Victim Location 20680
Total money lost $89.95
Type of a scam Online Purchase
In answer to an online ad for a free trial of Instant Elixir Proactive Skin Repair product, I placed a free trail order for $4.95 on 4/07/18. I received the sample on 4/12/18. On 5/08/18, my bank was charged $89.95 for a shipment I received on 5/26/18. I never requested additional mailings of this product. When the package arrived, I immediately emailed Instant Elixir to cancel mailings. I was told that they do not accept cancellations via email. If I wanted to discontinue mailings and/ or receive a refund , I would need to arrange a three-way phone call–including them, my bank and me. My bank representative said she had never heard of this and the bank would not comply. They offered to proceed with a fraud investigation which began on 6/12/18.
In the interim, I packed the 2 jars of Skin Repair into the original box and sent it back to : 5704 W Market Street, STE# 18431, Greensboro, NC 27409. The tracked items were delivered to an "Agent" on 6/14/18 at 11:40 AM. All information was shared with my bank.
In July, the bank informed me that I would not be responsible for payment as the issue was resolved with Elixir.
While I was vacationing, the bank sent a request for additional information as Elixir was contesting the refund. Because I was out of the country, I could not meet timelines and was forced to pay for products I returned and have proof of receipt.
Victim Location 36535
Total money lost $800
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I purchased a promotional product by Instantelixir.com , the AGELESS EYE REVITALIZER.
The promotion was advertised under Lara Spencer, and how she used natural products etc…
So the product arrived, I used it, and it irritated my skin. Obviously I stopped using it. Tossed away my promotional product.
The next boxes came (they send shipments in pairs) …
I cancelled it. I called the number on my receipt, left a message asking to please stop service, and send a return label. I never got a response back, email, phone, or otherwise.
I then took those packages to the post office, and asked to refuse of delivery. I figured that once the product was in a refuse of delivery state, a customer representative would call me back, so I could ensure this service would stop. It didn’t stop. More came.
Then I noticed the charges on my credit card. What was suppose to a total promotion charge of $14.98
Was now $200.00. I again, immediately went to the post office, and this time tried to send it back, but the post office said, I needed a return slip.
I tried to contact this company again, this time I talked to a customer service representative to tell them stop sending me this product. The CSR then said, a supervisor would be getting back in touch with me. No ever did. No emails, return labels, no calls.
I only received more product, but figured they had sent it out, before the cancellation, and I would just have to return it as well. No problem.
Then a third set came in, and I noticed a charge from this company now totaling $600.00 from this product that I have tried to cancel, and did not want.
I immediately called my credit card Co. Told them I have tried to cancel, but they are still charging without my authorization.
The Credit Card Co (MasterCard) and they said they’ll put a temporary hold, while I try to sort this out with the company. We used a temporary hold so that the company could refund me, but no fraudulent charges could be made.
I tried to contact them again, I got a voicemail "leave your number", and a representative will call you back. I got no calls, no emails, or messages of any sort.
Now the 4th package has come in. I called the customer service line
888-409-4430, and spoke to a representative… who refused to refund me, but said I could talk to a supervisor, and could cancel.
She then tried to sell me discounts. I said no. She then tried to sell me another promotion, I explained to her No! I just want to cancel and speak to a representative. She continued to promote, as I continuously said NO!
Finally she began to process my cancellation, and then gave me my cancellation conformation number.
Then I asked, if I could move to a supervisor so I can try to return this product, and be refunded.
She then said, since you are not a customer anymore, I can’t provide that information.
I then told her I wanted to speak to a supervisor and their operating license number. She then said get it from the BBB. And repeated she would not send me to a supervisor because I was no longer a customer.
She said, they had other calls, and hung-up.
Infuriated. I called my credit card, and told them the situation. They put another temporary hold, and then told me I should request that InstantElixer.com reimburse me by check or original payment
I called back, and spoke to another CSR, and asked to speak to a supervisor. The new CSR then did so.
As I made my argument, the supervisor was just as stubborn, and said they would not refund me.
I write this now, as I feel I am certainly a victim of a scam by Instantelixir.com
Victim Location 23061
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Please do not order from this company. The initial trial was 4.95 for the trial size and no where did it state that they would bill your credit card for 89.98 every month. Now, it has caused my account to overdraw. PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!!! They will not give you a refund at all.
Victim Location 91203
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Instant Elixir is advertising a trial offer of 2 small bottles of proactive repair cream and ageless eye revitalizer for $4.95 each for S&H. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS! The company puts in small print, not advertised anywhere when you purchase, that you will be automatically placed in a monthly subscription of $89/month for EACH item after your 14-day trial which starts once you place your order not once the item is to be received. I called the company to inform them that my trial was received late and that I wanted a refund but they stated I was 1 day late from when my trial ended! I hadn’t even opened the product as I received it late and they refused to give me a refund demanding I should have read the small print. THIS IS A SCAM! They use improper advertising saying it explicitly cost $4.95, don’t visibly post price of products after unstated trial period and are just trying to take your money. Not to mention the customer service and supervisors were very unprofessional and just keep referring to the "fine print I should have read." DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH INSTANT ELIXIR! I wish the customer service was better and that they would have just shown some respect at least if they weren’t going to give me my refund. They also demand if you want a refund to call your bank on a conference call with them, which is not standard practice which was confirmed after speaking with my bank.
Victim Location 03570
Total money lost $178.97
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Ripped off. Tried a trial size and got charged for new full order within 2 weeks, did not clearly state that this would happen. All the removes on Facebook site are bogus. Lies, don’t find out that they charge your card until it’s too late. I called today 10/9/2018 and won’t refund my monies. Two different named products but the same company. But when u call they will give u discount on your next order. Don’t want discount want the $88.99, and 89.98 credited to my card. They start off offering 35% discount on next, order, then when that doesn’t work they offer you 75% discount for family and friends. Very angry.
Victim Location 32577
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Please be aware that the offer to purchase skin cream for $4.95 is a scam. You think you are just ordering the cream, a one time purchase, however, you are actually signing up for a MONTHLY subscription for future shipments of products for $89.98 per month! I ordered the product 09-21-18 and exactly 14 days later (October 5, 2018) they charged my credit card for $89.98. When I called customer service (888)409-4430, I was put on hold for over 40 minutes and then spoke to "Natalie". Natalie informed me that the $4.95 was just the shipping charges and that I was now subscribed to their monthly service to receive the product for $89.98 per month. When I asked Natalie to show me in writing where I agreed to this, I was informed that it isn’t in writing. She told me that when I clicked on the button stating I was 18 years old or older, I agreed to their terms and conditions, which is the monthly subscription. Due to my ignorance in accepting their terms I could not dispute the charge on my credit card. Thankfully I will only pay $89.98 for my ignorance, not hundreds of dollars like other people have posted they lost in this scam. My only recourse was to contact my credit card company and put a block on future charges from these people. Please warn others not to fall victim to this predatory business.
Victim Location 08753
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered two "1 oz.samples" online, no other info other than my name and address, was charged $9.85, then 15 days later was charged $178.97. I have put in a claim through my credit card company, which they said will take up to 60 days to settle. I still have the "samples", box opened but never used, but I understand the company refuses returns. The samples, it turns out, are the whole product, (which are listed on Amazon for sale at $36 and $37 respectively, perhaps by third-party sellers??). I was just charged another $178.97 on my credit card. I called the company and spoke to the "fraud" department, where the woman told me that my next shipment (already on the credit card) was going out the next day because I had not cancelled the monthly shipments within the 15 day limit of ordering the original "samples". I told her I had a credit card dispute in process. Feeling threatened, I hung up. Within two hours I had an email cancelling the 2nd credit charge and the so-called subscription. I feel like an [censored] to fall for this!!
