Report fraudulent weight loss product claims to Many of these products are for weight loss and bodybuilding. The FDA has found tainted weight loss products. For example, they create so-called “news” reports about how an ingredient — like garcinia cambogia or gonji — found in a diet pill is supposedly effective for weight loss. In April and December of 2022, respectively, the FDA determined that semaglutide and tirzepatide were in short supply, opening the floodgates for compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to manufacture, distribute and market copies, typically sold through telehealth companies, medical spas and wellness centers. For this article, CNBC found more than a dozen TikTok accounts that appeared to be selling GLP-1s in violation of its policies, including @ozempic_weightloss, @sema.irel and @semaglutideandtr. "The social media platforms are the new street corners for drug dealers, and they move from place to place," Galvin said. Many instruct interested buyers to direct message them or send links to Telegram and other dark websites that encrypt content and provide anonymity. "We strictly prohibit the trade of drugs, and we do not allow attempts to defraud or scam members of our community," the spokesperson said. Under federal law, no one can promote dietary supplements for the treatment of a disease. Taking medicine as needed, getting diabetes self-management education and support, and keeping health care appointments can also help lessen the impact of diabetes on your life. Despite claims about pills and treatments leading to the fountain of youth, there’s nothing you can buy that has been proven to slow or reverse the aging process. They can be addictive and dangerous to your health. The BBB recommends taking the following steps to avoid falling for weight loss product scams. Although the promise of rapid weight loss is appealing, it’s important to recognize when you’re hearing or seeing claims that are too good to be true. Weight loss product scams typically begin with ads on social media sites, as well as on TV and print publications. If she isn't posting about it herself, it is not real. If it's a long, garbled address and not the actual website, it's a scam. Real science is published, not whispered in a shady online ad. Seeing her face next to a product creates a mental shortcut, making us feel safe and bypassing our critical thinking. In its alert, the BBB outlined the most common type of scams consumers will encounter when searching for GLP-1 and other weight-loss drugs. Gold investing scams often have unrealistic promises of high returns with little risk, pressure to make quick decisions, and a lack of transparency about the investment or the company. Stock scams in the gold market often involve fake mining operations or pump-and-dump schemes. The internet and social media have also made it easier for scammers to reach a wider audience than ever before. These warning signs will stay your best defense against more convincing scams as fake ID technology advances. The truth is, there’s no magic product that can make you lose weight instantly. They might even show pictures of people who have supposedly lost a lot of weight using their product. The people selling these products use smart marketing tricks. These products, whether they are pills, creams, or patches, claim to help you shed pounds without changing your diet or exercising. These scams promise quick and easy results, often without needing to diet or exercise. To report the sender on WhatsApp, open up the chat, tap on the sender's contact details and select 'block and report'. You can report a WhatsApp message by selecting it in your conversation and tapping ‘report’. Another version of this scam features a message which warns of a video called 'Martinelli' installing malware to your device if opened. Real or Artificial Tree? Jenna and Scarlett Enter the Great Debate Between long workdays, missed meals, and not nearly enough hydration, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to IV therapy as a way to Thinking about weight loss medications? Not all patients respond to weight loss meds in the same way. We’ve seen cases of unexpected side effects, allergic reactions, and even hospitalizations caused by contaminated or improperly formulated products. However, the celebrities themselves and the networks have completely disavowed any ties to the mentioned diet pills.FraudsWatch is а site reporting on fraud and scammers on internet, in financial services and personal.But the truth behind some of those ads is surprising.Scammers leverage this, encouraging repeated purchases despite the product having no real effect.No-delivery ploys can exact a serious financial toll on victims, but "the more scary ones are where you do get a product and don't even know whether you can trust it or if it's a valid company," said Abhishek Karnik, director for threat research and response for cybersecurity firm McAfee.If a product lacks scientific backing, it’s likely ineffective or potentially harmful.Our minds often take shortcuts, known as cognitive biases, which scammers exploit.These products are not only a waste of money but a waste of time as well. If something sounds too good to be true — or too scary to be real — check whether it's backed by science. It comes from trustworthy sources like licensed