« Previous post | Home | Next post »
HeightMax and similar "scams"
***UPDATED 12/12/06. SCROLL FOR UPDATE***
I usually focus on identity theft and financial account fraud. But I couldn't help but hear about HeightMax, yet another consumer supplement product. Seth Godin, a prominent blogger, posted about it today. There's nothing new here, people have been hawking "snake-oil" type miracle cures and fixes for, I would guess, centuries. In recent times, I'm sure we've all heard of Focus Factor. It's a supplement (a pill) that's supposed to help you think clearer, focus better, etc. Yep, they got in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission.
HeightMax' claim to fame is that its mix of vitamins, minerals and whatever else will help you grow taller. Once again, if it sounds too good to be true, and you have to pay for it, it usually is. When do products like HeightMax cross the line into unlawful claims? That's usually for the Federal Trade Commission to decide, which they only do when enough people complain. But HeightMax does shows ScamSafe's 4 signs of a scam:
(1) Questionable testimonials. Lots of people on their web site or brochure claim it's a great product but you can't possibly find out who they are. HeightMax says it's founder is William Thompson, PhD. Who is he? I did a Google search on "William Thompson" and got 345,000 results. Think it's a coincidence they chose such a common name?
(2) Tough to reach. Most scams make it impossible to reach them easily and usually hide their address. Often you don't find a telephone number or mangement's names on the web site. (Be warned though, lots of the top scammers use fake phone numbers and fake names to appear legit).
(3) Claims that are remarkable but truly impossible to back up. Super low interest rates, no fees, or a pill that will make you grow are just a few examples.
(4) SOMETHING THAT PROVIDES EASY RESULTS. Want to get respect, lots of dates, or beat up the bully? Take a pill and...grow tall. It's easy. So people pay the $59 for a bottle of HeightMax. The real winners in life had to work hard (although they usually make it look easy). Please be careful everyone. Believe it or not, it's super easy for a bad person to set up a business that takes advantage of people. And usually it's hard for them to get caught or punished. They know the system.
********** Update: The FTC has nailed the scammer behind Heightmax.
Category: FRAUD ALERTS
Posted on January 4, 2006 at 09:24 AM | Permalink
Comments
hi does any1 know is http://www.growtallerok.com/ actually work and if it is a scam. thanks
Posted by: umar at May 29, 2011 5:05:44 PM
A “New product in the market” named Peak Height from a company similar to Height Max located in the United States in Omaha, Nebraska claims its mixture of “herbal vitamins”, “minerals” and God knows what else will help your child to grow taller 3 inches or more.
We became aware of this supplement thanks to a google search and many online customer complaints, we have visited peakheightonline.com to see how the marketers of this product would back up their claims.
After I did my own reasearch on the matter, I found out they offer a 1 year guarantee that is impossible cause everyone knows that paypal and other credit card company don't bother for refund matters after 3 months.
I called them at (1-888-982-5566) and, I asked for the name of the doctor on the picture that is claimed to be a real medical doctor. They told me that the doctor was on vacation for a month, try calling them yourself to see. The Picture of the doctor they have is bought online at 75 cents on this website here look: http://www.fotolia.com
As you see the list of Peak height online false claims keeps growing taller. The next of Peak Height Online False claims is this one: Our product is from a FDA "approved" lab.
There is no such things as a A&N performance laboratory if you search in google, it is a false lab made up by the Height Max copycats Peak Height Online Scammers are really believing that people will not react to all those outrageous claims. That proves even more how Peak Height Online takes advantage of people in the US by making such claims.
What is a FDA approved lab? It is something that does not exist; because Peak Height Online tricks you into believing that just like Heightmax did!
Do you really want to know what Peak Height gives to your childrens? Is it really safe?
Peak Height Has a list of very basic components that are randomly found at the local drugstore for less then 5,00 $ US.Arginine
Zinc, Ornithine, Calcium, Carbonate, Vitamin D Cholecalciferol, Vitamin B, Dl-alpha, ect
Did you know overdosage of pills in form of natural supplements to grow taller sold by Peak Height Online could have unknown dangerous or hazardeous effects? like headicks , nausea , diarea , vomitting. Plus , other unknown long term effects.
