My Resveratrol Experience - Side Effects, Benefits, Dosage, and Research Information

New Resveratrol Scam Alert: What Looks Like News Isn't Always News!

Deceptive New Marketing Techniques Takeover The Internet Supplement Market!

In the world of sales, whether on-line or offline, misleading the consumer is not an uncommon practice.  The newest misleading sales technique is the "fake" Breaking News web-page.

The website is created to look like an official "news" website written by "real" reporters.  The sites often have names that resemble the real local news companies in your area.  For instance one might see a website with a news report regarding the medical breakthrough of resveratrol on www.WXKU6.com (example only).

These sites look professional, have traditional news media images and videos, and feel just like the real thing.  The problem is these sites are nothing more than a sales tool used to sell you a product.  This new tactic has unfortunately hit the resveratrol and supplement markets.  Consumers need to question the validity of the reports and news they read.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now stepping in and creating new legislation for the on-line markets.  The days of using celebrities names without their permission and using deceptive marketing practices are over. (well until the crafty marketers figure out ways to get around the legislation)  The celebrities are also fighting back with many suing these supplement manufacturers directly.  Oprah Winfrey's company Harpo recently sued resveratrol manufactures who used her name to help market resveratrol products. (See Business Week Article)

Resveratrol Scam: Warning and Consumer Alert!

Before you buy resveratrol read this article!

On November 13th, 2008 I wrote an article discussing whether or not resveratrol was a scam.  The article, "Resveratrol Scam - Take the Money and Run," was written prior to the "Free Trial" scam that has taken over the market.  While there are a few companies souring the industry it does not mean ALL companies and their products are bad.

These "Free Trial Offers" are not a new scam.  They have been around for years and prior to resveratrol they were focusing on the Acai Berry supplement industry.  It has gotten so bad that Attorney Generals from multiple states, including Florida and Connecticut, have begun investigations into the companies offering these trials.  They are also evaluating the claims some of these companies are making about their products. (Read: ABC News - Beware Acai Berry Free Offers)

The AG's are not only investigating the free offers, but the fraudulent celebrity endorsements used by the companies.  Oprah Winfrey's company, HARPO Productions, has stated they do not support or endorse these products offered by the companies using her photos and video clips.

While Oprah, Dr. Oz, and programs like 60-Minutes have run segments on the benefits of Acai and Resveratrol, they do not commercially endorse these products.  Companies using their photos and video clips do so without the approval of the respective individuals.

A look at the Free Trial Scams