Detecting health fraud

The Internet has changed our lives in many ways; the way we communicate, retrieve information, and how we shop. However, not all change is good. The traveling con men or snake oil peddlers are now back, stronger than ever. They now thrive right here in your living room thanks to modern technology. Here are a few tips to identify Internet health fraud:

What to look out for:

· Wide-ranging cures - Be leery of claims to cure a wide range of unrelated diseases. No product can treat every disease and condition, and for many serious diseases, there are no cures, only therapies to help manage them. People suffering from Cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and other serious diseases are often victims of such fraud because they are frequently desperate for a cure and willing to try just about anything.

· Quick cures – Be suspicious of claims that a product can bring about a quick cure, especially if the disease or condition is serious. Even with proven treatments, few diseases can be treated quickly.

· All Natural - Snake oil peddlers often use the term "all natural." This term is simply used as an attention-grabbing headline that is often meaningless. Besides, any medicine whether synthetic or natural, could have potential side effects.

· New cure – Any claims of a "miracle cure,” or "new discovery" should be treated with suspicion. If any serious disease, had a “new miracle cure” it would be widely reported in the media and health care professionals would know about it. Late night infomercials, obscure back page magazine ads, and fly-by-night websites are generally not where new cures for cancer are found.

Source: FDA

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.