Who: The FTC collects reports of health and supplement fraud.
When to use: Use when you were deceived or harmed by a fake cure or supplement.
What to prepare:
- Product name
- Where you bought it
- What was claimed
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Emerging & other
Health cure & miracle supplement scam
How it often plays out
An ad or social media post promises a "miracle" cure for cancer, diabetes, or weight loss with a supplement or device. You pay; the product does nothing or is dangerous. Real treatments are not sold through pop-up ads with "doctors don't want you to know" claims. If a product could really cure a serious condition, it would be approved by the FDA and prescribed by doctors. These ads prey on hope and fear; the product often does nothing or is dangerous. Talk to your doctor before trying any new health product and report false claims to the FTC and FDA.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Talk to your doctor before trying new health products.
- Save ads, URLs, and receipts.
- Stop using the product if you have side effects, see a doctor, and report to the FTC and FDA.
Don't
- Buy "cures" or "miracle" supplements from unknown sellers or pop-up ads.
- Believe "doctors don't want you to know" claims.
- Use unapproved products for serious conditions instead of prescribed treatment.
Summary & what to do
Scammers sell unproven or fake cures, supplements, or devices that claim to treat serious conditions. Report to the FTC and FDA; real treatments are approved and prescribed by licensed providers.
What to do right now
- Do not buy "cures" or "miracle" supplements from unknown sellers. Talk to your doctor before trying new health products.
- Save ads, URLs, and receipts. Stop using the product if you have side effects and see a doctor.
- Report to the FTC and FDA.
Where to report
Who: The FDA investigates false health claims and dangerous products.
When to use: Use for fake cures, unapproved drugs, or unsafe supplements.
What to prepare:
- Product
- Claims made
- Adverse effects if any
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness