WhiteOverNite

This company offers a teeth whitening product known as WhiteOverNite. The product is marketed via numerous internet websites as a "free treatment" or "introductory offer." Respondents are required to pay a processing approval and handling fee of $4.87 and are asked for credit card numbers to cover the charge. Further website disclosures explain that by agreeing to their free introductory offer, consumers are authorizing the company to ship two full sets of their product for a fee of $69.95 plus $15.95 shipping and handling, and the remaining balance of $74.95 will be delayed until 30 days after the first payment. Careful reading of the terms of the agreement indicate that the original $4.87 charge and the shipping costs are not refundable. Consumers must contact the company and return the un-opened product to the company for a refund of the product price only. If the consumer cancels before the original shipment is sent, a $35 cancellation fee applies. At minimum, the product will cost $4.87 plus $35.00 cancellation fee.

We urge consumers not to respond to this company's offer.

Although the company's many websites make cancellation procedures appear fast and easy, in reality customers report that cancellation requests are ignored, calls are not returned, credit cards continue to be charged, and unwanted product shipments continue to arrive.

This company's free treatment is conditional upon accepting their offer for additional product. FTC Guidelines for advertising this type of offer require that all terms and conditions of the offer, as well as cancellation instructions, be clearly and conspicuously displayed in at least 10 point type before asking for payment or obtaining the customer's consent. Clearly and conspicuously means, NOT disclosed in microscopic print accessed by a weblink to another site, but rather, disclosed along with the free trial solicitation .

Regardless, many consumers overlook the advisory, and are unaware of the charge until their next monthly credit card statement. In this company's case, consumers complain they are unable to cancel services by using the instruction provided by the company. Even worse, they are unable to contact the company at all. Emails are not returned or acknowledged, and calls are not returned. Industry guidelines require marketers to provide a fast easy method of canceling, either by mail, phone, or website, Failure to do so may be a violation of consumer protection laws.

Most credit card issuers will allow the cardholder 60 days to dispute an unauthorized or inaccurate charge. Review your monthly statement carefully. If you discover a charge which is unfamiliar, investigate and dispute the amount with your card issuer as soon as possible to protect yourself from making unwanted purchases.