Weight loss is very important to millions of people and they are finding that acai berry pills are a great way to begin losing the pounds that have held them for so long.  They are finding out that their energy level will increase when they begin taking the pills and they will finally know that they are really able to conquer their weight situation because they can finally make the turn that will lead to better health.

The only person who can really make that kind of change is the individual himself because he will then know that he has the power to make it.

Judge issues injunction against Acai Berry seller to halt all operations

More than a year after the US attorney general issued a $1.37 million dollar fine against Central Coast Nutraceuticals (CCN) for deceptive business practices that didn’t have much effect, it looks like CCN will finally be shut down. The FTC followed up and convinced a US district judge to issue the injunction against CCN, which effectively halts ALL their operations

After listening to consumers complaints for 2 years now, the FTC has taken action again. They convinced a US federal district judge to issue an injunction against one of the biggest companies behind the Acai Berry Free Trial scams, Central Coast Nutraceuticals (CCN), effectively halting all their internet operations and freezing their bank accounts.

Its about time! Yes, the FTC is a government bureaucracy, so moves very slowly. They’ve been inundated with complaints from tens of thousands of irate consumers now, with estimates of over a MILLION victims of these scams. To be fair, they did make a case A YEAR ago against a Texas man who was a force behind these schemes in the early days. He quit the business and was fined a few thousand dollars – about what you pay for a big traffic ticket!

Here’s the strange part of the big fuss they are making about this single case - The US attorney general made a big fuss in June 2009 about a record fine against acai berry distributor. Guess who it was? CCN! With hundreds of websites and dozens of companies pushing these scams all over the internet, the FTC makes a big deal about a court decision to stop the SAME COMPANY that the US attorney general supposedly shut down OVER A YEAR AGO! Please forgive my cynical nature, but it sounds like the different government agencies are fighting for credit over the same case. Either that, or the $1.37 million fine last year didn’t convince CCN to stop. In which case, why didn’t the US Attorney general do more LAST YEAR?

Ok, enough with being cynical. It sounds like CCN is finally being shut down. Lets hope the FTC keeps the pressure up and pursues more cases to shut down the rest of the scumbags.

If you have been a victim by one of these acai berry scams and would like to file a complaint and perhaps get a judgement against the people behind it all, contact:

David O’Toole

FTC Midwest Region, Chicago

312-960-5634

The acai berry is a fruit native to the amazon forest in Brazil, that grows on the unique acai palm. It comes in different shapes and colors, but the one commonly referred to is a purple fruit, rich in taste and color, the size of a grape. The acai berry has long been a very popular staple of diet in Brazil, particularly among native Indians, because of its very high nutritional value.

A research project found that the acai berry made up almost 40% of the entire diet of some native amazon tribes. 10% of the grape is edible, consisting of the pulp and skin. The rest is seeds and is not usually eaten. The fruit is often used in smoothies and as a standalone dish in Brazil. Recently the rest of the world has become aware of the many healthy benefits of acai berry such as weight-loss, improved immune system and increased energy.

FTC strikes new blow in battle against Acai Berry Scams

The following news release was posted on the FTC website yesterday. It’s a much anticipated and necessary blow (although very late) in the battle against the plethora of Acai Berry Scams that have been preying on desperate consumers for nearly 2 years now.

The headline does sounds promising, but if you read the news release, you see they are announcing a lawsuit against a SINGLE COMPANY! There are dozens of companies participating in these scams. We do hope the message being sent will scare some others out of the business, but if prior such actions are any indication, we doubt it. Check back next week and we’ll have an update on the repercussions.

FTC to Announce Action Against Internet Marketers of Acai Berry Weight-Loss Pills and “Colon Cleansers”
Millions of consumers who are anxious to lose weight or prevent cancer have seen the ads: “…USE WITH CAUTION! Major weight loss in short periods of time may occur,” or “detoxify your organs,” and break down and remove “toxic waste matter which may have been stuck in the folds and wrinkles of your digestive system for years and years.” Come and learn from the victims themselves what the “free” trials of these products have cost, and how the Federal Trade Commission and the business community are taking action.

WHAT:
The Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Monday, August 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., to announce a lawsuit against a company that marketed acai berry weight-loss supplements and “colon cleansing” supplements by promising consumers “free” trials of the products.

WHO:
David C. Vladeck, Director, FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Martin Elliott, Senior Business Leader, Payment System Risk, Visa Inc. Two consumers who lost money on “free” trial offers promised by this company.

WHEN:
Monday, August 16, 2010, 10 a.m. (The room will be open 30 minutes early for media set up.)

WHERE:
Federal Trade Commission, Midwest Region
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 1825
Chicago, Illinois

Call-in Information:
The toll-free phone number in the U.S. and Canada is (866) 363-9013, the confirmation number is 94253184, and the chairperson is Gail Kingsland. The lines, which are for media only, will open at 9:45 a.m. CST. Please reference the confirmation number when joining the call.

PRESS CONTACT:
FTC Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180