A TikTok user made accusations of deceit against Ideal Image in a video that has won over viral attention.
The video, which made its mark on the internet on Feb. 22, features TikTok user @tineefarinee recounting her encounter with a cosmetic therapy chain she came across via another TikTok influencer.
The user begins her video by stating, “I got trapped by the machinations of an influencer. I trusted this influencer as she appeared quite authentic and I thought she wouldn’t deceive, and hence when she advertised about a beauty care service chain spread all across America, I thought, why not trust her?”
@tineefarinee Tale of the scam Pt. 1 #storytime #influencers #fyp ♬ original sound – tineefarinee
The TikTok user initially showed interest in laser hair removal but was persuaded by the pricey package to opt for a different yet affordable and effective treatment, she alleges.
The user further explains how she was swayed to agree to “recurring payments” which later turned out to be a loan advanced by a third-party health finance firm. “She sent me a link to set up the payments. That redirected me to a couple more links, and before I knew it, I was applying for a loan, not even realizing it,” she added.
Despite her initial hesitations and uncertainties, she decided to proceed with the loan and initiated her treatments. After undergoing four treatments, she claims to have seen no substantial results, despite assurances from staff members. She alleges encountering aggressive marketing strategies and was urged to continue with the treatments, irrespective of her dissatisfaction.
@tineefarinee Scam Storytime Pt. 2 #storytime #influencers #fyp ♬ original sound – tineefarinee
For her fifth treatment, she switched to a different location, where she met a staff member who purportedly attempted to encourage her to buy six additional treatments. Once the treatment concluded, she was allegedly offered a “limited time” 40% discount on her coming six treatments by the receptionist, leading her to believe that she had been conned.
“And I was like, hold on, I certainly do not wish to undergo six more treatments. Are you kidding me? I have already invested so much in the first six treatments. They didn’t yield any significant results,” the TikTok user expressed in the video.
Since its upload, the video has garnered more than 7 million views, prompting a slew of responses from others who assert to have had analogous encounters with Ideal Image.
“I was conned by Ideal Image too,” one commenter added.
Another participant pitched in, stating, “Ideal Image quoted me $3500 while I got the same treatment somewhere else for just $1100”
“I was briefly employed at Ideal Image. It’s authentic, but essentially it’s a sales-oriented company,” a third commenter revealed.
The Daily Dot reached out to @tineefarinee via a TikTok comment and emailed Ideal Image, seeking their comments on the issue.
*Originally Published: Mar 2, 2024, 10:00 pm CST
Vladimir Supica
Vladimir Supica, based in Serbia, is a contract writer for the Daily Dot. He appreciates journeying around Europe, delving into non-fiction books, and spending time with his pet, Max.