Victim Location 02482
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I believe I saw something on the internet touting a face cream that was guaranteed to make skin look young again. I also saw somwething that Kathie Lee Gifford was part of the group that developed this cream. It was like an endorsment from her (this was part of the scam because she had nothing to do with it). The deal was that for $4.95 I would get a sample of this cream to test for myself. I ordered "the sample" and the $4.95 was deducted immediately from my credit card. I received a small container of the cream and after using it I decided there was nothinbg special about the cream and would not order any more of it. I was suprised when I received my credit card bill there was a charge $89.98 for the cream. I called the company when I received my bill and told them of the "mistake" and that I only received the samll sample and I did not want anymore of it. I was advised that the $4.95 for shipping only and since I did not notify them that I didn’t want the product, I was enrolled in their program to receive the $89.98 face cream every month. I was so mad that these "scammers" could get away with this. I checked the Better Business website and comments online and was amazed that this product was all over the internet as a "scam". Today in the mail was another small container of the cream. The return address on the box did not have the name of the company, just the address. I checked the address and it belonged to "Instant Elixir". I will not open the box and send it back to them tomorrow. Please help me to recover the money they are taking out of my credit card. Thank you.
Victim Location 98370
Total money lost $360
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I was on my Pinterest page, and was watching the Today show. I knew that Kathy Lee Gifford was taking a leave due to her movie, but when I saw the add that she had a skincare line, I was sold. So, I clicked on the add for her skin care company "instant Elixir". That was false advertising as she has nothing to do with this company. The company takes advantage of people, like me, who think these famous people with beautiful skin are using the product.
Victim Location 28590
Total money lost $89.95
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I responded to an ad of getting instant elixir face cream trial offer for $4.95. And with no prior notice was charged $89.95 15 days later without my permission.
Victim Location 11978
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company’s ad popped up on the news app on my phone. It offered a free trial of a skin cream and eye cream for the cost of shipping( about $5 apiece) When I got my credit card bill I was charged $89 and $88 dollars for the free product. When I called the company I was informed that I had a 10 day trial and after that I would be charged. I told them that I did not consent to this amount charged and that there was never any information given about this charge beforehand. They gave me the runaround and then offered to refund 50% of the money but I refused as I wanted all of the money refunded. I called my credit card fraud dept. and they removed the charges and issued new credit cards to prevent them from issuing any further charges to my card. When I went on the internet I learned that this is a BIG scam that is ripping people off big time and getting away with it.
Victim Location 27514
Total money lost $178.97
Type of a scam Online Purchase
My wife was on her BBC app when she saw an ad for Instant Elixir. She went to the site, saw that there was a free product plus shipping and signed up. She had no idea, and on the website there was no indication, that she was signing up for a monthly subscription. She only wanted one product, but got two, and was then her debit card was charged $88.99 and $89.98 for a total of $178.97. When she saw this on her debit card statement, she called Instant Elixir. They said they would not refund the full amount. She told them she was notifying BB&T’s credit card fraud division, and Instant Elixir said they would refund $31.50 (approximately) for each product. They also said they would cancel the subscription going forward. As of 5 days later, no credit has been received on the credit card. So we’ve been scammed for $178.97.
There was no fine print in this situation. The "free" product come-on, and no notification of the membership subscription is the scam here. They should be shut down. I will be taking them to court to get our money back. But no one should ever patronize these crooks.
We do not expect to get a refund, nor an email because these scammers are untrustworthy. Buyer beware!!
Victim Location 17067
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Read the fine lines on Instant Elixir from High Point,NC
I purchased the samples and with in 2 weeks they are taking 89.99 out of my account.
Called to cancel order which I wasn’t aware of and they offered 355 refund then 50 then 75%.
This is fraud.
I had to cancel with the bank and the Company itself.
Victim Location 18925
Total money lost $94.90
Type of a scam Credit Cards
False advertisement of sending a sample of face cream , charging only for shipping. All lies because scammer wanted credit card information to continue charging $4.95 for shipping then $89.95 for garbage facial cream . They will continue to bill credit cards if one is not vigilant
They are criminals committing credit card theft by DECEPTION
Victim Location 59457
Total money lost $190
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Instant Elixir…… A crappy product, false & misleading advertising. Offered "free trial" paying only $4.95 for s&h, which was immediately aid. 3 days BEFORE teeny, tiny little jars received, I was billed $89.96 and 2 days later, billed another $86.68 and $4.95 on the same day. Bank blocked further transactions from Fraudulent instant elixir. Guess what? 4 days in a row they tried to pull 4.95 and another $89.4 days in a row!!!! I had already been told my "subscription" WHICH I NEVER ORDERED was cancelled. It took 7 times with over an hour wait to finally stop this. I cancelled card. The product? Kind of crappy because not hydrating and very small. I’m ashamed of myself for falling for …
Victim Location 70431
Total money lost $24.97
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This is a complete SCAM , The add made it seem like This was Robin Roberts skin care line and that she was actually leaving Good Morning America to pursue her new company, But of course this was not true . They also made it seem like this was a FREE SAMPLE , but of course it was not. So I called my credit card company to cancel my card after reading reviews of so many victims of this SCAM. And found out that I had been charged for shipping twice from this SCAMMER, But at least I canceled my credit card before they put the $89.00 charge to my account. I called the Scammer and asked for the address to return the product and was told they do not take returns . So I told them I would throw it in the trash .I think something needs to be done to put a stop to these shameful tactics .
Victim Location 44070
Total money lost $178.97
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I responded to an ad for a free sample of 2 products at a cost of $ 4.95 each and was billed for $ 89.98 and $ 88.99. When I called the company they refused to give me a refund.
Victim Location 13029
Total money lost $178.87
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Received a trial product of skin care .. order on 6/13/18.. received 6/23/18.. tried to cancel on 6/24 due to its not what they say it is looked up the actual form I filled out w the number and they said that I wasn’t a customer and they don’t have me in there system they will not charge my card called for 5 days straight ! They charged my card 89.98 6/27/18 88.99 on 6/29/18 which I never received the product … this company has an ad on Pinterest stating Kathy lee Gifford owns this company which she does not !! It’s a total scam please go investigate these people they are robbing people & lie to banks and cover it up w false paper work !!
Victim Location 77512
Total money lost $375
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered Instant Elixir Proactive for $4.95. However, I ended up paying $375 over 3 months. When I called the business to notify them that I no longer wanted their products and to please stop charging my credit card they agreed. However, I was asked if I would considered continuing receiving their products for 50% off. After rejecting their offer the sales woman asked again if I would reconsider if she offered me 75% off. I continued to refuse her offer and told her I would be returning all of the products I had previously received since I had never them. I also told her I wanted a refund on everything and to no longer send me any products. She told me I could not return any products. After telling her again that all products were never opened and were sealed she continued to tell me no I couldn’t return them. When I asked why the products couldn’t be returned I was given the answer that once products are shipped out then something could happen to them and they couldn’t ship them to someone else. I think this is very wrong to treat customers this way. I work very hard, especially for a business to take advantage of someone for $375. I do not want others to fall for this scam the same way I did.
Victim Location 01730
Total money lost $89.99
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Ordered cream and paid just shipping to “ try” the cream for $4.95
And then got charged $89.99 14 days later because did not see the fine print that I was signing up for a subscription and needed to call and cancel within the 14 days in order to not get charged.