doctors, public health experts or respected research centers. Reliable health information is based on scientific evidence. So how can you tell when a health article isn't being honest? Nutrient-Dense Sources Of Healthy Fats Following industry standards, real businesses tell you when they’re available and how quickly they’ll get back to you – usually within 24 hours by email. They have phone numbers that connect you to well-trained staff members, company email addresses that match their website, and real business locations. This targeted strategy differs from websites that claim excellence in many states at once. The “weight-loss program” will also require you to sign up for auto-billing and make it difficult or impossible for you to cancel your membership. Get confident about your personal finances with a number of articles, tips, advice and more. And find out the real cost of the equipment. Do not confuse these people with qualified health and fitness professionals who are out there to build a career by genuinely helping people gain control over their lives and health! These are people who come from the world of business and sales first and foremost, and see the obesity epidemic as a fantastic opportunity to make money. False information spreads at unprecedented rates (thanks social media). Plus, some of the companies selling these products use unethical sales tactics. Weight-loss Products: 7 Ways to Spot Diet Scams To give a good impression, these fake weight-loss products may contain very small quantities of effective, recognized ingredients such as acai, hoodia, and others. Many websites promise the best in order to sell their products, whether these are herbal remedies, creams or any other form of weight-loss medication. It’s leading to more scams involving vitamins, weight loss formulas, and supplements in the Capital City. For example, if a company claims its health product has been tested in the laboratory setting and has shown significant results, can it be genuine? All diet-related scams unearthed every year have one thing in common — they confuse readers with language. Analysis of various diet scams reveals that such companies hide their drawbacks behind a bulk of clinical data. How to Identify a Fad Diet or Weight Loss Scam Your health and finances deserve thoughtful decisions. Does the product promise effortless results? “Limited-time offers” push people to act fast, bypassing careful evaluation. A product promising rapid results can seem believable, even if evidence suggests otherwise. When someone is tired of dieting, such promises feel like a dream come true. Fad diets come and go like trending memes. Be concerned when the advertisements use words such as “breakthrough discovery,” “secret,” “exclusive” or “miraculous.” These words have no scientific meaning, but are words intended to grab your attention and convince you to purchase a product. If the article is pushing you to buy a product, it may be more about sales than science. If something claims to solve all your problems with one food, supplement or habit, be skeptical. They've helped protect millions of people from serious illness. People spend billions of dollars a year on products and treatments to try to improve their health and fitness. If you’re considering weight loss medications, the first thing you should ask isn’t “How much does it cost? This can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a loss of trust in what could otherwise be a powerful tool for weight loss. If you decide to buy exercise equipment for your home, first check out online reviews to see what other customers’ experiences have been. You also can look for reviews online from other clients to help you decide if you want to join that particular gym. If you decide to join a gym, make sure you know what you’re agreeing to. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The bank also predicts that ticket scams will be big in 2026 and found that more than 70% of purchase scams happen on Meta-owned platforms. Calling this number will likely connect you with a scammer intent on manipulating you into revealing your personal and financial information. A scam email which claims to be from NatWest tells you that there's been an 'unusual transaction' on your account. In consultation with experts, the FTC has come up with a list of seven representations – we call them “gut check” claims – that media outlets should think twice before running. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to spot every deceptive weight loss claim, but scientists have established that there are some statements that simply can’t be true. Submit a screenshot, paste suspicious content, or share a text or phone number, and we’ll tell you if it’s a scam or legit. Your report could help the FTC stop the scammers and help someone else avoid that scam. Dangerous supplements are often sold with false and misleading claims like "100% natural" and "safe." To recognize dangerous products, look for People who’ve taken these dangerous products have suffered serious health consequences, including strokes, acute liver injury, kidney failure, and pulmonary embolisms (artery blockage in the lung). Some companies market products and devices by claiming they treat chronic pain throughout the body, but without the scientific evidence to back up their claims. How to Stay