They appear on television, radio, and magazines. They're plastered across newspapers and websites. They even arrive in your email: ads for treatments and medicines that promise the impossible. The ads claim to cure everything from arthritis to zits. Some even tout cancer cures.
These products are more than just scams, and can have harmful effects on a person's health. According to the National Institute On Aging, “The problem is serious. Untested remedies may be harmful. They may get in the way of medicines prescribed by your doctor. They may also waste money. And, sometimes, using these products keeps people from getting the medical treatment they need.”
By being aware of the methods employed by medical scam artists, a person will avoid ineffective alternative treatments a falsely promoted remedies.
Protecting Against Fraud
Always be skeptical of products that make exaggerated claims. If a miracle cure is guaranteed as fast, easy, or painless, it is probably promising more than it can deliver. Remember the old adage, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some products will be purported to be ahead of their time. It may also be alleged that the item is being suppressed or that the promoters of the product are being persecuted. Avoid these.
It bears mentioning that any procedure that requires travel to a foreign country and involves a lot of money, should be investigated thoroughly.
Suspect vague “scientific studies” and testimonials by “satisfied users,” and just because an advertisement is is a reputable publication it is not an endorsement. Most publications don't check into the claims made by their ads.
Any questions regarding suspicious mail-order devices or questionable drugs should be directed to a doctor, the foundation or society for a particular disease, the local consumer protection agency, the state attorney general's office, or ultimately, the Food and Drug Administration.
On a first visit to a doctor, inspect his office walls for a diploma from an accredited medical school and certification by the American Medical Association, the state medical society, and other professional organizations. Check unfamiliar or dubious credentials.
Warning Signs
- The product is made form a ancient recipe or is top secret.
- The product can only be obtained through the mail.
- Statements from satisfied customers that are not documented.
- Claiming to be a cure-all, curing many illnesses at once.
- Asserting itself as a cure for a disease that hasn't been cured by modern science, such as arthritis or cancer.
- Guarantees a full refund with no-risk.
- Special promotions that promise a free gift or more of the product.
- Anything that demands an advance payment due to limited supplies.
Keep these guidelines in mind the next time you are considering purchasing a medical treatment and you will greatly lower your chances of buying a product that could put you in danger.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
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