Each year consumers spend billions of dollars on health-related products advertised as cures for ailments ranging from obesity and back pain to AIDS and cancer. Not only do these fraudulent claims fail to live up to their promises, they can be dangerous.
It is vital that consumers learn how to evaluate health product claims before wasting money and putting their health at risk.
Warning Signs and Tips
Some red flags to look out for include:
- Claims that appear too good to be true or quick fix miracle cures.
- Untested remedies or recommendations based on single studies.
- Claims that a single product can treat or cure multiple diseases.
- Studies conducted on animals only or that include just a minimal number of subjects.
- Celebrity endorsements or actor testimonials
- Money back guarantees and limited time offers
- “No risk” claims or advertisements that lack risk information.
- Terms like “scientifically proven”, “exclusive”, “secret ingredient”, “all natural”, and “breakthrough”.
- Advertisements that promote the latest trendy ingredient in headlines or that are specifically claimed to be cures for the most recent epidemic.
Instead you should:
- Ask for detailed information on any product or treatment you are considering and verify the claims with a knowledgeable doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- Ask for proof of any testimonials and what the typical results are.
- Look for clinical studies with solid scientific information.
- Talk to your doctor about alternative medicines and the risks involved in these treatments.
- Realize that “all natural” does not necessarily mean safe, as these products can have serious side effects.
- Speak to a pharmacist or health care professional about possible drug interactions.
Medical Clinics and Treatments Away From Home
In addition to peddling products, some scammers have lured consumers into traveling far from home in pursuit of treatments. Before you agree to visit a clinic consult with your regular physician. Although some clinics offer effective treatments, others have
been known to prescribe untested, unapproved, ineffective, and possibly dangerous “cures”. Others employ unlicensed or unaccredited providers. Check with the state or local health authorities where the clinic is located for more information on the treatment
center. Be sure to verify that you are dealing with licensed professionals. If the facility is in a foreign country, contact that government's health authority to see that the facility is properly licensed and equipped to handle the procedures involved.
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit which started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint
information along with other relevant information like customer reviews to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud
the marketplace. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.