PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE
December 20, 2007 by Sean Kelly
Filed under LA WEIGHT LOSS, PURE WEIGHT LOSS, xBuyer Beware, xFranchise Graveyard
(FranchisePick.Com) UPDATED: We began hearing rumblings about Pure Weight Loss earlier this year from customers & employees. In fact, Pure Weight Loss employees & customers began leaving comment before the company announced it was closing all 400 locations nationwide. Share news, information & opinions here, and check back often for frequent updates.
PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES & OFFICIALS: LEAVE COMMENTS & UPDATES BELOW.
If you have news, tips or suggestions for sharing, please email it to info@ideafarm.net with “Pure Weight Loss” in the subject line. Please include your name and relationship to the company, and whether your identity can be shared or is confidential.
Related Posts:
ABC’s 20/20 Runs Free LA Weight Loss Franchise Infomercial
Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) to Close All 400 Locations
Selected comments:
Ana, customer: Hi, me and my sister used to be a member of la weight loss, now pure weight loss. This saturday we went in for our usual weigh in, only to find that the office was closed, called monday, and nobody answered.went online got their 800 # and called they simple said that they closed their California offices. I was so mad they never told us anything. she said their services were now going to be over ther phone, i think this is very deceitful and wrong. if anyone has any advice on what we can do to get a refund please let us know. Thank you. Dec 12, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Dalya Riley, ex-employee: I recently quit Pure Weight loss and i have worked for many weight loss companies cause i enjoy seeing people get to their goals. but Pure weight loss turned out to be the biggest crock i ever saw with their high obsene prices and bars that constipate people…. Sorry Pure weight loss, but you know a tree by its fruit and your tree says fraud! Dec 15, 2007 at 9:06 am
Martin W, customer: NJ now has the same problem. My wife and I are members of the Clifton NJ office of Pure. Yesterday we found out that the office will be open for 2 more days….We will be consulting with out attorney today and possibly calling the attorney general’s office to have the assests seized. Dec 18, 2007 at 5:37 am
Emma Karr, customer: We are being scammed! … This company has damaged many individuals and i hope a class action lawsuit takes place. Dec 18, 2007 at 12:58 pm
m, customer: I joined back in November… these people in Levittown, NY were nasty people from the beginning. They owe me two boxes of bars… they all can go scratch. They deserve that the company went out of business. I feel sorry for the poor souls that invested all this money… Dec 18, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Beth Hughes, customer: I have been a client for over 1 year and have had TREMENDOUS success on the plan. However, I am now owed 38 BOXES of bars and 5 weeks of weight loss, 6 weeks of stabilization, and 52 weeks of maintenance, with absolutely no guarantee that I will ever see a dime…. Dec 19, 2007 at 8:20 am
mar, customer: …As disappointed as I am for my personal losses I am more disappointed for the staff of the center, some of which have worked there for years only to find out a couple of weeks before Christmas that they are out of jobs. Any lawyers out there reading these posts? Dec 19, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Sue, customer: [I] am angry at the way this closing has been handled. I know that my counselors were still being encouraged to sell contracts up until the day THEY learned of the closings (and their own lay-offs) — and at that point the contract was non-refundable. They took thousands of dollars from people who would return the next week to find the centers were closing. OUTRAGEOUS! I’m ready for the class action suit if I am not refunded the money I paid for the program! Dec 19, 2007 at 7:02 pm
mommyjoe, customer: I have been a customer since April and have had GREAT SUCCESS on this program…I can’t afford to lose the money I’ve pre-paid, but it’s much worse to lose the program and the support I’ve been promised…. Dec 19, 2007 at 8:29 pm
her, customer: … i am out of a lot of money… please any lawyer out there reading this maybe you could look into this you wouls have a lot of people out there insterest …one big scam. Dec 19, 2007 at 10:32 pm
What do you think? Share your opinion on Pure Weight Loss. Email this link to a friend by clicking “Share” below. Check back often for frequent updates.