Well I realized I am allergic to the product
And called to try and get a refund and the woman was rude and actually hung up on me when I asked to speak to a supervisor because she said it is outside the 14 days. Which I did not receive the product until 7/31 but she said that it’s when the product is ordered so I was outside the time where I could get a refund.
It’s a horrible product a horrible customer service experience. And if they stood by their product they would refund an unhappy customer and they would not bury fees deep in a box that has 100 pages of terms and conditions. Horrible horrible people…and they kink the cream to celebrity’s as well that are trusted so you think it’s reputable. Just awful.
Victim Location 55123
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I thought that the face cream was produced by Kathie Lee Gifford so when I saw that I could receive a free trial offer I could trust that it would be a quality product. Then the company “Instant Elixir” called to ask for payment for the shipping. I gave them my bank account. I was confused because of their name because I thought Kathie Lee’s name would be associated somehow. When it came, there were two products and I was only expecting one. I haven’t used it long enough to know if it is what is marketed. After checking my bank account I discovered two separate charges for approximately $180. So I called and was told that i needed to call by 8/08/2018, to tell them that I didn’t want it, but thought it was free. Since then, I have learned that this company led me and many others to believe that this product was not developed by Kathie Lee Gifford. I have read on the internet about the many other women who were victims. My banker told me that there is no recourse, but by reporting this to you I might help others.
Victim Location 27562
Total money lost $400
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I was scammed by Instant Elixir and my credit card company will not refund money to me, or assist in getting a refund from Instant Elixir.
Is anyone interested in class action suit? Has anyone researched the possibility of filing a class action suit?
Victim Location 41011
Total money lost $100
Type of a scam Online Purchase
On July 22, 2018 I accepted an online offer from INSTANT ELIXIR to pay $4.95 for shipping for 1 product ( 217-2 proactive repair 1 oz.) . I also received a 2nd product ( 197-3 eye revitalize 0.5oz) and was charged $4.95. I only ordered the 1st item. The offer was for shipping only. Both products arrived in the same small box. I did not agree to purchase the product and am trying to return the product. I am having NO success. INSTANT ELIXIR charged $89.98 on my VISA Aug 4. I called tel # 1-888-409-4430. The CSR kept referring me to the web site. She would not provide return information. She kept referring me to the web site. I told her I have not used the product and wanted to return the product. The rep said the product could not be returned and if returned would not be accepted. It was too late to return. 10 days is too late to return products I did not agree to purchase ?? This is bait and switch. I am alerting my bank block this fraudulent charge.
Victim Location 78748
Total money lost $197
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered a free sample of cosmetic and gave my debit card number for mailing charge. I did not know that I was agreeing to buy anything! I was charged today $200 for my free sample. I am returning the product unused and unopened. Their customer service says there is no refund available. I don’t know if this is a scam or deceptive business practice, but I want a refund. I have never paid $200 for a bottle of eye cream and do not intend to start now! Please help me get a refund. All I thought I was paying for (the free sample) was shipping fee of $4.00-$5.00.
Victim Location 72447
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I signed up for a free trial of face cream for 4.95 shipping only. In 2 weeks they charged me 89.98. I requested cancellation and in 2 more weeks another charge for 89.98. They will not refund any money and will not accept any returns. Customer service reps are not nice. This company scams people.
Victim Location 10305
Total money lost $12.34
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I purchased to this elixir skin care on 7/17/18 on line. My account number is 14064084. I instantly new there was a problem when at the end of my purchase nothing happened. It just ended with your order has been processed. That’s it.i received the products which came damaged and broken. Called customer service. I informed them that there package came damaged and and products are not usable. I was informed that they will resend another order.
In the meantime I received a statement from my credit card indicating 3 separate charges???? I proceed to call customer service to question like why? I first spoke to a Shandra whom really did not care at all about my problem. I said nicely I would like to cancel this subscription which I had no I dead that I was in(states I agreed when I placed the order) I said I did not agree to be charged 3 times. The items came in the same box? How do you get to charge me 2 times? Plus being scammed for a membership. I was charged on my credit card $4.95, $4.90 and $2.49.
Charged to my Visa card. They told me they don’t control those charges but the post office does? This is just a scam and robbery to women! I would appreciate any help that you can give me. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely
Victim Location 97420
Total money lost $84
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I thought I was paying $4.95 postage for a free trial of a skin repair product. I never agreed for a membership for this product. I would never pay $87.97 for a skin product! There wasn’t any fine print posted. I looked at my bank statement and there it was. I knew nothing about this. Not the amount, not the monthly fee, nothing! This is a huge SCAM!
Victim Location 92029
Total money lost $385
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I agreed to try the product free for only the shipping costs of $4.95. I did not see any verbiage that would make me believe I had to cancel after 14 days or automatically be signed up to receive products on a monthly basis at the outrageous price of $89.95. I have been using my "free" sample for about 20 days now and all of a sudden another shipment arrives. No indication on the billing label inside about the price I’m going to be charged. I called the number on the invoice only to be told that I had missed the cancellation date and would now be charged $89.95 for my two "free" products plus $89.95 each for the 2 products coming in the mail and that I could NOT return them, even though the new ones were unopened. This is a scam. Kathy Lee Gifford’s name has been linked to the product as well as endorsements by Barbara Walters and other celebrities. They told me they would cancel my subscription but I am unclear about the reimbursement. I am watching my credit card closely. I will NEVER do this again. I am an intelligent 79 yr. old gramma who must have lost my mind for that moment. Please do something!
Victim Location 16801
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Free sample and only pay shipping of $4.95. Then they started charging additional fees for products that I did not order or receive. I called my credit card company to dispute the transaction. I then called Instant Elixir at the number above and they said that they would cancel future orders for me but not refund my money. How is this legal?
Victim Location 90501
Total money lost $350
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company is a SCAM. DO NOT EVER give them your credit card number! I signed up for a free trial and it has cost me over $350. They take your credit card for the sample under the guise of shipping. Then they keep charging you. I emailed 3 times to cancel the account. They charged me again. I finally got the customer service lady to cancel my account and 3 days later was charged TWICE again. Their website states that you can return unopened items for a refund (minus restocking fee) but that is NOT TRUE. The customer service is horrid. There is nothing good about this company. Please do not fall victim and lose your hard earned money like I did. Ive called over and over and they will not refund my money. Horrible service. Horrible business.
Victim Location 48189
Total money lost $89.95
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I Purchased the “free trial” online. I was Not aware that the free trial period was 14 days. However, that is NOT 14 days from receiving the product, but 14 days from when you ordered it! How does that give you 14 days to try it? Not only that, but I did not see the subscription info. If you don’t cancel the subscription that you are automatically entered in to, you get charged for the product! Well, that is $89.95 that I will never see again! On the trial offer page, I didn’t see anything about being automatically entered into a subscription. I didn’t see a specific mention of what the trial period & after required from me. You have to go down to the bottom of the page and click on Terms & Conditions! They also have more than one site that you can order from. I was scammed into believing that this product would be free, except for shipping, handling & tax. I believed that I would get the product, try it for 14 days, then decide to buy more, if I liked it! I should have known it would not be that easy! I am SO disappointed & angry! They give you a trial period that starts at the time you order, not receive. This is unethical. It took me so long to get it, that I only had a few days to try it before my “trial period” ended. Most of the Terms were explained to me by a Support Person. They would not give me my money back! First, she could give me 50% off the product price, but only if I didn’t cancel my subscription. Then it changed to 80%. However, she would give NO discount if I cancelled my subscription altogether! The old adage “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”, applies here! Don’t order this, unless you are ready to cancel the subscription immediately! Otherwise, you will get stuck with a charge of $89.95 every month! Be careful! There are lots of other questionable marketing strategies out there on the internet. Don’t be fooled, like I was!!!!!
