Township Warns of Health Fraud Scams

The FDA defines health fraud as the deceptive promotion, advertising, distribution, or sale of a product represented as being effective to prevent, diagnose, treat, cure or lessen an illness or condition, or provide another beneficial effect on health, but that has not been scientifically proven safe and effective for such purposes.

Often people with serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s are targeted. This is done through TV and radio infomercials, magazines and newspapers, internet, direct mail and unsolicited e-mails. 

If a product claims to cure a wide range of unrelated disease, it’s probably a scam.  No one product can treat or cure many different diseases.  Terms such as “miracle cure”, “quick fix”, “no-risk money back guarantee”, and “natural cure” are red flags - learn to recognize them. 

Personal testimonials by “real” people or “doctors” played by actors claiming amazing results can also be an indication of a scam.

Using unproven products can lead to delays in getting the proper treatment and can even cause serious or fatal injuries. Some products for weight loss, sexual performance and body building may contain harmful drugs or chemicals not listed on the label.  Before taking an unproven or little known treatment, talk to your doctor or health care professional - especially if you are already taking prescription or over the counter drugs. 

To learn more about identifying and avoiding health fraud scams visit: FDA.GOV/HEALTHFRAUD

DECEMBER HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES:

Dec. 18, 2012, 10 a.m. to noon, Blood Pressure Screening, Senior Center