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    • Services and providers for Health Fraud in the U.S.

Also called: Health scams, Quackery

You have probably seen ads for miracle cures – a supplement to cure cancer, a diet to cure diabetes. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Health fraud involves selling drugs, devices, foods or cosmetics that have not been proven effective. At best, these scams don't work. At worst, they're dangerous. They also waste money, and they might keep you from getting the treatment you really need.

Health scams often target older people. Most victims in the United States are older than 65. To protect yourself

  • Question claims of "miracle cures" or "breakthroughs"
  • Know that newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV stations do not have to make sure that the ads they run are true
  • Find out about products before you buy them
  • Don't let salespeople force you into making snap decisions
  • Check with your doctor before taking products

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U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services 		Date last updated: 04 September 2008
Topic last reviewed: 08 May 2008