Victim Location 08873
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
The company offers free trial beauty products under the auspices of various celebrities. After being charged $89.98 15 days after the order was placed, I was told that I apparently subscribed to a “subscription” for more products. I canceled the “subscription” for both products and received two email confirmations. Interestingly, they would not send a confirmation of the 75% refund I finally settled on. They claim their “corporate headquarters” is in Greensboro, NC, where the trial products ship from. I pressed hard but they would not provide any contact information for “corporate.” I could not find any proof of what they stated regarding the deductions and I still want 100% of my money back.
Victim Location 53118
Total money lost $285
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I received charges that I did not recognize on my debit card statement. There were a total of 9 charges, 1 for $4.90, 2 for $4.95, 1 for $2.49, 3 for $88.99 and 3 for $89.98. The transaction shows as DDA PUR INSTANT EL *4430 NC. My bank was able to provide me with a phone number to contact the company, which I did. The company insisted that because they had the IP address from which an order for a sample of anti-aging cream was placed, it proved that I requested the product. I did not receive nor order any such product, they stated that someone must have ordered it from my home. The customer service reps were extremely rude and offensive. I told them I would take it to my bank and stop payment on all of the charges. I was told to go ahead and that the bank would find the charges legitimate. The customer service rep told me to go online and look up instant Elixir and read the terms & conditions which gave them a legal right to charge my account. I reported the situation to our bank & they are investigating. Four days later, 2 packages arrived at my home. It is the 2 anti-aging creams that I never ordered. I went on the website and found the phone number to call & let them know I never ordered it and wanted to return the product. I was told they had no record of me or my address or email. The rep absolutely refused to let me talk to a manager and hung up on me. I found that most of the charges were credited to my account, yet there is still a $89.98 charge and one of the charges for $4.95. If you do not cancel the "so-called" trial within 14 days you will be charged $88.99 & $89.98 per month and will be shipped the creams every month. It is in very small print that you will be charged but never states what the charge would be. I want to return the 2 packages received, however they refused to provide an authorization number to return and stated they will continue to charge me for the items. If there is no RMA # on the package, they will destroy the package & still charge for the product.
Victim Location 01904
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company and it’s product are a scam. I just saw two charges on my credit card bill for $89 for EACH product; the eye cream and the facial cream. It came up on FB and guaranteed no obligations and asked only for shipped costs of $4.95 each with no further information. I just got off the phone with Instant Elixir (IE) Customer Service and they said that I agreed to terms of service which was at the bottom of the ad. Um NOPE. It was never there or I would NEVER have sent for this! I should have known, can’t believe I fell for it! I do have to say that the customer service rep. was very patient (I was very upset), I let him know in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t getting off the phone until I was refunded. He originally offered 35% off and I said no that wasn’t acceptable, he came back with 50%, again I said uh uh. I said unless I get at least 75% I would not get off the phone til I got it. So instead of getting charged (monthly) for future shipments at $89 each, I was refunded 75% off each for a total of $133 off the original $177. He also assured me that the credit would appear on my account in 3-5 business days, and I said if it isn’t there, I’m calling back, and also that I’m putting in a complaint with the BBB. I told him that there are numerous complaints of this on there already (which from now on I will ALWAYS check before ordering anything like this again). I am notifying my credit card company that I have hopefully gotten this resolved but if it appears again on my card after being told it wouldn’t be, that I will be calling to report to them again and not to pay it. PLEASE–DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY! At this time I can’t remember the celebrity that endorsed this product, but shame shame shame on her for this policy!
Victim Location 92637
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I purchased beauty products on a trial basis. Cancelled it after trying product with their14 day cancellation product. The continued to bill my credit card every month for 5 months. I sent their email cancellation that they sent me when I cancelled. When I called to ask for my credit card to be credited, they told me there are no refunds. I folded them I cancelled and sent them the cancellation email. Then they told me I also had a VIP membership and that’s why I continued to be billed. I told them that I cancelled because I don’t have their product so why would I be in their "pay for" membership. The response was I still could not get a credit. I told them I was going to report them and then they called and transferred me and was left on hold for 25 minuets. I hung up and called my credit card company. They called this company and at that point my money was credited to my account. The entire process was recorded by my credit card company. If it had not been for them….. This company is defrauding many people my age.
Victim Location 62002
Total money lost $117.26
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I too, like many others, ordered the Instant elixir Proactive Face cream and Instant elixir Ageless Eye Revitalizer sample containers off an ad on the Internet. I looked over the whole article word by word before signing up, to make sure they would not continue shipping the product to my home, after my trial period ended. There was nothing anywhere about continuing shipment of the product in the printing. The product was ordered on May 1, 2018 and I received it on May 7, 2018. I have used the product faithfully everyday since. It has done nothing for my skin or eyes. Today, June 5, 2018, I received another container of the face cream at a charge of $88.99. I contacted the company and told them the above items and they said that I did not cancel the product within the 14 days stated. I said, "how can you order a product, get it and use it for 14 days to determine if the product is good for you or not? I had looked over their web site very closely and there was nothing about continuing to send the product to you." They directed me to another website that told about continuing to send the product and I asked how did I know that was from the same site I had looked at originally. They said every website is the same and each salesperson will tell you the same. I said I was going to turn them into the BBB and tell all my friends not to order product from them. They are scammers and take advantage of you. The girl then said she would give me a 35% reduction on each item because there was also another eye product on its way and that this charge had been for $89.+. I’m a senior citizen on a fixed income and cannot afford these prices. It is one thing to try a sample product but not to have shipments mailed to your door every month. Scammers and people who take advantage of you; I really dislike them both.
Victim Location 32223
Total money lost $715.88
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This is a product that seems legitimate and actually may be a good product. However, be warned that when you sign up for the free trial they will charge you after 14 days for the free product and then enroll you in a monthly subscription. They also charged me every two weeks for two separate products. The total they charged me was $715.88 for 3 months of product. I returned the products without even opening the box but when I called customer service they said that they do not accept returns but they also asked me if I had a RMA number which means that they actually do accept returns, they just do not advertise it. This was my fault. I really just wanted to try a free trial but did not read the fine print. This company is horrible and should not run things this way. It is a complete scam!
Victim Location 62305
Total money lost $200
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I, like many other women thought I was signing up for a free trial offer. I understood that I just needed to pay shipping of $4.95. Oh no, I ended up paying well over $200 for something I didn’t really even want. I was a Beauty Control consultant at the time ans wanted to compare the products. NOT AT THAT PRICE though. I am hoping by posting this complaint that I can prevent others from making the same mistake. This company is a FRAUD!!!
Victim Location 74801
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I was reading a story about some of the personalities leaving Good Morning America. As I was reading about Amy Robach, the story indicated she was leaving the show to pursuit working more on her anti-aging skin care line Instant Elixir. There was an offer for a free sample, which I took. I did not read the fine print and gave a credit card number for a minimal fee for the sample of eye revitalizer and proactive repair. This was on 5/6/2018. The small samples arrived and on 5/20 & 5/21 my credit card was charged $88 & $89. I called my credit card company to dispute the charges, and when i called Instant Elixir, i was told since i did not cancel my "account" before the "14 day free trial" they could charge me for the samples. There was no offer to refund even the initial charge for the samples. She even tried to get me to take a discount on future orders. I had to ask repeatedly to cancel whatever account they think i signed up for. I am out $180 plus. There certainly was deceptive advertising, and no thought to be upfront on how the offer really works. This is a scam.
