The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a Savage company that sells weight loss supplements and other health products. Since the beginning of the year, the BBB has received 300 complaints about Healthy Online Services. Customers said they were billed after agreeing to a free 14-day trial or after canceling their agreement.

BBB spokesman Dan Hendrickson said some customers paid the bills because the company threatened to contact a collection agency.
Healthy Online Services has responded to some customer complaints. "For every person who filed a complaint, there are probably 10 other people who haven't," Hendrickson said.

The BBB offered some tips for consumers who are thinking about buying health products online.

  • Consult a health care professional. Some companies make unrealistic claims or give advice that could damage your health.
  • Check out the seller online, but don't just search their name. Do an advanced search by using a phone number or web address.
  • Make sure you understand all of the terms you are agreeing to. Information about future billings is often hidden in fine print or accessible only after you have clicked multiple links on a website.

To file a complaint, visit www.thefirstbbb.org or call 651-699-1111.