New Year, Same Old Weight Loss Tricks

Online scammers are notorious for promoting deceptive products, particularly in the realm of weight loss. Unscrupulous individuals often post enticing ads for items like weight loss pills, patches, or creams. To appear more convincing, these ads sometimes mimic news reports, touting a "miraculous" new solution for shedding pounds effortlessly—without the need for dieting or exercising. Unfortunately, the reality falls far short of these promises.

Falsified Endorsements and Reviews

Scammers take it a step further by making their ads look like legit news reports, claiming a "miraculous" product that magically melts away pounds without any effort. They might even steal logos from real news organizations to make it seem legit.

And those fantastic reviews? Often written by the scammers themselves or folks paid to say nice things. The dramatic "before" and "after" pictures? Usually stock images or altered photos, not real success stories.

Watch Out for Red Flags: False Promises

To steer clear of these scams, keep an eye out for these too-good-to-be-true promises:

• No Diet Needed: Anyone saying you can lose weight without watching what you eat is likely pulling a fast one.
• Permanent Weight Loss Claims: If a product promises you'll never gain weight back, it's probably a scam. Real weight loss involves lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.
• Miracle Pills: Be cautious if someone says their product is a magic pill for weight loss. Real results come from a mix of healthy habits.
• Rapid Weight Loss Pitches: If someone claims you can drop 30 pounds in 30 days, it's a scam. Sustainable weight loss takes time.
• One-Size-Fits-All Assurance: If they say their product works for everyone, it's likely a scam. People's bodies react differently to weight loss methods.

Taking Action: Report Suspected Scams

If you spot these warning signs, don't keep it to yourself. Help others by reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or you can report scams here at ScamAdviser. By staying aware and sharing your experiences, you play a role in fighting back against deceptive practices online.
 
 
 
 

This article was published in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission.