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This "Consumer Update" is brought to you by
the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Health fraud costs consumers billions of
dollars each year and worse can lead to
ineffective or delayed treatment and serious or
even fatal injuries.
Don't be a victim.
Learn to recognize the most common types of
health fraud.
One of the most pervasive is unproven treatment or
cures for cancer.
FDA has alerted consumers to be wary of the many
bogus products marketed online for cancer.
The products include tablets, teas, tonics,
salves, and medical devices sold under more
than 180 brand names.
In addition, many products for weight loss are
marketed with false claims.
Some of these products contain potentially
dangerous prescription drug ingredients that are
not listed on the label.
Also common are fraud involving ***/AIDS
diagnostic tests and treatments for serious
diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and
pandemic flu.
Consumers should be on guard against health fraud
and be aware of the many gimmicks and tricks
fraudulent marketers use.
This is a battery-operated acupuncture device.
It's bogus.
Officials suggest that you be suspicious of any product that
claims to be a quick or easy solution
for weight loss or for any chronic or serious disease.
Claims to be a "cure-all" or a diagnostic tool for a
wide variety of ailments.
Claims "limited availability" or "money back guarantee".
Relies on customer testimonials
that are difficult to prove.
Uses words such as "scientific breakthrough",
"ancient remedy" or "miracle cure".
This is a product that claimed to shatter AIDS
cells in people.
This is something that was being promoted really
before effective treatments for AIDS were discovered.
The guy went to prison for selling this.
Don't be fooled by professional-looking
websites.
If a website does not include the company's
name, physical address, phone number, or other
contact information, it may not be reputable and
you should avoid it.
And be on guard against Internet sites and other
places selling fraudulent products claiming to
treat, prevent, or cure the H1N1 flu virus.
Consumers are urged to only buy products that are
FDA-approved and to obtain prescribed drugs only at
licensed pharmacies located in the United States.
If you have any questions about a product,
contact your health professional.
For more information on this and other health
topics, go to FDA.gov/consumer.