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Related b5Media blogs: Burning the Scale, by Claire Petty, Health & Men by Scott Wharton
I also was a client of LA Weight Loss and have lost 75 lbs. I am now on Maintenance and was very upset that they were closing as my counselor was my mentor. I am interested in purchasing Fast Forward and peanut butter lites, If anyone has these products please e-mail me. And to all your ladies who are on maintenance or haven’t gotten there yet, you can do it just don’t give up. They may have scamed us closing the way they did but the diet does work if you stick to it. Keep up the good work!!!
To Theresa
I have I think 3 bottles of fast forward.
Where are you located?
I’m in valencia CA
Theresa,
Good job to you too! I too am on maininance after losing 35 lbs. May not sound like much, but on a 5ft.2in, small framed woman, it’s a lot. I have kept it off for a year now, but I never received my rebates. One for reaching my goal, and the other for maintaining for one year. Does anyone know how we can get our records? Thanks for your great attitude Theresa. =)
Maryland Consumers Can Now File Complaints
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=69632
Date created: 3/13/2008 2:51:44 PM
http://www.pureweightloss.com/PWLClaim.pdf
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=69632
Catherine,
I am in NJ. you can e-mail me at lady653@aol.com And Dana 35 lbs lost is a great thing, better lost than gained.
I have to say that in the first 6 weeks I lost over 20 lbs, only to I to have put it all back on now….my own fault…I too am a victim of LA/Pure Weight Loss and also sent the certified refund form only to receive it back undeliverable too!
Lost in Santa Rosa CA any updates??
I was an employee of Pure Weight Loss. This is my story…I was hired in October for a position in the Central Illinois market. I was from St. Louis. My family (husband and daughter) traveled the 150+ miles for the interview and was promised a career that would be very lucrative while helping people achieve their weight loss goals. The Regional Director interviewed me and suggested I accept a position as Center Manager at a location some 60 miles further from where I interviewed. My family and I agreed and quickly went searching for a rental home on craigslist. Long story short, with no assistance from Pure Weight Loss, we spent about $2,000 on the move. I was in the position for 6 weeks, all the while discussing with my managers that I am concerned that the income I was receiving was not what was promised. They assured me, come January everything would be gravy. We got the news that our center was closing on December 15. That morning I had signed up a woman who had been with us previously but didn’t come in to center, didn’t follow plan and didn’t meet with any success. The previous day my Regional Manager had called her and convinced her that there was no better time than now (2 weeks before the holidays) than for her to re-commit herself. We completed her paperwork when I called my area manager to share the success. In her first sentence she said, “Did you get her to take her product home?” I responded, “No, she’ll be back in 2 days.” She said, “Oh honey, we have to talk.” That’s when she informed me that we would be closing nationwide as of January 4, 2008. We had to liquidate any product we could and call all 160 active clients and any inactive clients to inform them. A task left to me, a new manager and a 22 year old part time employee. Devistating. This is still devistating me and my family. It has financially broke us. We muttled through the remainder of our 6 month lease and had to move back to St. Louis for lack of work. I’m looking for a class action lawsuit. The clients and employees, including myself, are owed. Did I mention my last paycheck bounced? The account was already closed. Please, contact me if you know of a lawsuit! Did you all get your notification that they filed bankruptcy? Jerks!
Contact Information:
Website: http://www.oag.state.md.us
Phone Number: (410) 576-6300
Address: 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202-2202
Who are you nina? what is the website for?
Angie…
How horrible for you!! They were really jerks to everyone. The refund check I received bounced tooo. Isn’t it against the law to write checks on a closed account??? That is criminal not civil I believe. I have talked to a few lawyers, but no one in my town is interested in being head of a civil suit against these clowns. We need a bigger attn firm then them. Firms in my town usually only have 1-3 lawyers in them (small town). Let us know how you make out with the labor dispute. I hope you filed with your state labor relations board about the paycheck.
Kim
My story is record on 02/14/08. I file my claim and awaiting my refund from Care Credit.