I advise People to do not give in to those "criminals in a white suit" by Contacting the FTC or other relevant authorities to address a complain. Here is the Info for the FTC:
Contact The Federal Trade Commission
Under FTC Order for False and Unsubstantiated Claims About Dietary Supplements.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/04/sunnyhealth.shtm
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue. N.W
Mail Drop NJ-2120
Washington, D.C 20580
Posted by: antony at Feb 3, 2011 11:41:42 AM
what is the best product then, for growing taller?
Posted by: asad at Apr 7, 2010 8:10:52 AM
REPLY TO:
Posted by: Mr "c" at Mar 19, 2007 11:59:43 AM
Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows whether this non profit organization still exists? Called heightguide.com.
Thanks
--------
Yes heightguide.com still exists .. people tried to take them down but ...
Posted by: Marcle at Feb 16, 2009 3:44:56 PM
I have read all of them. Some people are serious users of products but those who are providing website address seems to be like testimonials and the product sellers are playing it all. lol.
Be careful friends
Posted by: Naveen at Feb 8, 2009 11:16:43 AM
Hi! I've been in the process of finding a height increasing product that actually works and is legitimate. I tried KIMI and what a load of crap that was. I was 18 when I bought that and then when I was 19 I bought a stretch program but also turned out to be a flop! So I'm asking you, I'm not looking for anything that'll make me 6'10 or anything. I'm 21 5'10 1/2 and want to be anywhere from 6'0 feet to 6'2. Please! I'd greatly ppreciate it.
Posted by: Jose at Dec 11, 2008 4:59:54 PM
Hi! I've been in the process of finding a height increasing product that actually works and is legitimate. I tried KIMI and what a load of crap that was. I was 18 when I bought that and then when I was 19 I bought a stretch program but also turned out to be a flop! So I'm asking you, I'm not looking for anything that'll make me 6'10 or anything. I'm 21 5'10 1/2 and want to be anywhere from 6'0 feet to 6'2. Please! I'd greatly ppreciate it.
Posted by: Jose at Dec 11, 2008 4:59:37 PM
anyone have alredy order and get it in your homes?
i afraid i pay and dont receive mine order..
or..
geting my money like hapned to that guy =/
can anyon answer me
add in mine menssenger
Posted by: degor at Oct 22, 2008 5:49:59 PM
Guys all of them aren't scam cause I bought Growth-Flex from www.pelkinlab.com and I was afraid so right away I asked for a refund and lost lots of time but my brother ordered 4 months supply and it worked 2 inches on him tho he wasn't taking it properly so I said damn I shouldn't have listened to all those scam stuff and shit because I think they have 3 months money back guarantee all I lose is shipping money from my pocket witch isn't so bad to try something expensive. So yeah I gave it a try and it worked for me 3 inches not 4 like they say but 3 and I worked hard for it never missed a pill. and there is growthflexpro.com or growthflex-pro.com also where you can order it's the same.
ciao
Posted by: PCMTech at Sep 29, 2008 11:47:52 AM
Hey everybody, here's the real deal. Please try this product for at least 8 months and tell me what happen after that. It's name is Growth Booster Plus go to their website and order : growtall.com
this is the real deal I've tried it myself.
Happy growing !!!
Posted by: Sean Philips at Jul 29, 2008 9:49:38 PM
So after reading some about this HeightMax site about a year ago, I signed up for the e-mail updates and spoke with some friends about it. I do not often make hasty decision when $$ is involved and had not decided I wanted to be taller (only kinda, I like fitting in dryers and under beds...), but I never forgot the "claims" of HeightMax.
Looked up HeightMax today and was blown away by the further investigations into their apparent fraud. Another too good to be true claim.
