Dieting Scam Victims to See Refunds From FTC

(CN) - The Federal Trade Commission sent the first of an anticipated 11,585 refund checks to consumers who lost money buying dietary supplements deceptively marketed as "fat burning" and "calorie blocking."

The refunds, which are expected to top $464,000, are being made with money collected through a July 2014 settlement with the Canadian marketers who falsely claim their "Double Shot" pills would cause rapid, substantial, and permanent weight loss without diet or exercise.

But the agency said those receiving them should cash them promptly as the checks will expire on April 21, 2015.

According to the agency, Manon Fernet and the company she controls, "Freedom Center Against Obesity," marketed Double Shot to U.S. consumers from 2012 through October 2013.

The company falsely claimed that users could eat as much of any food as they wanted and lose 15 to 20 pounds a week, just by taking the pills, the FTC said.

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