Consumer Redressal

Complainant name: Rajashri Baruah Address: House No 4, Opp Premier Academy School, Kharghuli, Guwahati-781004, Assam, India Complaint against: VLCC Health Care Limited, Ambari centre, Guwahati- 781001 Address: VLCC Health Care Limited, Agni Shanti Business Park, Gnb Road, Ambari, Opp- AgpOffice, Guwahati, 781001, GST#: 18AAACC4808P1ZC, State Code: 18, POS: Assam Program: VLCC Metabiome Weight Loss & Body Contouring Three Months Program Total Price: 39,332.94 [35000 (Via debit card Auto Pay- Marked as paid on invoice) 4333 (To be paid in cash or credit)] Booking No: GUW025921 . On April 14th, I was lured into a deceptive and high-pressure sales tactic at VLCC. I went in for a free consultation about a weight loss program advertised on social media, I, like many others, struggle with weight management and was hopeful about their program. During the consultation, the consultant seemed rushed and pressured. While explaining my health concerns, including PCOD, I felt vulnerable. Unfortunately, the consultant used this information to push a very expensive program (?35,000) called the "VLCC Metabiome Weight Loss & Body Contouring Three Months Program." My main concern was understanding the program's details, safety measures, and scientific basis. However, there were no brochures or written materials available. The consultant simply claimed it was a "proven method" with limited information. I requested a leaflet to review with my doctor and family before making such a significant financial decision. The consultant refused, insisting on immediate enrollment and using scare tactics such as, "You will never lose weight like this. You need this program and if you delay another day you will not find this exclusive offer anywhere." Feeling overwhelmed and confused, especially about finances, I expressed my limitations of only being able to afford ?10,000. The consultant assured me of easy monthly installments through an auto-pay service on my debit card. This further pressured me into a quick decision without proper understanding. Throughout the process, the consultant's demeanor became intimidating. She took control over my phone, accessed my bank details and completed the enrollment process herself, leaving me feeling very uncomfortable. Only after signing up did I receive an invoice mentioning a ?4333 additional charge and automatic deductions of ?2400-2900 every month. Upon consulting with my doctor and family, I discovered concerning reviews about VLCC weight loss programs, including allergies and burns. Alarmed, I immediately contacted the consultant (Sushmita) to cancel the program on ethical grounds. Shockingly, I was informed it was "non-cancellable and non-refundable." There was no mention of this policy during the consultation. Subsequent attempts to cancel with VLCC customer care and consultant Janu Gohain were met with resistance. Janu even resorted to intimidation tactics, threatening legal action if I didn't pay. The situation worsened when I discovered a loan applied for in my name through SaveIn Money to cover the program cost! I never applied for a loan nor consented to such action by VLCC. There was no mention of a loan in the invoice either. This entire experience has caused immense emotional distress. I am requesting immediate action: 1) Cancel the VLCC program and loan entirely. 2) Repay the loan amount to SaveIn, as I never received the program services. 3) Hold VLCC accountable for their deceptive and unethical practices. VLCC's actions have caused significant financial and emotional burden. I urge you to take a firm stance against such predatory business tactics and ensure consumer protection.