In Maryland we are now able to file a claim. Maryland Consumers Can Now File Complaints
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=69632
Date created: 3/13/2008 2:51:44 PM
http://www.pureweightloss.com/PWLClaim.pdf
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=69632
Ed. Note: Here’s the contact info for ALL state Attorney Generals, including WA: Contact List of State Attorneys General
i am steaming hot i can not belive this . i was preganant and due to complications was not able to continue . my program. make a long story short i try to call the center in florida where i live no answer. went there it was lock up. WHAT DO I DO THIS WAS NOT CHEAP.
I was a Ass. Manager of Weight Loss Plus in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. They changed their name in late Summer of 2007 now there is only two center left open. Spring Hill, Florida & Tampa West Shore, Florida. I was look to stay in the industry. I have found a Solid Company, I am a Certified Health Coach with Take Shape For Life a division of Medifast who is a 26 year old company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has the reputation of being a premier nutitional solution for health and weight managment.
Medifast products are nutritionally-balanced, safe and effective. My Health Coaching is free and
you receive free products on a month supply, plus free shipping and great discounts. Look at my web site http://www.tsflcoaches.com.
This is so disappointing! I just found out about this yesterday! I was out of the country for a few months and recently returned to hear this information. I wanted to buy some juice to get “back on track,” only to find out the company is bankrupt and closed!! I completed the program about a year ago, so the program does work, but I am sorry to hear everyone’s stories…not just because you lost money or jobs, but because everyone lost the support needed to battle weight loss. We all know how difficult it can be and there is peace of mind in FINALLY joining a weight loss program and seeing results. I believe the FIRST and best thing everyone can do is to keep up your weight loss program, take up any of the other program offers that won’t charge fees, and keep working toward your goals b/c you deserve to be happy with your body!!! LA Weight Loss gave you the information, program, etc., now it’s just a matter of finding the support needed to continue and be successful! THEN, everyone should call an attorney, dispute the care credit if you paid that way (b/c you are not receiving the service you paid for), and do whatever we can to hold the company accountable for such bad business practices!!
I wish everyone continued success in weight loss, and hope to be in touch regarding any legal action!
P.S. You can buy Lites and other products on ebay. I was actually doing that during the program because I couldn’t really afford it
I to am a victim of the LA Weight Loss/Pure Weight Loss scam. I had months left on weight loss and even more on maintenance. I was just curious if anyone has heard anything about what happened when they went to court? Or if anyone has heard anything at all?
Does anybody have the diet plan for the fast forward? I don’t remember the exact list of foods that I can have.
Another victim who lost (approximately) $600.00 and unable to obtain info. regarding refund. Low & behold, the LA clinics were not affected in the bankruptcy but the location I attended has moved, with no forwarding address or phone number.
I was also a client and didn’t get a call regarding the closing of the LA/ Pure Weight Loss Center in Aurora, IL. I really liked my counselors and I liked the plan. I had lost 45. I still would like to get my money back for the bars, stabilization and maintenance weeks. What do I do in IL? Anyone out there in IL reading this please contact me.
Good luck to all who are fighting this up hill battle.
I truly feel sorry for those who loss money or have time left on their program.I myself am fortunate.I finished the program,although I refused to buy any supplements.I also bought very few bars.The employees did try and pushed them on me and was not to happy that i refused.I still lost 80 pounds.However I was told that once the program for me ended I was entitled to come in at anytime and could purchase any products for life.I would go in and purchase the FAST FORWARD.Which I felt help me to maintain.Since they have closed and I can no longer buy it I have gained 23 pounds.I feel they stated that simply to push the purchase of the program.When ever I would go in to purchase the fast forward they would check their computer to make sure I was a former customer.I feel they were quite deceitful.They should be held accountable fo what they have done to people.
Washington
I’m out $1700. I sent in my refund and I was told it was accepted. But still never heard anything.
Cathy you can have greens, chicken, fish, tuna, and butter. Thats all I remember
Attention Victims of Pure Weight Loss: Don’t get mad… Get even!
