Health Fraud Detection

Promotions for fraudulent products show up daily in newspaper and magazine ads and TV "infomercials."

You don't have to search very hard to stumble upon a health product that is a total sham or a consumer just waiting to be had. On a daily basis, promotions for fraudulent products appear in print ads and TV infomercials. They accompany products found at the mall, online, and in mail-order catalogs. News of the products travels fast through word-of-mouth as well.

According to Dr. Stephen Barrett, M.D., head of Quackwatch Inc., a nonprofit corporation that combats health fraud, consumers in search of that quick fix always respond. They often fall victim to products and gadgets claiming to cure what ails them or improve their appearance, only to be cheated out of their money, persuade them away from proven treatment, and even cause more harm than good.

"There's a lot of money to be made," said Bob Gatling, Director of the Program Operations staff in the Food and Drug Administration's Center of Devices and Radiological Health. "People want to believe there's something that can cure them."

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), health fraud is defined as "articles of unproven effectiveness that are promoted to improve health, well-being, or appearance." These articles are comprised of drugs, devices, food, or cosmetics used by humans or animals.

Federal jurisdiction over fraudulent health products is shared with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FDA regulates safety, manufacturing, and product labeling, including package inserts and accompanying literature, while the FTC monitors product advertising. Due to limited resources, the FDA's regulation of fraudulent health products relies on a priority system that determines whether a fraudulent product poses a threat.

If the use of a fraudulent product causes injury or undesirable effects, it is considered a direct risk. On the other hand, if the product itself does not cause harm, but its use is denying someone proven medical treatment, it is considered an indirect risk. For example, a product claiming to be a cure for diabetes may encourage a diabetic to suspend or terminate their insulin shots.

While the FDA keeps a keen watch on fraudulent health products, some products still go unnoticed. Preying on the vulnerable, these companies lure enough consumers into believing their products work. With enough of a stronghold on the marketplace, they are able to stay afloat and release more deceitful products, thus creating a vicious cycle that appears to be unstoppable.

So, how can you avoid falling victim to such a scam? Familiarize yourself with some of these products' marketing gimmicks. Although, health fraud advertisements have evolved to become quite sophisticated, they typically use the same catchphrases to bait customers and gain their support.