Optavia is currently facing a class-action lawsuit in California alleging that the company engages in deceptive and unfair trade practices by enrolling consumers in automatic renewal programs without their consent.
The lawsuit alleges that Optavia uses “dark patterns” to trick consumers into enrolling in automatic renewal programs. Dark patterns are user interface designs that are intentionally designed to deceive or manipulate consumers into taking an action that they would not otherwise take.
For example, the lawsuit alleges that Optavia makes it difficult for consumers to cancel their automatic renewal subscriptions. Consumers must call Optavia customer service to cancel, and the company often makes it difficult to get through to a customer service representative.
The lawsuit also alleges that Optavia does not adequately disclose the terms and conditions of its automatic renewal programs. Consumers are often not aware that they are enrolling in an automatic renewal program until they receive their first bill.
The lawsuit seeks to represent all Optavia customers in California who have been enrolled in an automatic renewal program without their consent. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for their financial losses, as well as an injunction to prevent Optavia from continuing to engage in these deceptive and unfair trade practices.
Optavia has denied all of the allegations in the lawsuit. The company has stated that its automatic renewal programs are clearly disclosed to consumers, and that consumers have the ability to cancel their subscriptions at any time.
The lawsuit is still ongoing, and it is unclear how it will be resolved. However, the case has raised important questions about the use of dark patterns in the weight loss industry.
If the plaintiffs are successful, it could set a precedent that protects consumers from being tricked into enrolling in automatic renewal programs without their consent.
