I recently had an experience that I am slightly embarrassed to admit, but I feel that it is important for people to know about. Here is your Buyer Beware moment of the day. Recently I had heard a fabulous podcast from what I thought was a credible and educated source. I listened to a significant number of her podcasts and started to follow her on social media. She was an enthusiastic, confident speaker. I liked what she had to say, and it seemed to make sense. This person presented herself as an expert on nutrition for women. So, after some time of listening to her podcast I decided to sign up for one of her programs. It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t a fortune. If it had been the latter, I think I would be even more upset.
After starting her program, I began to see a multitude of problems. It was only then that I started to dig deeper into her credentials and her reputation. She didn’t have a degree in nutrition and was not a dietician. I should have known there was a problem before I signed up because she only listed her credentials as a MSc on her website. She didn’t indicate what it was in, and I wasn’t told before signing up that it was in Kinesiology not nutrition. She claimed that she was a women’s nutrition coach. Her program was harmful to women in so many ways and I couldn’t participate in something that would hurt women. I asked for my money back and she refunded me a portion of what I had paid.
Lessons Learned
- Anyone and everyone can have a podcast or a YouTube channel. They can make claims about what they do and what their program will provide without any training or real credentials. It can be packaged to look very pretty and can sound like they really care. In fact, this person was giving away lots of information for free, but I don’t believe it was reliable or based in any kind of science.
- Credentials matter. Do your research. Read reviews. If there are very few reviews that is a red flag. If all of the reviews are negative that is another red flag.
- Ask questions. If I had asked specifically what her credentials were and what the program consisted of, I wouldn’t have participated. Ask if the person is part of a regulatory body or college. Ask if there is a regulatory body for that occupation. Ask how long the program has been in existence. Ask if there is any client feedback to read. Ask what the refund policy is if you are dissatisfied with the program or product.
- If you know someone in the field ask them what they think about the information or the person’s credentials.
- If you are looking for a particular service ask friends and family if they know someone local that might be able to help.
This person targeted women. Women like you and me. Women that want to feel and look better. You know the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it likely is.” Buyer Beware.
This PSA is brought to you by someone who was too trusting but has learned her lesson. More tips on safe online shopping.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.