Victim Location 04068
Total money lost $185.36
Type of a scam Online Purchase
On May 10th I saw a FB suggestion that Lara Spencer of GMA was now selling this instant elixir cream and to click for a FREE trial. I proceeded and found claims by other stars how amazing this is. I proceeded and it said I would be charged for shipping. I proceeded and they asked for cc# to charge for the 4.95 shipping which showed up on my debit acct $4.90,$4.95, and $2.49 on 5/14. I received product on 5/16 in an unmarked box with a packing slip with no info. On 5/25 My Card was debited $89.98 and $88.99. I had no info so looked on FB again and saw many complaints but no actual company info. Called a customer service # and was told the trial was 14 days and then I would be charged. 14 days was never stated anywhere in the offer. I cancelled and asked for refund. They would only refund 35%. I cancelled my debit and so am disputing this through my bank! After my call to them, I could find nothing online about this company!
Victim Location 19078
Total money lost $357
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I saw an ad for a free sample of skin care I only had to pay 4.95 shipping. I did this from Facebook and I put my information in I checked to make sure this was not auto delivery. I could find no mention of it anywhere. I lodged a dispute with my credit card company . They sent me all this paperwork they said I agreed to but the problem is I never saw any of it. I would never have continued if I New it was going to be charged to me after 14 days. 2 weeks after that they sent me another order and charged me again. The ad has since been taken off Facebook. I have been charged over 300 dollars for something that was supposed to be 4.95.I asked if I could return it and they said no. I do not have the money to pay 300 dollars for skin care. I have heard about these scams so I was very careful to read everything.
Victim Location 60184
Total money lost $376.22
Type of a scam Online Purchase
2/13/18 – Saw a promotion online for a skin product free trial. Said I would be charged only for shipping. Credit card charged 2/13 for $12.34.
When I received my March credit card statement I had a charge for $89.98 on 2/27 and another charge for $89.98 for 2/28. When I asked
what were the additional charges for they said it was stated in the promotion I would receive two shipments a month unless I cancelled.
This is a blatant lie nowhere was this stated on the web page. When I said I wanted to return the product for credit they said sorry you have
to return the product within 5 days of receipt. When I got my April credit card statement I saw I was charged again $94.93 on 3/15 and another $88.99 on March 17. When I called I asked why I received this product when I had cancelled any further shipment. They said they had no record of my cancelling and I had to pay for the product. In total I am out $376.00. Why has this business not been closed down? Do I have any recourse of getting back some of my money? I had to closed my credit card account. Signed Unhappy in Illinois.
Victim Location 53186
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I sent for a free trial offer of the cream. I was told I would pay for the shipping and handling only. A month later I was charged $89.98 on my credit card. I called the Instant Elixir 3 times now and contacted my credit card co. to put a "dispute" on my credit card. I have written a 3 page letter with names of people I have spoken to and the conversation number. It has been 3 months now and my credit card still has that charge on it. Last time I spoke with a person at the Instant Elixir Co. they told me I could have the product for half price. I am so frustrated. They never said that you you have to cancel within a certain amt. of time, nor did I get an invoice copy with my trial order. What a scam !!!!
Victim Location 95670
Total money lost $160
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I had filled out most of the information and stopped when I read the terms and conditions because it spoke about some subscription, which I had no interest in. I never submitted then a few days later I receive my credit card statement. Which I most definitely did not approve this. I want my money back.
Victim Location 53105
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company offers a free sample. When you go online to order it, there is no company name, no phone number, no email. Just that Shark Tank is involved and invested in their product. The ordering screen has nothing on it. Then a flash of text shows up saying they will also send a free sample of eye cream but there is no way to say no. The packing list has nothing on it. Then they charge you $180 a pop for their free product. There is no one to call, email or to return the product to.
Then when responding to the credit card dispute, they provide all sorts of made-up pages showing how above board they are and that they have complied with all the rules.
PLEASE do not fall for this. They don’t get more slippery than this! (the website was just created in November!)
Victim Location 08859
Total money lost $89.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
They make you think you getting a cream for free and all you have to do is pay for shipping cost to get the cream then a few days go by and you get hit with a charge of $89.98 for a cream that does nothing. Total scam ~ NOT O.K.
Victim Location 07661
Total money lost $200
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Offered free trial for face cream and only had to pay postage. After 2 weeks credit card was hit for 2 89.99 payments. Called the 1-888 # and after on hold for at least an hour , was told about other percent off deals running while trying in vain to get a refund. Also told sorry no refunds. Never read that this was going to be charged after 2 weeks trial on the ad popping up on Facebook. This company is corrupt and the product is lousy.
Victim Location 29206
Total money lost $270
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This is the biggest scam ever. They just use the promise of a $4.99 sample to obtain your credit card number and then start charging you monthly for products that you never ordered. I called them offering to return all the products at my own expense, but they refused to take them back.They were threatening on the phone saying they had my IP address where I made the purchase and that the BBB would not help me.
I sent all the products back anyway. I was able to get them to cancel the subscription, but they would only refund half of two of the charges, and I was charged four times within a month. I called my credit card company to file a dispute, but they called me back last night to say they could not take the charges off as Instant Elixir had disputed my dispute. Now I am liable for $270 in products that I don’t even have. . If you want to see what I am talking about, just follow this URL to see how many have been taken in by this company. http://www.skincarehelp.co.uk/instant-elixir-proactive-repair/
One of the ways they hook you in is to link to a Shark Tank video, which I suspect is false advertising as well.
Please help me deal with this very unscrupulous company who is preying on senior citizens like me and others.
Victim Location 61614
Total money lost $269.94
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Instant Elixir – online advertisement for free trial of product for cost of shipping only $4.95; actual terms were:
Customers that do not cancel before the 14-day trial expires are responsible for the full product cost and also any subscription charges therein as agreed in the terms & conditions.
Product billing and shipping structure is as follows:
Day 1: $4.95 – initial product shipment of 30-day supply
Day 15: $89.98 – no product shipment
Day 45: $89.98 – second shipment of 30-day supply
Day 75: $89.98 – third shipment of 30-day supply
Day 105-Until Customer Cancels: $89.98 with product shipment every 30 days
I did not notice the $89.98 charge to my credit card until the 3rd charge because I was not expecting it or watching out for unauthorized charges, which I usually do and will most certainly always do in the future. I immediately contacted my credit card company & told them what happened & asked them not to pay the merchant the 3 charges for $89.98 each. They also changed my credit card number to prevent additional charges. When I received the 3rd jar of product, which I had not ordered, I began to realize I had been automatically enrolled in an auto-renewal purchase that I did not want and did not intentionally agree to. I had ordered other products on a trial basis, and did not realize I was being sent additional instant elixir product.
My credit card company is disputing the charged with Instant elixir, however they are providing documentation of the terms & conditions, which I did agree to, as their justification for not crediting my credit card the 3 charges for $89.98. I have explained in detail to my credit card company the events that lead to the charges.