AND
What got me PISSED was that my search brought up a HeightMax site from Mexico!? (http://www.heightmax.com.mx/) Now I wanna punch this crafty freak. I read Spanish, so what do you know...exact same testimonies and William Thomson "expert" as the shut down website in English that I read a year ago.
Sent some emails to notify others and mentioned this on Wikipedia, but Mexico may have to be the one to prosecute if this guy is no longer operating in the States. Those who can help, especially those with any Spanish ability or Hispanic friends, send the word out.
Oh, the love of money...
B
Posted by: Brandon J Chapman at Dec 20, 2007 11:00:37 PM
I was reading everyone's comments and I just wanted to mention that the "bright yellow urine" mentioned by one of the complainers who didn't finish taking their pills is a result of your body explending unused nutrients. This is usually the result of someone taking a natural supplement. Just thought I would let everyone know.
Posted by: Niki at Oct 17, 2007 2:38:11 PM
I used Heightmax back in 2000 but could not finish the first bottle of pills. I started to get really depressed almost to the point where I wanted to commit suicide. I started to think differently. It was really strange and I totally attribute this to Heightmax pills. Some chemical in those pills will fuck with your brain. I guess I was naive back then and would fall for anything.
Posted by: Kyle at Aug 29, 2007 11:30:22 AM
So, I payed like $60.- dollars and I got a check for only $39.68 ?????
Where is the rest ?????
Posted by: Hugo Contreras at Jul 10, 2007 5:15:45 PM
hola me llamo gustavo tengo 20años y quisera saber si el heightmax realmente funciona ya q yo mido 1.75 y quisera medir 1.80 quiero saber si realmente funciona quiero que se contacte conmigo la personas q pueden darme una opinion seria sobre este [email protected]
Posted by: heightmax at Jul 9, 2007 10:26:29 PM
My daughter, age 23, used HeightMax for four months and grew one and a half inches. It had a positive effect on her and I wish that I could buy more. Though it doesn't work for everyone, it did for her. There are no guarantees for anyone...it was a chance that we took when we paid for the product.
Posted by: Sylvie at Jun 8, 2007 9:26:49 PM
you know what this is ridiculous that there are so many trifalin people out there who wanna scam one another. i am glad i didnt buy that load of crap because these so called specialist s are full of it. i don't show no sempathy [throw all of them in jail. shoot!gettin my temper up!
Posted by: chris at Apr 27, 2007 9:44:21 AM
I bought a pair of insoles called "kimi" that were supposed to help my daughter get taller and I am telling everyone they don't work.we should get these people too
Posted by: amal at Mar 27, 2007 8:15:29 PM
its a scam for sure, i bought a bottle of that mess back in 05 and it did have side affects form feeling a little floaty to the bright yellow urine i can say this stuff was a bunch a crap, when i recieved the shipment it had this letter very informal with no professional letter head, it was just a printed piece of paper like from a home computer with a lot of mis types, will never be fooled again, just eat right and be active getting tall is over rated
Posted by: Mr "c" at Mar 19, 2007 11:59:43 AM
Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows whether this non profit organization still exists? Called heightguide.com.
Thanks
Posted by: Dee at Mar 8, 2007 2:45:59 AM
i m frm london i bought height max 6 months ago nd i payd $60 somthin.. nd i took de tablet for atleast a month den i kinda got side effect i cudn't concentrate nd i keep on avin problem breathin... i took dose tablet to de dr nd dey said its de side effects nd it DON'T HELP ME GET TALLER..i was really pissed..bt now i c every1 ave been deceived it pisses me off even more..we need to take action abt dis...nd aware people not to purchase dese sort of things..
thanks every1
'j'
Posted by: j at Mar 5, 2007 4:18:24 AM
Please, please can someone help me? I spent hundreds of dollars on this product before i found out it's too late. I was stupid enough to give them my credit card, and I already paid off all my statements. I really want to get my money back, is there any way I can do it? Please help
And, does anyone know of the side affects? I used the product for a year, i'm so stupid, can someone tell me what the side affects are of taking the product that long.
