The Bait:

Messages often claim that a product is a "miracle cure," a "scientific breakthrough," an "ancient remedy" – or a quick and effective cure for a wide variety of ailments or diseases. They generally say availability is limited. To take advantage of the no-risk “money-back guarantee,” you’ll have to pay in advance. Case histories or testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results are featured in the sales pitches.

The Catch:

No product or dietary supplement is available online that can make good on its claims to shrink tumors, cure insomnia, cure impotency, treat Alzheimer's disease, or prevent severe memory loss. These kinds of claims deal with the treatment of diseases. Companies that want to make claims like these must follow a strict pre-market testing and review process required by the Food and Drug Administration for new drugs.

What You Can Do:

When evaluating advertising claims related to your health, be skeptical. Consult a health care professional before buying any "cure-all" that claims to treat a wide range of ailments or offers quick cures and easy solutions to serious illnesses. Generally speaking, a cure all is a cure none.