For Consumers

Quick fix, scientific breakthrough, cure all, no-risk, money-back guarantee

Health Fraud Scams - Be Smart, Be Aware,
Be Careful

At this very minute, someone is falling for a health fraud scam. It's happening all around us. They target all of us with promises of quick fixes and painless cures. Watch this video to learn how to recognize and avoid health fraud scams.

Health Fraud, Health Scams - background has woman squeezing into pants, husband questioning her diet pills.

Health Fraud Scams - Don’t Let This Happen
to You

Health fraud scams are everywhere. On TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, and the internet. Don't get fooled by bogus claims and promises of miracle cures. Watch this video to learn about the common scams used to fool you.

TV ad claiming Ancient Remedy, Miracle Cure, Scientific Breakthrough.

Health Fraud Awareness

Health fraud scams cost consumers billions of dollars. These scams can lead to ineffective or delayed treatment and cause serious or even fatal injuries. Learn about the common types of health fraud, and the gimmicks and tricks used to promote them.

HCG Dangerous to Dieters

There are no HCG products--sold online or in stores--that are approved for weight loss. For your own safety, do not use them. FDA and FTC are warning companies selling these products that they are breaking the law. For more information, watch this Consumer Update video.

Don't Be a Victim
(You could lose so much more than weight)

A message from the FDA warning about the dangers of fraudulent weight loss products, the deceptive ads used to market them, and tips on how to protect yourself.

Caution about Sexual Enhancement Products

Don't be misled by claims of "all natural" ingredients. Sexual enhancement products that claim to work as well as prescription products are likely to contain hidden ingredients that could pose a serious health risk.

Warning on Body Building Products
(Consumer Update)

FDA warns consumers about products that are being marketed for body building and that claim to contain steroids or steroid-like substances.

Improper Use of Decorative Contacts May Haunt You (Consumer Update)

FDA reminds consumers that non-prescription decorative contact lenses may harm their vision.

Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products

Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury.

View or download this Consumer Update.

Packaging of skin products linked to mercury poisoning

"Miracle Cures!"
"Shrinks Tumors!"

From early 20th century "snake oil" salesmen to today's internet scams, FDA works to help protect consumers from bogus health products.

View or download this Consumer Update.

Desktop with Miracle Cure and New Discovery on the screen

FDA 101: Health Fraud Awareness

This "Health Fraud 101" article describes the common types of health fraud and how consumers can recognize and avoid them.

View or download this Consumer Update.

Beware of Fraudulent Weight-Loss ‘Dietary Supplements’

FDA wants consumers to know about a growing number of over-the-counter weight loss products that contain hidden prescription drugs or other ingredients. These deceptive products can cause serious harm or even death.

View or download this Consumer Update.

Weight scale reading: Avoid Weight Loss Fraud

FDA Warns Marketers of Unapproved 'Chelation' Drugs

FDA advises consumers to be wary of so-called "chelation" products that are marketed over-the-counter (OTC) to prevent or treat serious and incurable diseases, including autism spectrum disorders and heart (cardiovascular) conditions.

View or download this Consumer Update.

Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products

Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury.

View or download this Consumer Update.

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Health Fraud Enforcement and Consumer Education Initiatives

Dietary Supplements, Drugs, and Biologics

Foods

FDA to Examine the Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

Devices

Tobacco

Cosmetic

Veterinary

General Information

Buying Online

When it comes to buying medicine and other health products online, it is important to be very careful. Some websites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk.

FDA provides resources about the dangers of buying medicines online and to help consumers make safe purchases at BeSafeRx – Know Your Online Pharmacy.

The FDA publications and videos below provide additional information.

For Consumers

Section Contents Menu

Protect Yourself

Resources for You

For Consumers

Health Fraud Scams - Be Smart, Be Aware,
Be Careful

Health Fraud Scams - Don’t Let This Happen
to You

Health Fraud Awareness

HCG Dangerous to Dieters

Don't Be a Victim
(You could lose so much more than weight)

Caution about Sexual Enhancement Products

Warning on Body Building Products
(Consumer Update)

Improper Use of Decorative Contacts May Haunt You (Consumer Update)