There are hundreds, even thousands of products on the market that promise to cure almost everything and guarantee almost immediate results, however, there is no scientific study to prove it.
For centuries, there have been health fraud scams that take advantage of people’s desperation to find a miraculous cure for complicated diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, sexual performance, weight loss, COVID-19, among other health problems.
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To carry out these frauds, they are helped by marketing tactics to hook buyers using false statements such as those listed by the Federal Trade Commission:
They declare that one product does it all and cures a wide variety of diseases.
Example: “A proven product to treat rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, impotence, ulcers, cancer, heart problems, hardening of the arteries and more!”
They use undocumented testimonials from patients or doctors.
Example: “My husband has Alzheimer’s. He started taking one tablespoon of this product per day. And now, in just 22 days, he’s mowed the lawn, cleaned out the garage, weeded the flower beds, and we’re back on our morning walk.”
They guarantee that you will get results in 30 days or your money back.
Example: “If your pain doesn’t stop after 30 days, we’ll refund your check uncashed.”
They declare that it is a special product that will cure your ailment.
Example: They may use misleading phrases such as “scientific discovery”, “miracle cure”, “secret ingredient”, “proprietary product” or “ancient remedy” that give a false impression or are simply false.
They say you must act immediately or the offer ends.
Example: “Hurry up. This offer will not last long. Place your order now.”
They use bogus terms that sound scientific.
Example: They use terms like “molecular multiplicity”, “glucose metabolism”, “thermogenesis”, “insulin receptor sites”, “Nobel Prize-winning technology” or “developed by two Nobel Prize winners”.
Most common scams
According to this commission, the most common scams have to do with supposed cures of the Alzheimer’s, dementia Y Loss of memory, addiction treatments, anti-aging products, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain Y diabetes.
This is despite the fact that dietary supplements, such as herbal, vitamin and mineral blends, have not been scientifically proven to facilitate withdrawal or treat addictions.
Furthermore, Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss are ailments for which science has not discovered a cure. Also, despite claims about pills and treatments, There is nothing you can buy that can effectively slow or reverse the aging process..
On the other hand, there is no device, remedy or treatment that is effective in treating all types of cancer.
How to avoid fraud in health products?
Before buying a health product or service, you can follow the following steps and thereby avoid fraud:
Research the product. Look online for the name of the treatment or product next to the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” Talk to your doctor or doctor about the effectiveness of the productYou can ask Is this product or treatment really effective? What scientific evidence is there?, Are you familiar with this brand? What are the side effects? and Is it safe to take, what is the correct dose?
Do not trust treatments or products with guarantees or promises regarding your health, better check with a health professional.
Natural is not equal to safe or better.
On the internet there are reliable sources of information about diseases and their treatments such as MedlinePlus.gov, Healthfinder.gov and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
The blacklist
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) usually issues health alerts of products that represent a risk to the health of the Mexican consumer.
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As of March 2022, COFEPRIS has a total of 94 alerts regarding medicines, 6 regarding food, 37 for health services, 41 for food supplements, 10 for tobacco, 4 for alcoholic beverages, 22 for products such as cosmetics, products, medical devices, among others and 14 for misleading advertising.
We want to say thanks to the author of this article for this outstanding content
What are the most common scams when buying health products?