Safe Against GLP-1 and Weight-Loss Scams When consumers tried to request a refund, the support email bounced back as non-deliverable, according to the BBB. One example cited by the BBB is a video purporting to show Oprah Winfrey promoting a natural "pink salt" weight-loss drink called Lipomax. To see if there are any prior complaints or lawsuits pending against a company or product, check with the local Better Business Bureau and governmental agencies like the Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume that a product that says it is FDA-approved is safe for you. Instead, research the product independently to see what others are saying about it. There is no pill that makes “pounds simply melt away.” Often these “magic pills” are strong laxatives, diuretics or caffeine pills that can cause serious health problems. Truthfully, the reason why the health and fitness industry has failed so miserably is that it has attracted a hoard of predatory leeches eager to feed off of your insecurities and sell you on false promises and quick fixes. Well, in the United States, nearly 75% of adults are either overweight or obese. You don’t need 20/20 vision to look around and see that obesity is on the rise, it’s a growing problem that’s only been getting worse over the years, and it seems like the industry most logically suited to turn back the tide has been an absolute failure (at best). Carefull is a new app-based service that organizes and protects the money of aging loved ones. Some have reported to the BBB Scam Tracker that they thought they were making a one-time purchase but discovered that they were being repeatedly billed for a subscription. In order to make the products more believable, these manufacturers go to any extent. These scammers use eye-catching phrases such as ‘clinically proven method for fat burning’, ‘laboratory tested’ etc. As you work towards your weight loss goals, keep in mind the tips and strategies shared in this article. It’s important to approach weight loss with patience and to adopt habits that you can maintain in the long run. CitrusBurn Ingredients Explained: How the Formula Supports Fat Burning "It's a scam. Run from any clinic that offers it," Dr. McGowan states emphatically about HCG treatments. This dangerous practice puts patients at risk and often leads to ineffective treatments. A post shared by True You Weight Loss (@trueyouweightloss) My friend hadn’t clicked on the Facebook page for this diet regimen, but the spam went on several of our walls with his name on it. "They took my image from my blog and pulled it to promote their product," Shadwell told TODAY. Positive CitrusBurn Reviews Suspicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.Do not assume that a product that says it is FDA-approved is safe for you.They know you’re looking for a quick fix, so they promise fast results with minimal effort.Seeing her face next to a product creates a mental shortcut, making us feel safe and bypassing our critical thinking.To learn more about vitamins and dietary supplements, visit the FDA’s pages on dietary supplements, buying medicines and medical products online, and health fraud.“I’ve already spent all this money on a posing suit, and paid this entry fee – so I’ll keep making myself miserable even though I hate it and know that I’m going to rebound like crazy as soon as the show is over.”And, sure, these drugs can have a positive affect for many people, but not all these cases of weight loss are real, nor are the people promoting them who they say they are.In order to make the products more believable, these manufacturers go to any extent. The FTC has stepped up against fake reviews with a new rule from October 2024. Fake testimonials have clear patterns that set them apart from real feedback. Customer testimonials build trust in online services. Red flags should go up if a fake ID website pushes you to use strange payment apps or direct bank transfers instead of regular payment processors. Also avoid websites that don’t have clear privacy policies about handling your information. When something doesn’t work, they assume it’s their body that’s the problem, not the medication itself. And it could be putting your health at serious risk. People thought they were getting real, doctor-approved treatments. And some aren’t even giving you real medication at all. Causes substantial weight loss no matter what or how much the consumer eats But it’s also that difficult for people trying to shed pounds. Meaningful weight loss requires taking in fewer calories than you use. Losing weight quickly and easily is the dream of anyone with extra pounds. Looking for health insurance? Please note that We Florida Financial is not responsible for the content presented on external websites. Several states, including California, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon and Washington, have statutes for the health club industry. Despite your best efforts, you may end up getting scammed by the gym. