As a leader in the cosmetic teeth whitening field, White Smiles Superstore issued a warning today in regards to the ever growing teeth whitening Internet scams that have been ripping off thousands of unsuspecting people for hundreds of dollars.
"Scam" is defined as: obtaining money by means of deception. Today you can find hundreds of online scams by unscrupulous people looking to make a fast buck. They invent fake web-sites, fake personalities, fake reviews and testimonials to deceive consumers into signing up for an ongoing stream of worthless products.
These bold advertisements found on many common search engine Web pages, claim "FREE" teeth whitening pens and kits. All you have to do is pay for shipping and handling. But once you type in your credit card information and click that you agree to the terms and conditions, you've been scammed.
Unknowingly what really happens is the customer has just agreed to the terms and conditions for an auto-ship or negative option scheme of a cheap, over-priced and low quality whitening product.
This service (scheme) people have just signed up for will be charged to their credit cards until they find a way to cancel it. Technically if you look, buried deep inside the terms and conditions, it says you agree that you're going to buy these services. The trouble is, Internet consumers do not read or understand these terms and conditions.
Consumers do not realize they are victims until they receive their monthly credit card statement and find they have unauthorized billings amounting to hundreds of dollars.
Ok, how do I stop the billings and get my money back?
(1) Try contacting the company you ordered the product from but this will be almost impossible because the company that is billing you is a shell company of another fraudulent shell company.
(2) Immediately contact your bank (credit card company) to see what they can do to stop these on going charges and get your money back. You may have to cancel your credit card and be issued a new one.
(3) Contact your local "Better Business Bureau", "Department of Commerce" and "Attorney General's Office".
(4) Spend some time researching these scams. Google "Teeth Whitening Scams" there is a lot of information on-line that may help.
(5) Consider setting up your own PayPal Account for future Internet purchases or buy from merchants that accept PayPal payments as this offers you a layer of personal and financial protection.
These thieves are not only limited to teeth whitening scams but also weight loss supplements (diet pills), vitamin supplements, colon cleanse scams and more. Be aware that free trials typically result in repeated billings. Remember, there is no free lunch. Nothing in this world is absolutely free, there is always a catch.
Some Online Teeth Whitening Names to Avoid;