FTC taking action against acai pill free trials

CHICAGO -- The Federal Trade Commission claims an Arizona company defrauded consumers who signed up for free trials of acai berry weight-loss pills and colon cleansing supplements.

The agency announced Monday in Chicago it has filed a lawsuit against Phoenix-based Central Coast Nutraceuticals.

The FTC claims the company used false endorsements from Oprah Winfrey and celebrity cook Rachael Ray. The FTC says the products don't work for weight loss or to prevent cancer as claimed in online advertising.

Rhonda Wooten is a 48-year-old preschool teacher from Paxton in east-central Illinois. She says she received shipments she didn't want and lost at least $150 trying to get a refund.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court Aug. 5. Phone and e-mail messages left for the company were not immediately returned.