CLEVELAND -- The Acai Berry and supplements exploded in popularity after being seen on Oprah and Rachael Ray. Free trial offers for the antioxidant-rich berry have popped up everywhere, but buyer beware.

Joan Baxter took the bait, after struggling with her weight for years.

"It was the answer to my prayers I thought," said Baxter.

But instead, it turned out to be a costly headache.

Baxter went online and ordered a free 15-day trial of Acai Advanced and another dietary supplement. She gave them her credit card number for the shipping & handling charges. What arrived in the mail was a 30 day supply.

She didn't think about it again until she checked her bank statement earlier came. Baxter said, "I noticed these charges on my Visa that I was not familiar with."

For Acai Advanced, it cost $64.95 and $59.95 for the other supplement. She was charged because she did not cancel before the end of the 15-day trial and did not return the rest of the pills.

Fifteen days is not a lot of time for people to see results.

In fact, in tiny print when you order on the Web site reads, "remember, most customers see noticeable results by using Acai Advance consistently for three months."

That fine print also explained the other $25 charge on Baxter's bill with the free trial. It said you're also agreeing to the 20-day bonus trial for "Live Lean for Life." Don't cancel that within 20 days, and you pay. Baxter said, "I was livid and I was embarrassed."

Thousands of other people around the country have complained to the Better Business Bureau about Acai free trial offers.

Some, like Baxter, didn't realize, despite the fine print, that they needed to cancel. Others didn't even get the pills until after the trial period ended. Some, got extra supplements they say never ordered. And some, like Beverly Milne, got the run-around when they tried to cancel, and were charged after they did.

Milne's free trial of Acai pure ended up costing her $88. The BBB has more than 2,000 complaints against the company that sells Acai-Pure, Central Coast Pharmaceuticals, and the Florida Attorney General is now investigating them.

Connecticut's Attorney General is now investigating a number of these companies not only for their marketing practices, but their unsubstantiated health claims. The Center for Science in the Public Interest said, "There's no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Acai pills will help shed pounds, flatten tummies, cleanse colons, enhance sexual desire or perform any other commonly advertised functions."

But the pictures of Oprah or Rachel Ray on some of the sites do a good job of luring people in.

Tim Burns with the BBB said, "What's important to understand is that if you see an ad with a celebrity endorsement, do a little bit more research."

In fact, Oprah's Web site says, "Consumers should be aware that Oprah Winfrey is not associated with nor does she endorse any Acai berry product, company or online solicitation of such products. Attorneys for Harpo are pursuing companies that claim such an affiliation.

The free trial ultimately cost Joan $160. As for getting back to her fighting weight, Joan says, there is no magic pill. NewsChannel5's sister station, WXYZ, called and e-mailed both Central Coast Pharmaceuticals and the maker of Acai-Advanced, but got no response. For trial offers, customers typically have to opt out before the end of the trial period or are likely charged.

For more information visit: Center For Science in the Public Interest Oprah Connecticut Attorney General's Office