consumer fraud

On September 4, 2007 I agreed to begin treatment with the Natural Hair Growth Institute. Steve Bennis, founder and president, showed me photos and videos of clients whom he said that his treatment had worked for. As I was skeptical, he told me that he offered a full money back guarantee and assured me that if it didn't work, I would be fully refunded. So I signed a contractual agreement.

On initial consultation he took "before" photos of my hair as well as three more photos taken on separate occasions to show (potential) progress. Each time a photo was taken he informed me that he needed to see more progress. Also stating that he was not yet satisfied with my progress, but don't get discouraged as these things take time.

As I had paid in full I continued to finish out my treatment according to contracted guidelines.

After 7 months of treatment with no progress noted I insisted on seeing him for my final consultation as promised in the contract. At that time I told him I really did not see any �density� change in my hair and that there was no one more disappointed than I. He told me that he would pull my photos together and compare them.

I left the office with the understanding that he would call me in two days to set up a final consultation. On Friday March 28, I contacted him via his secretary to remind him that I was waiting for the final consultation phone call. After numerous attempts to contact him via phone, several e-mails from my personal computer and a certified letter he continues to avoid me at all levels.

At this point a breech of contract has occurred since he has not honored his promise to grant me a final consultation. And without the final consultation it is impossible to regain any compensation for the failed treatment. It is my impression that since he will not see me he agrees that the treatment did not work and is simply trying to get out of honoring his contractual agreement.

He has proven to be a con artist and will continue to lure other unsuspecting clients with the promise of a 100% money back guarantee. I am hoping that my coming forward with this information will prevent this from happening to others and will regain my lost investment.

Kindest Regards,

Shelley Lindsay

Comment On This

Dear Consumers Considering Investing a Significant amount of your life savings on Hair Growth systems:

Hair Loss is both a physically & emotionally stressful thing, so therefore, do not make any decision to participate in any program (usually in excess of $10K & the upwards of $15-20K) without sleeping on it.

In addition to that, research the group you are choosing to go with thoroughly as well as any complaints against that group. If after getting a written explanation of the money-back guarantee offered that you feel comfortable with, insist on paying with credit card. The above consumer was unfortunately completely unprotected because not only did they pay up front, but they paid with a check; that money was gone & there may have very well not been a guarantee.

Even if you have to pay a service fee, insist on paying with credit card; if the vendor says that you can't or does not easily say yes to this, be a huge skeptic. There is a reason they want you to pay in cash & that reason is the above consumer's story.

Also, fully exhaust all of your other resources before making such a huge investment. Were you fully committed to the Minoxidil hair loss systems? Did you have blood work done to test hormone levels? Did you work for several months with a dermatologist to address the issue (hair loss can be caused my a multitude of factors)? Did you try a great Hair Loss system out there (Nioxin) which also uses a 3-part shampoo, conditioner & treatment system, includes vitamins, follicle boosters, etc. Have you tried a $300 - $600 at-home laser treatments (most also offer money-back guarantees) first before shelling over so much money?

Unless you can answer yes to each of these questions & unless you have really done all of these things for at least a year, you have not really tried to address the problem in a more reasonable way nor have you exhausted your options. Also, beware of the picture & videos of consumers claiming success; often their hair is simply longer than it was before, it is being viewed at a different angle, or there is actually styling product holding the hair up to make it look like there is more of it (females, play especially close attention).

I hope this helps.