Victim Location 65775
Total money lost $179.98
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered the free trial for postage the postage was $4.95 for each product they automatically charged a extra $2.70 for expedited shipping with out a choice in that then they charge your account $179.98 and there is nothing you can do about it they refuse to give you a refund said it was for the free trial so what is free about $179.98 they refuse to take back their unopened product the website says they will take back an unopened product for a charge of $9.95 however the service representative refuses to. I want a refund the bank says there is nothing they can do. so mean time buyer beware
Victim Location 70003
Type of a scam Identity Theft
I am sure that I am not the first one reporting these people. It seems that nobody has gotten to put them out of business. I’m trying with every authority that will protect the consumers of this nation from unscrupulous people like this. They advertise a sample (that’s their "try elixir" comes from, on top of that, it print FREE in red letters and pay shipping only….what most people don’t see is that on the bottom of the pngage in letters so dim and small that even wearing glasses it impossible to discern what it says…… what it actually says is " if You don’t cancel Your membership withing 10 days we will charge You 89.98 every 2 weeks for Your membership ( they force people to become members without any agreement whatsoever)
Victim Location 96789
Total money lost $375.13
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company is definitely unscrupulous and a scam! I ordered what was a trial offer for the face cream and upon checkout an eye elixir was automatically added to my order. My credit card showed that I was charged for both the trial order and the actual cost of the products. I called the company and was told I had to cancel within 14 days and, since I had not, shipments were automatic. This was also the answer when I inquired why I was charged both for the trial, then later the actual cost of the trial product I had ordered. Within the same month, I was charged again for another shipment and was told I could not return the products due to health code laws. Customer service was actually cordial but absolutely no help. Had I checked with the ScamPulse.com first, I would never have ordered these products. STAY AWAY – THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM!
Victim Location 38857
Total money lost $197.26
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered the "free trial" of Instant Elixir Proactive Repair and Eyes Revitalizer. I received the trial products and was then charged $88.99 and $89.98 multiple times. I have not received any products from the company except for the trial products. I called the customer service number when I realized I had been charged. I was connected to a representative named Wendy who would not give me an identification number. I explained to her the issue. I told her I wanted to cancel. She tried to sell me on keeping the subscription and kept trying to give me discounts. I finally got through to her that I wanted to cancel and I needed a refund. She first told me that I could not be refunded any money for anything. I HAVE NO NEW PRODUCTS! She then told me that she would refund me 35% for the second order. I kept arguing that it was bad business and then Wendy said she could give me the employee discount of a 50% refund, then 75% and finally 100% refund for the second order. She refused to refund the first charges of $89.98 and $88.99. I asked to speak to Wendy’s supervisor and she refused to connect me. I asked multiple times to speak to the supervisor and she refused. I told her that I would report to ScamPulse.com and she said that it was fine. ScamPulse.com was aware of their business. Instant Elixir has a refund policy on their website. Wendy claimed there was no such thing as a refund policy. She said they do not restock. However, there is a restocking fee listed in the policy. I am just appalled at this business. They advertise that they were featured on Shark Tank and that makes people think that they are a legitimate business. No one would willingly sign up for a free trial/auto subscription if they knew it would charge them almost $200 a month and a huge headache to try to cancel the subscription. This is nuts. Whatever you do, DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TRIAL.
Victim Location 48103
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Wrinkle cream free 14 day trial that auto renews at $89 per bottle with no notification, agreement, or shipping information.
Victim Location 14469
Total money lost $44.75
Type of a scam Online Purchase
They offer a free trial where you pay only S&H wherein they get your credit card # and 2 weeks later your card is charged a total of $178.97. When you order, they do not tell you this is a trial membership and if you don’t cancel within 14 days (of their shipping, not when you received 5 days later) that you will be shipped another batch and your account charged. I call customer service and argued for 15 minutes, was first offered 25% refund, then 50% and finally 75% when I wouldn’t give up but still paid much more than I wanted. I tried to return the unopened products but was refused. Google the name and you will see numerous scam and fraud complaints. We need a Class Action Suit against this company.
Victim Location 44483
Total money lost $179
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Was offered a free 30 day supply of skincare products. I paid shipping only. I had not even finished the 30 day trial offer or said I wanted to purchase more product when they charged my credit card $179 and sent more of the product. Apparently this will happen every month. I called to complain and cancel the subscription that I had never agreed to and was told they would give me a 25% discount. I told her no, said cancel it and hung up. She called back and said she would give me a 50% discount. I hung up. The terms and conditions did not say that I had only 14 days to decide and no where did it say what was the full price of the product. Very deceptive! I have emailed my cancellation and they did respond to it, so hopefully I’m not out any more money!
Victim Location 44685
Total money lost $178
Type of a scam Online Purchase
This company needs to be stopped!! First of all, you WILL BE charged $89 repeatedly WITHOUT your permission or approval!!!
Secondly, their website is lame, full of typos, unprofessional, & uninformative……..they should be punished and stopped!!
They use false advertising: "two moms get huge deal on shark tank with break through wrinkle product" or something to that effect..
Boy do I feel like an [censored]!!!
Shame on them!!
I am closing my credit card so I don’t have to keep disputing charges from this Predatory Company!!
Victim Location 99338
Total money lost $357.94
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Instant Elixir offers a free 2 week trial of their product for the cost of shipping and handling. They neglect to indicate that it is only FREE for 2 weeks and then you will be billed an inflated price of about $89.00 UNLESS you call and cancel before that time. They will then bill you every 2 weeks, which they claim is monthly. Their advertisement is COMPLETELY MISLEADING. The product is no better than other products I have used. Their customer service is very unsympathetic. DO NOT do business with this company. They are fraudulent.
Victim Location 48187
Total money lost $258
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I sent for 2 samples of cream from this company. They had advertised on the internet. I paid $9.85 using my Citibank credit card. I never reordered or called for more product since I did not like it. However, they billed me $89.98 and $88.99 twice. When I received my Citibank statement, I called Instant Elixir and cancelled my account on Feb. 11, 2018 and the representative for the company said that would resolve the problem. Well Instant Elixir proceeded to bill my credit card for the charges. Citibank sent me a letter to contact the company which I did on April 4, 2018. The supervisor at Instant Elixir refused to discuss my case and told me that she was terminating the call and disconnected me. So I am petitioning Citibank to help me resolve this. I have no product and yet Instant Elixir is charging me $357.94. I am refusing to pay for something I did not receive and I did not request. I do not have a picture of the product.
Victim Location 48433
Total money lost $360
Type of a scam Online Purchase
In the $4.95 trial offer, this skincare product was being advertised with great results and reviews from people who had used it. Apparently, it was a product reviewed and promoted by the TV series "Shark Tank". The company offered a $4.95 shipping charged per item for a 14 day trial period for 2 of their skincare products, one being an anti aging cream, the other an eye cream. For $10 I felt it would be a reasonable product to try. I received the normal full size amount of each product, but somehow missed the "terms" link in the small, light gray print at the very bottom of the page. I had purposely read over the page looking for any small print which would inform me that I would automatically be enrolled in an on going monthly delivery of these products…..I saw nothing. I also looked to see what the full price would be if I liked the product and desired to continue using it. It was not stated. I ordered it thinking it would be nice to try a product and see if it really worked, without paying a large price. I ordered this on Feb 26th, on Mar 12 I received a noticed from my credit card company of a possible fraud transaction on my account. Scrolling down my statement, I see the two $4.95 shipping costs, plus a $2.49 (not actually sure what that was for – tax?) on Feb 26, but further down I see two charges for $89.98 from Instant Elixir!! Apparently this company charges the customer the full price of both products if you do not cancel within the 14 trial day period which I was unaware of. That was not on the web page offering this "deal", just in the tiny link at the bottom of the page that I did not see. I called my credit card company thanking them for notifying me (this company must have been on their red flag list for them to contact me), and had them deny payment. Thinking I need to call Instant Elixir and cancel this monthly shipment asap, I received in the mail another order!! I opened my online statement, and sure enough….their charged me another $89.95 for both products on April 2nd, just two weeks after being billed for the "trial shipment" that now is considered my "first monthly order" because I didn’t cancel within the first 14 days!! Why would a company be so deceitful to potential customers?! Not smart guys!! I don’t care now how great my skin looks with their product, I don’t trust their integrity, and I am not going to pay $180 a month for face products. I did call the company to cancel this nonsense. They said they are not going to refund any money because by ordering the trials, I was agreeing to start my monthly subscription if I hadn’t canceled! If they would have been clear with this policy, they may have had me as a customer, or at least telling my friends about their product if it was good. Instead they gave me their corporate office’s email if I wanted to take this further…..sad. I went online and googled Instant Elixir…..there was a site referring to Instant Elixir trial offer as a scam…..I opened it up and saw there are 17 pages of complaints from people who experienced the same thing I went through….thus I am coming to the BBB, and probably out $360, never to buy a trial again.