Posted by: Ryan at Feb 22, 2007 9:18:55 PM
If Heightmax doesn't work, can you guys check about Heightomax? The website is www.gettall.com
I am interested but just want to know whether it does work..
Thanks ! in advance...
Posted by: Arie at Feb 22, 2007 7:53:59 PM
If Heightmax doesn't work, can you guys check about Heightomax? The website is www.gettall.com
I am interested but just want to know whether it does work..
Thanks ! in advance...
Posted by: Arie at Feb 22, 2007 7:52:09 PM
I just came across your web site and I want to say how appreciative I am to see people like yourself that help people like myself being prevented from spending money on scam and bring crooks and scammers to justice. I already reported them to another non for profit organization and they have brought down many scammers that operate from Canada.
http://www.heightguide.com
You can read about them and see for yourself. They have helped me get my refund back from B-Growth and HeightFix and an investigation was done by them which finally put those businesses out of service and the owners were brought to justice. Thanks to heightguide.com
cheers,
Short Guy
Posted by: Short Guy at Feb 5, 2007 7:47:26 AM
I purchased two rounds of Heightmax in 2006 and it had no positive effects on my son's height. Thank you for creating this blog...dan.
Posted by: Dang at Jan 14, 2007 4:34:38 PM
NEED SOME HELP !!!!!!!
IVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET MY MONEY BACK FROM THEM I ORDER IT TWICE FOR MY SON THEN NOTICE THAT WITH PAYPAL ACC THAT I HAD TO SET UP THEY WERE STILL TAKING OUT 63.99 EVERY MONTH .CALL MY BANK THEY SAID I HAD TO CALL PAYPAL THEN PAYPAL SAID I HAD 2 CALL HEIGHTMAX SO NOW 4 MONTHS LATER STILL NO ANSWER FROM THEM AND THEY KEEP ON TAKING OUT 63.99 PLEASE IN NEED SOME HELP WHAT SHOULD I DO THEY ARE TAKING BLOOD FROM ME.
--------------------
hi. i am the editor of scamsafe.com.
If you think an unauthorized payment has been sent from your account, you can file an unauthorized activity claim at PayPal.com. You should also cancel any connection from PayPal to your checking or credit cards. If the paypal money was being charged to your credit card, call the credit card company and tell them you are a fraud victim and to "charge back" against paypal the 4 months of fraudulent payment. if the mney Was being pulled from your checking or savings account, that's a little more difficult. call your bank and ask to speak with a fraud investigator, tell them you are a victim of unauthorized transactions. but your protections are limited in that case.
--tom
Posted by: ROSEMARIE J at Dec 13, 2006 12:17:08 PM
Ordered your produce over the internet using our debit card. "WPI*IFRIENDS" got a hold of our account number and are making fraudulent charges on our debit card. HEIGHTMAX is the only time we used the account over the internet. If you people are involved, hope you go to jail for a long time.
Posted by: bill mckinley at Dec 9, 2006 2:52:12 PM
THis is crap I just bought some pills and it hasn't even came in the mail so it took my 63.99 now i don't even know that I will get my money back. Man that makes me really mad i just wish i read this profile befor i bought the stupid thing no money no pills. Could i sue them?
Posted by: Syed mohammedali Raza at Nov 28, 2006 5:03:27 AM
wow I was so close to getting this because I'm so short for my age. I'm really dissapointed to hear it was a scam. Oh well I guess it was to good to be true.
Posted by: Frederick at Nov 21, 2006 7:58:31 PM
I was just about to try this product hoping 4 one extra inche & i stumble into this page, I'm so glad I take a while before I decide. I just saved me some money, the sites are down anyway.lol. I have a shorty friend that bought it. Nope, it didn't work! Buahahahahaah!! he told me he gain an inch... he was lying though. thank u guys
Posted by: Elijah at Nov 20, 2006 12:29:08 PM
this info just opened up my eyes! i was looking atthe height max web site at this moment but i wanted to do more research first.im 29 /dominican from nyc.. i have a son whos 11 and i just wantthe best for him i want him to grow tall and i want to grow taller myself..is there anything at all that can help make that happen for me or my son?