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if the website is legitimate, checking for any scams, fraud, or illegal activities. Be cautious of products and programs that claim to be universally effective and instead focus on finding a tailored approach that suits your unique needs and goals. Scammers often use these guarantees to create a false sense of security, making it difficult for consumers to get their money back. Instead, opt for a balanced and sustainable approach to weight loss that focuses on whole foods and regular exercise. These diets can be harmful to your health, leading to malnutrition and other health complications. Substantial weight loss can be suggested by reference to dress size, inches, or body fat. But as the examples illustrate, advertisers can convey that “substantial weight loss” message without using specific numbers. Of course, just because a claim in a weight loss ad isn't a "gut check" claim doesn’t mean it's legitimate. The message includes a link to redeem these points, which leads to a copycat EE website waiting to grab your personal data. The email also gives you a number to call if you didn't authorise this payment, which will put you straight through to a scammer who will try to get you to reveal personal information. Dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre. This link will lead to a dodgy site which will steal your personal data as you enter it in and use this to scam you now or in the future. Recipients of this scam text have also reported the text saying that a new card had been added to their Apple Pay account or Apple Wallet. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, unbelievable claims, and articles designed to look like news but hosted on a strange URL. Check for official confirmation on the celebrity's verified social media accounts. More importantly, you can report it to federal authorities who track these patterns. By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can protect yourself from falling into the trap of fat loss scams and focus on real, healthy weight loss methods.Real businesses get back to you when they say they will, but scammers often take forever or ignore you completely.He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else.Lately, however, the gold market has become a minefield of scams and traps, with fraudsters preying on the trust of honest investors.Protect your online pension account by choosing strong and unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.If you decide to buy exercise equipment for your home, first check out online reviews to see what other customers’ experiences have been.In recent years, the FDA has discovered hundreds of dietary supplements that contain potentially harmful drugs or other chemicals not listed on the product label.Here’s what to know about weight loss product scams and how to avoid them. If you’re less fortunate you’ll receive some dangerous concoction that could ruin your health. As usual the scammers try to hurry potential customers along by implying that their wonder cure is about to be sold out. She is also not affiliated with any of these scams, nor is Jodie Foster. This weight-loss scam focuses on a few countries and has dedicated pages for each language area. Weight loss scams are fraudulent schemes that prey on people’s desire to lose weight. To learn more about vitamins and dietary supplements, visit the FDA’s pages on dietary supplements, buying medicines and medical products online, and health fraud. Food Fads and Fad Diets are defined as unusual diets and eating patterns that promote short-term weight loss, with no concern for long-term weight maintenance or overall health. The Truth Behind Weight Loss Ads FDA, Consumer AdviceUse these tips for spotting false claims in weight loss product ads (also in Spanish/Español). If a product lacks scientific backing, it’s likely ineffective or potentially harmful. Scammers often use fabricated testimonials and before-and-after photos to promote their products. Be wary of products that promise miraculous results without any scientific backing. Many of us want to see big changes without the hard work of dieting or exercising, and this makes us easy targets for scams. As tempting as a magic weight loss solution might be, these ads can be totally misleading, selling you pills and powders that don’t deliver on their grand promises. NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz had helpful tips from experts about how to avoid being duped when searching for GLP-1 drugs and other weight-loss products. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams have also spoken about their use of GLP-1 drugs, which scammers have capitalized on by creating fake endorsements. Don’t let the fear of scams deter you from the potential benefits of gold. These are people who are simply looking at the financial side of things and viewing people as numbers…numbers they can sell stuff to. Wait – so you mean to tell me the chocolate and banana diet isn’t legit? In this age of mass communication, nutritional claims are completely unregulated and often made entirely for the purpose of generating profit. Athletes may be susceptible to unsubstantiated claims for ergogenic aids, or performance enhancing supplements, as they attempt to gain a competitive edge. Fad diets are especially dangerous during adolescence because teens have high nutritional needs required to support rapid growth and development. Weight-loss should be gradual, 1 to 2 pounds per week, to allow for the development and maintenance of new dietary habits. Most dietary supplements are not reviewed and tested by the government before they are placed on the market. Dishonest advertisers will