Victim Location 84067
Total money lost $192.82
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Was offered a FREE trial and to just pay shipping of $4.95. I was charged 2 shipping charges of $4.95 and another $2.95 to rush which I didn’t agree to. I let that go and wasn’t going to worry about it until I was charged 2 separate charges of $89.99 2 weeks later and when I called to find out what happened the lady on the phone at 888-409-4430 told me I signed up for a monthly subscription by clicking some box to place my FREE trial. I then asked if I could return product and get my money back to which she said no because I had opened it. But how is it a FREE trial if I can’t return the product? I was one day out of the 14 day trial period that I supposedly agreed to and she still wouldn’t budge. I agreed to it by placing the order and there was absolutely nothing she could do. I also tried to talk to a manager and she said no, every single person in this building will tell you the same thing I am saying. It is not risk free! This is a subscription scam, buyer beware! They did say they would cancel my subscription so I wouldn’t get charged again but I am leery and will be canceling my card just in case.
Victim Location 45245
Total money lost $360
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Offered free trial then began getting charged without my approval
Victim Location 34217
Total money lost $89.95
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Online I came across a blog that mentioned this amazing product to repair wrinkles and it mentioned a free trial so I followed the link and paid $5 for the shipping of a 30 day free trial. What I failed to realize was that in the TERMS AND CONDITIONS I had agreed that if I did not cancel my trial by the 14th day I would be charged the full $89.95 for the product I had received. Not knowing this until I was charged on the 15th day which was too late to cancel the trial I was stuck with the bill. Do not fall for this. On top of that when I called I was sure to tell the agent that I wanted everything else canceled and today I called again because I was charged another $4.95 only to find out that the agent had not canceled a “vip” program that I did not sign up for. I have now been assured by the second agent that everything has now been canceled but I am very unhappy.
This is a scam. Do not fall for this. I am so disappointed in myself for this but I don’t want this to happen to anyone again.
Victim Location 98103
Total money lost $400
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Simple Signup for a free trial for just $4.95 shipping that immediately signs one up for a $200/month product fees. No refunds permitted – no written confirmation anywhere of actual purchase.
Called customer service and was hung up on multiple times via phone. Called back and may receive a partial refund for a product I did not order. Out $400 for what I believed was a $4.95 charge
Victim Location 34210
Total money lost $179
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Deceptive advertising practices and coercion into purchasing or accepting a discount instead of allowing the return of the product.
Blind charges, hidden terms not disclosed. I ordered the offered skin care product advertised . Less than 2 weeks later there was an unauthorized bank withdrawal for product and shipping taken from my account.
You cannot get a straight answer form the Customer Service folks. They want to confuse customers with conflicting ad information and terms and conditions information.
Victim Location 91801
Total money lost $92.92
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Bait & Switch. Mother purchased one time cream thinking the total price was $4.95 but was charged $89.98 + shipping. Then was signed up for a subscription without her knowledge. Thought she was purchasing a sample of product. Now they will only refund 31.49 of the $92.92 they stole from my 85 year old mother.
Victim Location 80014
Total money lost $179
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered two products, "Proactive Repair" and the "Eye Revitalizer" from Instant Elixir advertised as "Free Trials" via my Android smartphone for shipping. The web site ad that I ordered from can no longer be found. I read the terms and conditions in the ad which did not mention being placed into a subscription service for these products. I was first charged the nonrefundable rates of $4.95 and $4.90 plus $2.95 S&H for the two products. Then in less than a week (before the trial period was up), they charged me $179.00 total for the two products. I immediately looked for any correspondence from them and found an email that I missed dated March 9th stating that I had been enrolled in their VIP subscription service for both products AND for their partner, "Lotus Leggings." I never saw anything about this subscription or their partner in the ad until I subsequently visited their website. (https://instantelixir.com/pages/refund-policy). I sent them an email, which followed instructions in one of the websites terms and conditions to cancel and request a refund for $179 in writing. They sent me a confirmation of my cancellation email in which they tried to convince me to call them so that a rep could better assist me. I didn’t because in hindsight I checked for complaints to realize they treated customers poorly once they had them on the phone and refused to provide refunds, etc. I did not want to suffer such abuse. They have 18 complaints alone in North Carolina with the BBB. I wish that I had checked them out more thoroughly before purchasing. They have numerous websites (some seem fake) to confuse customers with conflicting ads, terms and conditions information.
Victim Location 84111
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
A popup website appeared, advertising a skin care cream, pay for shipping of $4.95 for trial sample. A running timer appears, giving the illusion, the supply on this offer is running out. There is no further fine print about how much the product is, or other details. Definitely no information about cancelling in 14 days or receiving additional charges of 89$ per product and it being a recurring shipment. When checking out for the initial trial, an eye cream is also added with an additional $4.95 charge. Products received and no further papers or contract received. A few weeks later, two charges of $89 approx appear on my statement from instant elixir company. I electronically dispute the charges through my bank. I call the company, trying to get the charges dropped, willing to return product, completely unaware of these extra charges. They are unwilling to help me, but will offer me discount after discount for future charges if i keep my ‘subscription’. At that point, I cancel the product as I cannot have these charges continue. I discuss with my bank the next day and they refuse to get involved as they see an official site, disclosing terms and since i cancelled the subscription, they cant do anything further and close my disputed claim. So even though the website the banker is looking at is nothing close or even resembling the site i purchased from, it doesn’t matter. I call the instant elixir company again, they refuse to speak with me at all unless i have my bank on the phone, even though the claim is Closed. After reading so many others with identical experiences, i am lucky i cancelled as soon as i did, but it is a repeating story.
Victim Location 02889
Total money lost $180
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I signed up for a free trial of two skin products charge of shipping and handling only.Two weeks later I there were two charges of 89.00 on my card when I called company they claimed it is explained in terms and conditions.I went back to the sight and do not see this disclosure.
