Turn to Tara: Think before you click on celebrity-endorsed online ads

Anyone on the internet has seen them - attention-grabbing ads endorsed by celebrities promising everything from miracle weight loss to cure-all vitamins.

News 12 Staff

Jul 23, 2019, 10:17 PM

Updated 1,731 days ago

Share:

Anyone on the internet has seen them - attention-grabbing ads endorsed by celebrities promising everything from miracle weight loss to cure-all vitamins.
A Turn to Tara investigation shows that consumers should think twice before clicking on them.
Daniella Molina told News 12’s Tara Rosenblum that she kept seeing an ad for Nutra-SX, which promised dramatic weight loss and an energy boost.
She says the cost was just $5.95 for the shipping, so she ordered it on her credit card. Ten days later she was charged $80.
When she called them, the person she spoke to said Molina failed to cancel her 14-day subscription. Her next call was to the Better Business Bureau which was able to secure her a refund several months later.
Consumer experts says outcomes like that are extremely rare.
Brian Rauer, of the Mid-Hudson Better Business Bureau, says the scam is exploding locally.
“There is a great celebrity endorsement, unfortunately, the celebrities don't know they are endorsing this product because they have never heard of it,” he says.
According to Rauer, the best way to avoid the monthly charges that follow is to be weary of any ads promising free or no-risk obligations that have terms and conditions hard to find.
 


More from News 12
1:46
Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

2:38
Bronx family recalls moments leading up to 19-year-old son's death in Morris Heights

Bronx family recalls moments leading up to 19-year-old son's death in Morris Heights

2:11
Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

1:39
Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

0:37
Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

0:26
Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

1:54
Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

2:04
Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

1:53
Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

0:26
NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

0:24
Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

2:19
Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies