greiner: Entrepreneur and star of ABC's "Shark Tank," Lori Greiner, also fell victim to keto diet pill scams. Her name and image were used in fake Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ads without her knowledge or permission. She took to Twitter to warn her fans about the scam and clarify that she does not endorse any keto or diet products.
• Other celebrities: A Better Business Bureau (BBB) report in 2018 revealed that dozens of celebrity names, including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tim Allen, and Sally Field, have been used without their consent to endorse products for weight loss, wrinkle reduction, and teeth whitening.

Warning Signs of Scams

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers to be cautious of dietary supplements that:

• Promise quick weight loss, such as "lose 10 pounds in one week."
• Use terms like "guaranteed" or "scientific breakthrough."
• Are marketed through mass emails or in foreign languages.
• Are promoted as herbal alternatives to FDA-approved drugs or have similar effects to prescription medications.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement and to be wary of products that seem too good to be true.

Shark Tank Keto diet pill scam

Keto diet pill scams have been around for years, but in 2020, scammers began leveraging the popularity of the TV show Shark Tank to promote their products. In reality, Keto-related products have rarely appeared on the show, and none have ever secured an investment from the show's judges.

How the Scam Works

The scam usually involves fake advertisements for keto diet pills that claim to have been featured on Shark Tank and endorsed by celebrity judges from the show. The ads often feature photoshopped images of the celebrities holding the products.

The pills are marketed as a supplement to boost weight loss for those on the Keto diet, which involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake to push the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where fat is burned for energy instead of carbohydrates.

The scam typically involves a free trial or discounted price for the pills, but customers are then signed up for recurring shipments and charged exorbitant amounts without their knowledge or consent. Many people who fall for the scam also never receive the product, and contacting customer service is usually impossible.

How to Avoid the Scam

• Be wary of products that claim to have been featured on Shark Tank or endorsed by celebrities.
• Do your research on reputable sites and look for published papers on the ingredients and their effectiveness.
• Look for studies that prove the product's claims and effects.
• Avoid pill forms of BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), as this substance cannot be effectively delivered in a pill form.
• Reach out to trusted resources and experts for advice on keto products.
• Be cautious of "risk-free" trials, and always read the fine print before signing up for anything.

Shark Tank and Keto

Despite the scams, there have been a couple of instances of keto-related products appearing on Shark Tank. In 2018, a brand called Nui sought investment in their Keto-friendly cookie, and guest investor Alex Rodriguez invested $300,000 in the company. In the same year, another brand called Honest Keto Diet pitched their supplement that claimed to help people enter ketosis without strictly following the keto diet. However, this product did not receive any investments, and its appearance on the show led to an increase in fake advertisements and scams.

Celebrity Endorsements

Several celebrities have had their names and images used without their consent to promote keto diet pills, including Chrissy Teigen, Lori Grenier, Mark Cuban, Jameela Jamil, Demi Lovato, Meghan Markle, Amanda Holden, Briana, Kevin Smith, Ryan Culberson, and more. Many of these celebrities have publicly denounced the endorsements and warned their fans about the scams.

Keto diet pill scams and health risks

Keto diet pills are supplements that claim to help you sustain ketosis and lose weight. However, there are many scams and potential health risks associated with these products.

Scams

Keto diet pills are often marketed through deceptive advertising and fake endorsements. In 2020, two women in their 80s lost more than $200 each in keto diet pill scams. They were lured by pop-up ads on their smartphones, which claimed that the pills would help them lose weight faster than just adhering to a keto diet. When they tried to cancel their purchases or return the products, they encountered obstacles and were unable to get refunds. These types of scams are common, and consumers can end up losing a significant amount of money.

It's important to be cautious of keto diet pill scams, as they often use misleading marketing tactics such as promising a "quick fix" or "guaranteed results." These products are also often pushed heavily on social media, through email, or pop-up ads, which are more likely to lead to scam products.

Health Risks

Keto diet pills may also pose potential health risks. While they claim to increase ketone levels and help achieve ketosis faster, there is limited research on their efficacy and potential side effects. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements, so there may be contaminants or unknown ingredients in the products.

Keto supplements may also interfere with your body's natural metabolism and increase the risk of chronic diseases. The keto diet itself can be restrictive and challenging to follow, and it may not be sustainable or healthy in the long term.

While keto diet pills may be enticing for those looking for a quick weight-loss solution, it's important to be aware of the potential scams and health risks associated with them. Experts do not recommend diet pills and caution against falling for clever marketing gimmicks. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements to ensure your safety and well-being.

Keto diet pill scams and credit card fraud

Ketosection Keto diet pills are a popular and controversial weight-loss trend. Scammers have been taking advantage of this trend by creating fraudulent keto pill companies thatsection target vulnerable people, such as the elderly, and steal their money.

In one instance, two women in their 80s lost more than $200 each after falling victim to a keto diet pill scam. The scam started with a pop-up ad on their smartphones, offering a 30-day supply of keto pills for the cost of shipping ($6.95), with the promise of a full refund if the order was cancelled within 30 days. However, the women were charged additional fees and were unable to obtain a refund.

• Contact the scam company's customer support and request to cancel all charges and ask for a refund. They may try to avoid giving you a refund or charge you additional fees for shipping.
• Call your bank or credit card company immediately and report the fraudulent charge. They can help you dispute the charge and protect your account from further unauthorized transactions.
• Cancel your credit card and ask for a new one to be issued. This will prevent the scammers from making any further charges to your account.
• Continue to monitor your bank or credit card statements for any unusual activity. Scammers often enroll victims in additional offers without their consent, resulting in recurring monthly charges.
• Report the scam company to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This helps raise awareness and warn others about the scam.
• Spread the word to help educate others and prevent them from falling victim to similar scams. Share your experience on social media, online forums, or with friends and family.
• Reach out to consumer advocacy organizations, such as the AARP or similar groups, for additional support and guidance. They may have additional resources or advice to help you navigate the situation.

It's important to be cautious when considering keto diet pills or any other dietary supplements. Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have prescription medications. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), have issued warnings about weight-loss scams and provided guidance on how to identify them. Be wary of products that promise quick fixes, use words like "guaranteed" or "scientific breakthrough," or are heavily marketed through mass emails or foreign language advertisements.

How to spot a keto diet pill scam

Keto diet pills are often the subject of elaborate scams. Here are some ways to spot them:

• Be wary of products that claim to be endorsed by celebrities or entrepreneurs. For example, Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban, and Chrissy Teigen have all been the subject of fake endorsements for keto diet pills.
• Pay attention to the fine print on the invoice or in a hyperlink. Many so-called "risk-free" trials are not actually free.
• Be cautious of products that promise quick fixes or guarantee results. For example, claiming that you will "lose 10 pounds in one week" is a common tactic used by scammers.
• Watch out for products that are marketed through mass emails or in a foreign language.
• Be suspicious of products that are claimed to be "scientific breakthroughs" or use similar language.
• Check if the product is regulated or approved by a reputable organization. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve keto diet pills.
• Do your research and read reviews before purchasing any keto diet pills. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Remember, if you're considering a dietary supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe and advisable for you.

Frequently asked questions