Posted by: shirley at Oct 3, 2006 10:51:30 PM
I used this and got stomach sick in the morning after breakfast. I did a research on the company and finally this site came up. I was gonna give Heightmax a second chance, but this time I'm gonna save my money instead. Thanks everyone for posting!
Posted by: Yen at Sep 21, 2006 4:57:36 PM
heightmax is a product that is undefined yet, and the main reason of that is that the nutrition is not written by details on the bottle it self or even at the heightmax makers site, so it might have some bad side effects that might appear in the long run, and one of the most thing that is suspicious is that the product is not even approved by the BBB.
Posted by: Abdulla at Sep 13, 2006 4:38:04 AM
my friend actually got these...and they do NOT work. They give ugly side effects as well...atleast for him.
Posted by: John Baker at Aug 5, 2006 9:29:41 PM
look that
http://www.wfts.com/stories/2006/05/060515heightmax.shtml
Posted by: Rob at Jun 21, 2006 6:42:56 PM
I just watched a report on channel 7 abc news about heightmax. They interviewed a mother who's son has been taking heightmax with no results. The reporter actually went to Mr. Sunny Sia's house repeatedly before finally getting ahold of him. He claims that he bought the formula from a doctor. The reporter asks him for the name of the doctor, and he's speachless for a minute and says that he forgot the name of the doctor. lol. It's very sad that he's making thousands of dollars off of people who are desperate to find a solution to increasing height. He should be stopped if not jailed.
Posted by: anthony at May 14, 2006 11:26:55 PM
I was just about to pay for some very expensive "HeightMax" product using PayPal when just for fun I tried dialing the "Customer Service Phone" number (571-243-2325) listed by PayPal.com in their "Verified Business Member" information for Sunny Health Nutrition Technology & Products, Inc. (the HeightMax company name). I got a recorded message from Verizon Wireless that "the number you have reached is not in service." So not only is this company's supposed customer service phone number a CELL PHONE number, it's out of service to boot!
I think I just saved over $60 on a bottle vitamin pills.
Posted by: Eric at Mar 9, 2006 9:07:44 AM
This page is ol sunny mlm style franchise setup
http://www.shntech.com/distribute.html
Indeed sounds fishy to me
Posted by: Nguyen at Feb 15, 2006 5:15:23 PM
A positive article came up in Newsweek (cant read it now but did read it when it was active).
Doesnt that mean it might be actually effective
im concernend cause i did buy some of the pills some time while back but didnt use it and wanted to get some new ones. But i just thought I'll google it cause I was always suspicious untill I got the Newsweek article.
But as I couldnt get the Newsweek article this time, I thought I'll look around...
After looking here things look bad
Posted by: S at Jan 29, 2006 12:32:32 PM
LET ME OFFER YOU
MR. SUNNY SIA-PRESIDENT OF HEIGHTMAX
PH #703-392-8505
AND THIS SITE THAT REALLY TELLS YOU WHAT A SNAKE THIS GUY IS
http://www.dc.bbb.org/report.html?compid=W7003694
MORE INFO WILL BE FORTH COMING ON MY BLOG
http://medicalcrapery.blogspot.com/
Posted by: micheal at Jan 21, 2006 8:48:54 AM
Well its time to go to work again. The sooner this scam is exposed the better for the hapless people who will not take the time-DUE DILIGENCE, and save themselves some $ that could be spent on medical research or more jails for the cons,thieves and rodents that steal from the"short". Start by contacting all agencys that deal with scams. Better Business Bureaus,attorney generals in the state they work out of. We need owners or officers names. Better yet get their home address's. We will do the rest contact me at [email protected]
Posted by: pete at Jan 14, 2006 7:09:14 PM
If you go to Heightmax's address, 8519 Artillery Road, Manassas, VA, on Google Earth you come up with a satellite picture of a residence.
Public records show it is a single family residence.
Posted by: matt girrard at Jan 11, 2006 12:51:11 PM