2:44
- wellness
- August 19, 2020
Better Business Bureau warns users about diet app
Users have complained about unexpected charges and poor customer service.
2:44
She said that was when the company gave her a full refund.
In response to these complaints, Noom CEO and co-founder Saeju Jeong said in a written statement, \"While the complaints on BBB represent less than 0.03% of the millions of customers who have signed up with Noom in the last 3 years, we take each one very seriously. Our top priority is to always ensure our customers have the best possible experience with Noom. This holds true no matter where they are in the program—including if Noom is not the right fit for them at any point along their journey.\"
\"Like many industry-leading fitness and wellness companies, we sell multi-month membership packages, and we state clearly and in advance the full charges that customers can expect to be billed for that membership if they decide that Noom is right for them,\" Jeong added. \"We are very accommodating with refund requests, even with those who cancel and request a refund shortly after the trial period has passed. Customers can cancel at any time, no questions asked, either by messaging their coach in the app or emailing our support team.\"
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/noom-ht-ps-200818_1597839421066_hpEmbed_2_17x10_384.jpg\")
Still, due to the high volume of complaints received in the past year, the BBB has given Noom a \"D\" rating and is urging consumers to be wary about signing up for free trial offers.
Here are some tips to follow before you sign up for a free trial:
The Better Business Bureau warns of \"subscription traps\" that \"hook customers into paying for expensive products or services that they did not intend or agree to buy.\" So before signing up, the bureau advises to see what the terms say and if it takes payments from your credit card until you cancel.
Everyone knows how hard it is to lose weight. To make sure you find a program that aligns with your weight loss goals, the BBB suggests finding a program that you enjoy with goals that seem reasonable and \"understand how the product or service is supposed to work.\"
WATCH: Woman loses over 100 pounds following the 'lazy keto' diet
Video: Woman loses over 100 pounds following the 'lazy keto' diet
The BBB pointed out how some programs promise unrealistic results. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, evidence suggests that healthy weight loss goals are 1 to 2 pounds a week. It's also not about a \"diet\" or \"program,\" but healthy, long-term healthy habits and changes, according to the CDC.
If you come across an ad for a weight loss program or product that feels like it's overpromising, the BBB says to report it, contact your BBB and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
If you still need more info on a product or company before purchasing or subscribing, the BBB suggests you check their website to see what people have to say and if there have been any complaints.
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