Linda of Montgomery, NY, writes:
In November 22, 1999 I purchased a product called Calcium Pyruvate, which was marketted as a fitness nutitional aid. Total cost was $155.00 with a written guarantee that if after 60 days, if I did not see/feel a noticable difference, I would promptly receive a refund.

After 30 days, I called their health consumer representative who told me that I was not taking enough and so I was instructed to go from using two tablets twice a day to five tablets twice a day.

On January 14, 2000 I wrote to Ms Francis, Customer Services Manager, and enclosed/returned the unused portion of the product, priority mail (I have the postal receipt). The letter explained that the product not only didn't work but that I started gaining weight from it, and requested a refund, as promised. In February, I called again to ask if they had received my package but they said that I needed to fill out a form as well. I did this on February 9, 2000.

On April 27th and May 1st, 2000 I spoke to another representative "Donna" who told me the company was now out of business and to Fax all supportive documentation to her. I FAXed her everything twice(FAX 480 968-4820). She also said not to worry , that they were in the process of getting the refund for me and to be 'patient'.

I now have a letter from a law office: Neil J. Beller, Ltd., 2345 Red Rock Street, Suite 310, Las Vegas, NV 89146, advising me that because Wealth Through Health Investments went out of business, they are prepared to pay me 10% (15.00) of the $155.00 if I sign a waiver and also to be prepared to wait about 120 days for that partial refund. The postage and FAXs cost me more than that!

I'm very angry that this is allowed to happen. I always hear you should make sure you have a "written" money back guarantee, especially when solicited to order anything over the phone and I did. I'm not sure the company has gone out of business but rather has assumed another name to continue their deceitful practices. What should I do? Accept the $15.00 and sign the waiver? Is there any recourse for 'duped' consumers in the United States of America? If someone wants to contact me, fine. But I don't want to spend any more money on this, if possible. Thanx so much for listening.

Yes, there is plenty of recourse. It's called holding onto your money and not falling for every ridiculous promise you hear on the phone or an infomercial. We suggest Linda forget about the money she gave away and concentrate on not making the same mistake in the future.