Power wristbands a dud, says ACCC

The makers of a controversial wristband have been ordered to offer full refunds on sales of their product, which they claim improves balance, flexibility and strength by working with the body's energy flow.

The consumer watchdog has delivered a crushing judgment on the popular Power Balance bands by declaring them to be no more beneficial than wearing a rubber band.

It has told the company to give customers their money back if they feel dudded by the sales pitch that the band tunes the body's energy frequency to an ideal 7.83 hertz.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Graeme Samuel said Power Balance Australia couldn't provide any scientific evidence to back up the claim.

"Consumers should be wary of other similar products on the market that make unsubstantiated claims, when they may be no more beneficial than a rubber band," he said in a statement.

"Suppliers of these types of products must ensure that they are not claiming supposed benefits when there is no supportive scientific evidence."

Power Balance bands originated in the United States and have since adorned the wrists of celebrities and sportspeople the world over.

In Australia it has been seen on members of the visiting English cricket team, the NRL's Benji Marshall, the AFL's Brendan Fevola, jockey Damien Oliver and dual world surfing champion Mick Fanning.

With even actor Russell Crowe an apparent fan, Mr Samuel said it was easy for Australians to be duped.

"When a product is heavily promoted, sold at major sporting stores, and worn by celebrities, consumers tend to give a certain legitimacy to the product and the representations being made," he said.

He warned retailers could face similar legal action if they continue to sell bands in the existing misleading packaging.

Power Balance has promised to remove the offending words from packaging and the band itself, and to publish "corrective advertising" to prevent more customers being conned.

Those seeking a refund have been advised to contact Power Balance.

23 Dec 2010

"Here be magic" - Yet another con job.

The ACCC needs another office to deal exclusively with 'con jobs', but that would be an unwanted expense to the government, which does NOT bring in the money like other made up taxes, and speeding fines.