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Weight-Loss System Scam

The Federal Trade Commission today announces a refund claim process in its case against NutriMost. NutriMost proclaims to be an unrivaled and revolutionary weight-loss system. Purchasers of the NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area between October 1, 2012 and August 9, 2016, are eligible to apply for a refund. To facilitate this action, the Commission provides an online refund claim form.

Specifically, purchasers of the System at one of the following Pittsburgh locations are eligible: 1) Churchill/Penn Hills; 2) Greensburg; 3) Greentree/Crafton; 4) Irwin; 5) Murrysville/Delmont; 6) North Versailles; 7) Ross Park Mall; and 8) Upper St. Clair.

Analytics, LLC, the refund administrator for this matter, will process the claim forms. Consumers have until June 16, 2018 to file a claim. Moreover, to apply for a refund, consumers can visit www.ftc.gov/Nutrimost, click on “Apply for a Refund,” and complete and submit the form. Consumers who prefer a paper form via mail can call 1-877-884-6069 to request one. Paper claim forms are due before the deadline.

Federal Trade Commission Complaint Details

According to the FTC’s complaint, beginning in late 2012, NutriMost, LLC, NutriMost Doctors, LLC, and their owner Raymond Wisniewski deceptively market the NutriMost weight-loss system to consumers. The weight-loss system claims to use new technology that allows users to safely lose substantial amounts of weight – typically 20 to 40 pounds or more in 40 days – without following a restrictive diet.

The FTC also alleges the defendants utilize deceptive endorsements in marketing the program. Further, the fraudsters require consumers to sign a non-disparagement agreement; a gag order of sorts. Evidently, the agreement prevents them from speaking or publishing truthful, negative reviews about the system.

The court order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the defendants from making weight-loss and health claims in the future. The ruling stipulates the defendants’ claims must not be misleading and shall be substantiated with competent and reliable scientific evidence. Additionally, the court ruling bars the defendants from misrepresenting that users do not need to follow a restrictive diet. It also prohibits the defendants from using deceptive endorsements. Further, it forbids them from including non-disparagement clauses, prohibiting consumers from speaking or publishing truthful, negative comments about the system. Finally, it imposes a $32 million judgment against the defendants, which is suspended upon payment of $2 million that the FTC is using to provide consumer refunds.