Another Side of Scams

Posted: August 12, 2019, 3:18PM

I have written about different scams that perpetrators use. There are the Grandparent Scams, the Sweetheart Scams, the Contractor Scams, the Utility Scams, the Social Security Scams, the IRS scams.....the list goes on and on.

One area that I have not written about is Health Fraud Scams. Health fraud scams refer to products that claim to prevent, treat or cure diseases and other health conditions but have not been proven safe or effective. Health fraud scams waste money and can lead to delays in seeing a physician, and getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. They can also cause serious or fatal injuries, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There is preponderence of vitamins, supplements and other 'substances' that allege to cure us of what ails us. There are 'substances' advertised that are supposed to ease our memory loss, help us lose weight, help with energy and performance, help us overcome addictions, cure cancer....the list goes on and on.

The FDA lists several recalls and scams for consumers. They have seized adullterated dietary supplements due to manufacturing practices, put companies on notice for marketing unapproved stem cell products for treating serious conditions, and taken action against the marketer of unapproved products claiming to treat addiction.

Be an educated consumer! Read about products you're tempted to try. Talk to your physician about them. Do the research on the FDA website and check out how to protect yourself.

There are a lot of 'snake oil sales people' out there. Don't let them get YOU!