Victim Location 91504
Total money lost $365.38
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Signed up for "Free trial", pay postage only, 2/3 was billed 3 times for total of $12.34, I expected to be billed for $9.85, by accepting terms and conditions you "agree" to add a VIP membership to someplace called "LotusLeggings.com", which entitles you to discounts there (which, what does that have to do with skin care, and I would never agree to that if I realized they buried it in their 7 page fine print). Turns out the "free trial" which sounded like a sample size was a full size of each of the 2 products, which cost $89.98 and $88.98 respectively. The charge for THAT doesn’t come til 2 weeks later. Mind you, they say refunds only within 30 days of initial receipt, which I received what I thought were my free samples on 2/7. Did not see til this morning 8 total charges for a total of $375.23. After 45 minutes on the phone with support, then a supervisor, which the supervisor told me they would credit only $89.98, and the first guy said only 35% of the most recent charge which would have been $62.64. Total ‘credit’ emails rcvd were only for a total of $26.50. They refused to let me return the products. Be careful! the initial ad I clicked on now leads to someplace called https://www.leviraskincare.com for a different skin product. on 2/3 when I checked, there were no complaints yet, they probably change company names every couple of weeks, I imagine.
Victim Location 92129
Total money lost $360
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I foolishly signed up for a free trial of some skin care products. The company then proceeded to bill my credit card and sent me more products. Now I admit I was duped, but I then I called them to tell them I have not opened the last order they sent me and would like to return it. They tell you that you should’ve read the terms and conditions before signing up. So I went to try to read the terms and conditions and there’s no way to get to them. You can only see them before you sign up for the trial. So, I have no way of knowing what the terms and conditions state about returns. When you go to their "Free Trial" page the only thing you can click on is "Get your free trial". Then if you’ve done the free trial before it sends you to another page that isn’t even the same moisturizer and apparently not the same company. When you talk to a customer service person they tell you they have no record of you. It is all a big scam and there is no way to get your money back. This kind of unethical practice needs to be stopped. People are wasting their hard earned money just because they don’t have time to read the fine print all the way to the bottom. I do believe I did read it though and that it said they would give you your money back if you return a product unopened within 30 days of receiving it, but there is no way for me to get to the terms and conditions now.
Victim Location 66213
Total money lost $178
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I’m sorry that I don’t remember if I saw this on AOL or Facebook but the "free trial" was offered for $4.95 shipping and handling for a repair cream and the same price for an eye cream. Two weeks later I see a charge to my credit card for $88.99 and $89.98 from Instant elixir! I disputed the charge with citi card and then tried to find a phone number to call their customer service line. It took me about an hour of searching the internet to find a valid phone number (1-888-409-4430) and when I complained they told me that I was charged because I did not return the product within 2 weeks and cancel. I did not see anywhere this disclaimer. Upon finding the website again, I see in the flashing FREE TRIAL button that it says that in the "terms of agreement" along with acknowledging that you are over 18 years of age. I am very angry because they hide the details in order to get this ridiculous price from you and the product doesn’t work either! It wasn’t worth the price of shipping and handling. They obviously prey on people who overlook the fine print that is hidden in the acknowledgement. In my opinion, they are trying to get $178.96 from as many individuals as possible to make their money! I am also disappointed in citi card for not fighting my dispute for me and reversing the charges.
Victim Location 80917
Total money lost $400
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I received an offer for a free sample and the name Proactive was used in the ad. I ordered the free sample and paid the postage, not realizing that this was a different company than the Proactiv that I had used. The free sample came, but so did four other products, $89 a piece. I called the company after getting the phone number from MasterCard and cancelled. The information for cancellation is buried on the website, that you have to find and go to separately from the ad. The company would not give my money back or accept a return, as they said that I did not cancel quick enough. I have learned not to ever accept a free sample when you just have to pay postage.
Victim Location 97225
Total money lost $178.97
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Ordered free trial of skin products, paid for shipping and handling. Then was charged $178.97 two weeks later.
Victim Location 21122
Total money lost $58.49
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered what I thought was two trial bottles of eye/ face cream. There was nothing on the page indicating that I was signing up for a 14 day trial and I was unaware that I needed to cancel it. On the 12th day after I ordered my card was charged $89.98. I sent an e-mail to cancel and requested a full refund on Jan 31. I ordered on Jan 17. My card was charged on Jan 31. The card was charged one day after the cancellation period. I spoke with Aviana a customer service rep and Amber who identified herself as a floor supervisor. Both women refused to refund my money and after much arguing about it I was told that I would get 35% of the $89.98 refunded and my account cancelled. When I stated that I would be pursuing a full refund and contacting anyone I felt could assist me in doing so, Amber stated that if I did I would be subject to being charged the full subscription cost as well as a false claim fee. Since I did not sign anything and the only disclaimer on the website was check to verify that I was over 18, this was taken as a threat that I should not attempt to retrieve my money.
Victim Location 21122
Total money lost $58.49
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I ordered what I thought was two trial bottles of eye/ face cream. There was nothing on the page indicating that I was signing up for a 14 day trial and I was unaware that I needed to cancel it. On the 12th day after I ordered my card was charged $89.98. I sent an e-mail to cancel and requested a full refund on Jan 31. I ordered on Jan 17. My card was charged on Jan 31. The card was charged one day after the cancellation period. I spoke with Aviana a customer service rep and Amber who identified herself as a floor supervisor. Both women refused to refund my money and after much arguing about it I was told that I would get 35% of the $89.98 refunded and my account cancelled. When I stated that I would be pursuing a full refund and contacting anyone I felt could assist me in doing so, Amber stated that if I did I would be subject to being charged the full subscription cost as well as a false claim fee. Since I did not sign anything and the only disclaimer on the website was check to verify that I was over 18, this was taken as a threat that I should not attempt to retrieve my money.
Victim Location 75218
Total money lost $188
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I clicked on an internet ad requesting a trial sample of an anti-wrinkle face cream. The cost was $4.95 for postage. The order ended up adding a second face cream product for an additional $4.95. The charges had a credit card posting date of January 3, 2018. Products arrived. Two additional charges are on my credit card statement, $89.98 posted on January 16, 2018 and $88.99 posted on January 17, 2018. No additional products have arrived. I called the company tel # on my credit card statement, 888.409.4430, on January 31, 2018. Service person said by placing the order I had agreed to terms and conditions posted on the website that said, unless cancelled within 14 days of the order, I was enrolled in a monthly subscription service. I asked that it be cancelled and asked for a refund of the ~$180 charged. I was given a cancellation #, and my request for a refund was refused. This is a scam and Instant Elixir should be shut down. No reasonable person would have understood the expense involved. On February 1, 2018, I called my credit card company and was advised this is a common scam and that it was not considered "fraud" so the charges could not be returned to me. My account has been blocked from any future Instant Elixir charges. This scam is described on the FTC website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/08/costly-low-cost-trial-offer
Victim Location 28144
Total money lost $170
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Tried to order some samples from this so-called company they said was free with no money attachments. 15 days later I get slapped with two $88 fee for a club that I supposedly joint. First of all my 12-year-old ordered this without my permission so it is not a valid order. The company when I called them, said that this was about a purchase to a valid email address with a valid card to a valid residents therefore it was a valid purchase when I argued with them they said there was no way in hell I was going to get my money back. And that I needed to make sure that I kept better care of my belongings such as my credit card. This company is ridiculous. I call Joanna Gaines for a club that I supposedly joint. First of all my 12-year-old ordered this without my permission so it is not a valid order. The company when I called them, said that this was about a purchase to a valid email address with a valid card to a valid residents therefore it was a valid purchase when I argued with them they said there was no way in hell I was going to get my money back. And that I needed to make sure that I kept better care of my belongings such as my credit card. This company is ridiculous. I call Joanna Gaines personally in Gainesville Texas and she says she does not have a make up company by that name that this is a scam and she also gave me the email address to her attorneys. I have contacted my bank and filed a credit card scam fraud and I’m letting you know that I would like to recover my $170 at this company stole