tell you anything to get you to buy their product. Traveling the world, focused on health and wealth related topics from conceptual ideas to Science. Most of the companies genuinely state what their product can or can’t do. Consult your physician or any certified body trainer before you choose to buy the product. Look at what science has to say on the efficacy of such a product. Be careful what you buy online.Some scammers go so far as to offer free samples on their sites, leaving customers to pay only for shipping and delivery. Fortunately, it’s easy to spot these scams. False testimonials extolling the virtues of a product or its miraculous effects fill every nook and cranny of the Net, recounting their personal experiences with these products and the beneficial results they allegedly produced. "Exercise alone does very little to help you lose weight," Dr. McGowan reveals. "Fat burners—they don't burn fat and they don't help you lose weight; avoid them," Dr. McGowan warns. A legitimate weight loss center must be staffed by physicians with specific training in obesity medicine. "Just saying you're a weight loss clinic isn't sufficient," warns Dr. McGowan. Fake testimonials, missing HTTPS/SSL certificates, and bold claims about “best fake ID states” show these operations lack legitimacy. These warning signs are the foundations of a complete security net that protects you from increasingly sophisticated scams. You need alertness and knowledge to spot fake ID websites. Here’s what to know about weight loss product scams and how to avoid them. However, the only real result consumers get when buying these phony products is a loss of money. One such company, LeanSpa, used fake websites and false news reports to promote their bogus products. Some ads for weight loss products promise miracles. In essence, one must know that not all weight-loss products are scams. Make sure that’s what you’re really getting.Try to find a different product that might suit your needs.”Dangerous supplements are often sold with false and misleading claims like "100% natural" and "safe." To recognize dangerous products, look forTo work, even legitimate “fat blockers” must be used with a reduced-calorie diet.The People's Postcode Lottery has also warned of this scam, stating that this email isn't from them and they would never ask you for any form of payment before claiming a prize.Our aim is to help you make informed decisions about your health and avoid wasting your time and money on solutions that don’t deliver.Social media has been flooded with fake ads and phony websites concerning weight loss methods, which is particularly timely as millions pursue New Year's resolutions to get fit. Report scam texts like this to your mobile provider by forwarding them to 7726. You'll never get any money you put into the job back and you'll never be able to retrieve your earnings. At first you'll see earnings for your work, before being asked to invest in more money to complete tasks where the earning potential is higher. These scam texts impersonate legitimate companies to appear genuine and always offer easy task-based work with high salaries. On WhatsApp, select the 'i' next to the number, scroll down and press report. People are creatures of habit and after seeing some kind of success with a diet, even if that’s a crash diet, there is a high probability of them returning to it right around the start of the next year come resolution time. They gained all the weight back – LOL This is why you see so many companies pushing extreme diets that WILL work in the short term. If you guessed that they gain the lost weight back, you’d be correct the vast majority of the time. A suspicious email that claims to be from Disney tells you that there's been an issue renewing your subscription to the streaming service and to follow a link to rectify this. If you spot a site like this, report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and contact your card provider if you've already entered payment details. If you enter this information you'll be handing it straight to the scammer. These products can cost precious time and money, lead to relapse, and could even be dangerous. Here’s what to know about some common health scams. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of stressful times to steal your money. Companies might try to take advantage of your hope by making guarantees or promises that aren’t true about health products or services. If you’re thinking about buying a health product or service, here are some things to know. Causes substantial weight loss for all users Without lifestyle changes, no over-the-counter product can block enough fat or calories to cause the loss of lots of weight. If an ad says users can eat any amount of any kind of food they want and still lose weight, the claim is false. It’s impossible to eat unlimited amounts of food – any kind of food – and still lose weight. While money-back guarantees may seem reassuring, they can also be a red flag for scams.Despite your best efforts, you may end up getting scammed by the gym.Detox diets are often marketed as a quick and easy way to cleanse the body and lose weight.The good news is that legitimate weight loss care exists.These scam texts impersonate legitimate companies to appear genuine and always offer easy task-based work with high salaries.These