DEAR VAHAN is new website where former members and employees of Pure weight loss (formerly LA Weight Loss) can write a message to be delivered to Pure Weight Loss CEO Vahan Karian (aka Vahan Karabajakian). Share your experience, feelings and opinions of Pure Weight Loss’ business tactics with Mr. Karian, state & federal officials, and the world. (You can also comment on L.A. Weight Loss)
He’s got a chunk of your money. Why not give him a piece of your mind, too? Visit DEAR VAHAN.
Hi Michelle. I’m also a client from Aurora, IL. I really liked my counselor. I filed a refund request in February and haven’t heard anything. I wish I could have picked up my 27 boxes of bars/lites before they closed their doors. I feel cheated!
Wow! I didn’t even know they closed down until I decided the other day to go to their website! I stopped going in last fall. Had noway to get there! I think I still had some months left also.
They were WAY too costly, and ya have to admit, they were there to sell the priducts. And when they didnt sell, they didnt get their commisions!
I probably invested well over a grand. What a waste!
I signed up with Tri County in Cincinnati, Ohio and my daughter was signed up in Northern Kentucky, both of which I paid thousands of dollars. Our program was paid for up front for like 2 - 3 years, including bars. We only where there a year and out a lot of money. Is this bankruptcy still open? I cannot find all my receipts of exactly how much they own me, but I’m sure the records are still in the building locked up. Is this still alive or do I have to take a total loss for this companies bad management? Is there any monies retreivable???? Please advise. Thank you.
The company owes me 2 juices and 1 year worth of bars. They talk you into buying their items than the company stiffs you. Ireally could’t afford it but i needed to lose weight. Has anyone stayed on the program?
I tried sending in the refund form by certified mail after finding out that Pure was going to close. I had just purchased additional weeks for another year. I was very happy with the weight loss program and experiencing success for the first time in many years. It was a great sacrifice to pay the fees for the program but I was very thankful to be improving my health issues and losing weight.
The refund form was returned to me as undeliverable. I do not know what to do next but I am still hopeful that this company will honor their clients good faith relationships and either provide the program again with out charge or the refunds due them. I would be happy if I could just continue the weight loss but if not, I would want a refund for the prepayment I made.
If anyone knows how to proceed from here- I’d be very grateful for accurate information. I’m sure there are many others who would also benefit.
Thank you.
I am greatly dissapointed to learn of LA Weightloss’s closing. I hadn’t been in for two weeks, and when I came to get back on track, I read a notice on the door that said they were closed and took down a number to call to sign up for an “On the Go” program. I called immediately and left a message, that was over three weeks ago and have no heard back. I put over 1500 dollars into this program, money I don’t really have seeing as how I am a struggeling college student. LA Weightloss owes me 3 more months of weightloss, over 60 boxes of their disgusting bars, and an entire year of stabilazion. It disgusts me that this company can exploit the desire for weightloss, close with no warning, and walk away with hundreds of thousand dollars that they owe to their clients. I wish I knew how to go about receiving a refund.
It has almost been a year since they closed in Buffalo, NY and I too sent in my certified mail paperwork and I have yet to receive anything. I haven’t heard of anyone getting there money back. I recently ran into a employee of LA and she told me that they hadn’t even paid some of their employees the pay they were owed! I really feel we will never see any of our money!
DITO Melissa! Haven’t heard a thing from anyone in New Jersey getting anything! We are out 1500 dollars.
File a complaint with your attourney General. I did in PA and PA took the owner to court. Also, call your credit card company if you made your purchase on your credit card. Dispute the charge and the credit card company will likely credit your account. I did this and got my money back. Hope this helps!
I will try the attorney general thing thank you! Did you use care credit though to pay for LA Weight Loss? And was yours already paid off or were you still paying on it when you called the credit card company because I paid mine off already?
