Woman conned out £7,500 in weight loss scheme she thought was free

A woman was conned out of more than £7,500 after being pressured into a personal training and weight loss programme she initially thought was free.

Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) said there have been recent issues with companies offering overpriced subscriptions for personal training, weight loss, behaviour change and fitness programmes.

Initially advertised as free, the schemes are particularly marketed at women, mainly via social media adverts and videos.

One woman who had recently retired responded to a post and was contacted by a company representative, who asked about her health and personal circumstances.

She provided them as she was led to believe that the fitness and dietary plans being discussed were part of the free programme advertised.

However, after gaining her trust, a salesperson mentioned a monthly membership fee of over £500 as well as a one-off payment of almost £1,500.

The payment was said to secure “lifetime support for the programme” and she was sent a form via e-mail, which she completed.

After a few months, during which the woman had lost some weight, she was phoned by the company’s founder.

She was told she was eligible for a “special scholarship” which would give her a discount on another life coaching programme.

TSS said the woman affected felt “overwhelmed” and “under pressure” and completed forms while on the phone.

Signing another document over the phone, she discovered that she had been charged a further £6,000, which she was unable to afford.

TSS is urging members of the public to take plenty of time to think before making a decision about a subscription.

They say that any legitimate company will not pressure people into deciding on the spot.

More information on advice and support can be found here.