scams often prey on people looking to improve their health and well-being, taking advantage of their trust and desire for quick results. This will lead to a website designed to steal your personal details. An advert on Facebook, claiming to be posted by a person whose daughter works at Morrisons, offers a 'family treat box' for just £10 for people over 40. The People's Postcode Lottery has also warned of this scam, stating that this email isn't from them and they would never ask you for any form of payment before claiming a prize. You're encouraged to follow a link to complete a survey to receive the advent calendar, which will lead to a malicious website designed to grab your personal and financial details. However, you'll eventually be asked to invest money to complete more tasks and never be able to withdraw your 'returns.' The scam message is sent via a spoofed mobile number and provides a link to a WhatsApp chat to 'claim a £8 bonus,' which will lead to having a conversation with a scammer via WhatsApp. The regulator has warned that it will never ask for money or for sensitive banking information, such as PINS and passwords. Scammers are impersonating the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with almost 5,000 reports made to the regulator in the first six months of 2025. The main scam giveaway is that the email is sent from a random Gmail email address. Customer Support & Refund Policy – Money-Back Guarantee Don’t fall prey to unrealistic promises or deceptive marketing tactics. If you feel pressured to make a decision, it’s a red flag. If you bought a LeanSpa product you could be eligible for a refund. One common tactic scammers use is the “free trial” offer that turns into an ongoing subscription. However, knowing what to look out for can keep you from falling for scams. When it comes to weight loss solutions, it's easy to get pulled into offers that sound too good to be true. She went to a website that claimed these gummies could help you lose a lot of weight fast and seemed to have Oprah’s endorsement. Altered images and videos can make scams appear legitimate, deceiving even the most cautious buyers. To report the sender on WhatsApp, open up the chat, tap on the sender's contact details and select 'block and report'.A series of dodgy adverts posted onto Facebook and Instagram are promoting the 'pink salt diet.'The bank also predicts that ticket scams will be big in 2026 and found that more than 70% of purchase scams happen on Meta-owned platforms.Moreover, many scam products are untested and could potentially harm your health, causing side effects or negatively interacting with other medications.Go through all minor details concerning their claims.Browse products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health fraud violations, including dietary supplements with suspicious health claims and foods with new or undeclared dietary ingredients.Weight loss requires a balance of healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes.Before investing in any weight loss product or program, conduct thorough research to verify its legitimacy.This link will lead to a malicious site that will steal your personal information after entering it in. Browse products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health fraud violations, including dietary supplements with suspicious health claims and foods with new or undeclared dietary ingredients. But if it has one of those seven can’t-be-true weight loss claims, it’s time for that gut check – a quick second look to make sure you’re not getting ready to risk your reputation by running a claim known to be false. But spotting false claims before they’re published or aired – and before consumers risk their money and perhaps even their health on a worthless product – is something only you can do. These prices are way below what real high-quality fake IDs cost. Price points that seem too good to be true on fake ID websites usually are. Pricing structures on fake ID websites tell a lot about their legitimacy. This piece will help you spot the most common red flags on fake ID websites. Modern counterfeiters target the underage market with advanced products. Bogus work opportunities like this typically lead to task scams which claim to offer money for completing simple tasks such as completing surveys or reviewing films. Typically, these phone scams attempt to keep you on the phone and get you to reveal your personal data so that they fraudster on the other end can access your account. If you have lost money to a pension scam or you believe your account details have been compromised, contact your provider immediately. To report scam ads on Facebook and Instagram, select the three dots in the top right corner and press 'report.' Always seek more information on the weight-loss product from the company. If the product fails to meet customers’ expectations, companies show hidden conditions to make it difficult for people to get refunds. Also, be wary of products marketing themselves as “unique,” “first of its kind,” “never before seen,” or “secret formula.” Companies that promote such products work on a simple textbook trick — if you can’t convince a customer, confuse them. They also target customers via flashy ads, social media posts, and even create media outlets to produce articles backing their authenticity.