David N. Kirkman
Task Force Alert Chair
Asst Attorney General
Consumer Protection
NC Department of
Justice
P.O. Box 629
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-716-6000

North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

Magnetic Mattress Pad Sales

North Carolina Assistant Attorney General Barbara A. Shaw shares the following information regarding a sales program which is directed at seniors, among others:

Numerous companies selling magnetic mattress pads and seat cushions are mailing postcards to consumers inviting them and their friends to a free dinner and presentation at a local restaurant. The card states the presentation is for sufferers of arthritis, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and other diseases. It touts a safe drug-free remedy, but it doesn't identify the product. Consumers may respond simply by calling a toll-free number to make a reservation.

The presentation is done before dinner is served. The presenter uses charts, books, articles, and celebrity endorsements in the pitch to sell magnetic mattress pads for a price of $1,000.00. In order to get the discounted price for the products, consumers must make their purchase at that time. The hook is the seller's promise of a full money-back guarantee if the buyer is not satisfied with the product, but the consumer must first try the product for 90 days. Supposedly, all the consumer has to do after the 90 trial period is call the company and get an authorization number to return the item. However, by the time the consumers' 90 day trial period is over, many of these companies have disappeared. Many consumers who tried to take advantage of the refund offer were left stranded.

The Consumer Protection Division has received 17 complaints about such practices. Other states and the Federal Trade Commission have received complaints as well. Consumers should always be wary of sales promotions which require them to purchase immediately if they want to take advantage of supposed discounts or which otherwise force them to make a hasty decision. Those suffering from any of the medical conditions listed above should consult with their physicians first before switching from their regular treatments to the products being marketed. Failures to honor refund commitments should be reported immediately to the Consumer Protection Division, 919-716-6000.

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