I did not use care credit, just my normal credit card. I did my credit card dispute 6 months after I paid, but your credit card company will have their own rules. The will likely ask you to fill out a dispute form and ask for a copy of your contract or any other information that you have regarding the purchase that was not fulfilled. They may or may not investigate and may credit your account with the understanding that they may apply the charge again if LA’s bank disputes the charge back. They may tell you it’s too far from the purchase (generally it’s up to 6 months after the purchase, but again up to the individual credit card company.) Good luck, it’s worth trying, I’m glad I did it and got my $600 back.
One more note from December 12th press release - looks like several states will provide money back to consumers based on the bankrupcy settlement - get your claims in to the attourney general! See press release below.
December 12 2008 PA Attorney General Corbett announces $700,000 consumer protection agreement with Pure Weight Loss Inc.
i paid 1600 dollars plus bars i went 2 week and all of a sudden when i went back the doors were closed and with zero explanation ………. Not a letter or anything…. i found out on the computer the la weight loss centers had went out of business…. we were sent a form to complete and send back…we did that!!! we have NEVER heard one word……… what can we do !!!!!!!1 i still need to loss lots of weight and don’t have another 1600$ i fell so taken!
donna jacobs
Dear Donna,
Will you please write to the FTC and to your Senator and Congressman and to your State Securities Office and your Governor to complain about how you have been cheated out of $1600 of your hard-earned money or send them this comment by Email. You might even call the FBI and tell them you have been defrauded.
The FTC and the Congress have permitted you to be cheated because they allow franchisors to keep on selling franchises to franchisees and the franchisees to keep on selling memberships, etc.. even when they know they are going to fail out of business and will not be able to honor their contracts. This is a kind of fraud that is forgiven by government because they don’t want to interfer with the so-called free markets.
You have been taken and your elected officials bear much of the blame for this. You will help others if you complain.
Good Luck, Donna!
Donna:
I’m not clear on whether you lost your money to LA Weight Loss or Pure Weight Loss. They were one company until 2004, when they split. The last of the Pure Weight Loss locations closed in January, 2008. If it was a Pure Weight Loss location, the Attorney General of PA has established a $700,000 fund for refunds. NY & MD also have money escrowed for refunds to their residents.
Read: Pure Weight Loss Members to Receive $700,000 in Refunds
If it is LA Weight Loss & you paid with a Care Credit Card or other credit card, get in touch with them asap and request a chargeback. You will have to fill out a form and furnish documentation, but many have been successful with Care Credit. Be persistent. Their contact info and form is posted here.
If you paid cash, can’t get a chargeback or refund from the company itself, follow Carol’s advice and file a consumer complaints with both your state Attorney General and the AG of Pennsylvania. The PA Attorney General was very aggressive in seeking refunds in the case of Pure Weight Loss customers, and will likely do the same with LA Weight Loss. Contact info for all AGs is here:
Contact List of State Attorneys General
Please keep us posted on your progress, and have a happy new year.
Also check out the posts on Weight Loss Complaints
Has any one filed a claiM in California yet??
I am still owed over $1700.00
It’s too bad too I was taking off the weight!!!
Got an email that LA Weight loss is back and trying to solicit former clients….
Here is the email I got:
You are receiving this e-mail as a customer or former customer of LA Weightloss. If you do not wish to receive e-mail from us, please see below.
LA To Your Door would like to periodically email you information about our products and offers.
Receiving this information by email is a fast, efficient and an inexpensive way to stay informed about important news and product offers for you.
If you would prefer not to receive these email messages, please click here.
Thank you for your time.
LA TO YOUR DOOR, LLP
Exclusive online source for the authentic LA Weight Loss products
420 Drescher Road
Horsham, PA 19044
What the heck? What about all the money I paid already?????
This is Kristi Mckenna and group–Former execs that used to work for LAWL. She and some of the marketing people bought the mailing lists and rights from Harold Katz. Same people–just doing business shady again under a different “cover”. I am not sure how these people sleep at night. I am sure that the inventory they are selling is products that were bulked at the center, so if you order from LA/Door- You will be paying literally double.
Brick and Mortar is out for LAWL just like when Katz had Nutrisystem back in the 80s.
Rita J Wilson