{"id":98,"date":"2016-07-14T17:43:35","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T17:43:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-monroecc-hed110\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=98"},"modified":"2016-10-04T19:54:16","modified_gmt":"2016-10-04T19:54:16","slug":"health-fraud","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/chapter\/health-fraud\/","title":{"raw":"Health Fraud","rendered":"Health Fraud"},"content":{"raw":"You have probably seen ads for miracle cures\u2014a supplement to cure cancer, a diet to cure diabetes. But remember\u2014if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Health fraud involves selling drugs, devices, foods or cosmetics that have not been proven effective. At best, these scams don't work. At worst, they're dangerous. They also waste money, and they might keep you from getting the treatment you really need. Health scams often target older people. Most victims in the United States are older than 65.\r\n\r\nTo protect yourself,\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Question claims of miracle cures or breakthroughs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Know that newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV stations do not have to make sure that the ads they run are true<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Find out about products before you buy them<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't let salespeople force you into making snap decisions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Check with your doctor before taking products<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Learning Activity<\/h3>\r\nWatch these short videos by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/sEHLs_ZXRZI\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/KsPlwKbGxE8\r\n\r\nWhat are the red flags that should make you suspicious about health product or treatment claims?\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Miracle Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism<\/h2>\r\nPeople spend billions of dollars a year on health-related products and treatments that not only are unproven and often useless, but also sometimes are dangerous. The products promise quick cures and easy solutions for a variety of problems, from obesity and arthritis to cancer and AIDS. But the \"cures\" don't deliver, and people who buy them are cheated out of their money, their time, and even their health. That's why it's important to learn how to evaluate claims for products related to your health.\r\n<h2>Are You a Target for Health Fraudsters?<\/h2>\r\nYou\u2019ve seen miracle claims for products related to health. It\u2019s no wonder. People spend billions of dollars a year on fraudulently marketed health-related products and treatments that not only are unproven and often useless, but sometimes also are dangerous.\r\n\r\nHealth fraud trades on false hope. It promises quick cures and easy solutions for a variety of problems, from obesity and arthritis to cancer and AIDS. But the \u201ccures\u201d don\u2019t deliver. Instead, people who buy them are cheated out of their money, their time, and even their health. Fraudulently marketed health products can have dangerous interactions with medicines people are already taking, and can keep them from getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from their own health care professional. Many unapproved treatments are expensive, too, and rarely covered by health insurance.\r\n\r\nHealth fraudsters often target people who are overweight, have serious conditions like cancer, or conditions without a cure, like:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>multiple sclerosis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>diabetes<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Alzheimer's disease<\/li>\r\n \t<li>HIV\/AIDS<\/li>\r\n \t<li>arthritis<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation\u2019s consumer protection agency, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say it's important to learn how to evaluate health claims, especially if you have a serious condition.\r\n<h2>Cancer<\/h2>\r\nIf you or someone you love has cancer, you may be curious about supposed \u201cmiracle\u201d cancer-fighting products \u2014like pills, powders, and herbs\u2014that you\u2019ve seen advertised or heard about from family and friends. Scammers take advantage of the feelings that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer. They promote unproven\u2014and potentially dangerous\u2014substances like black salve, essiac tea, or laetrile with claims that the products are both \u201cnatural\u201d and effective. But \u201cnatural\u201d doesn\u2019t mean either safe or effective, especially when it comes to using these products for cancer. In fact, a product that is labeled \u201cnatural\u201d can be more than ineffective: it can be downright harmful. What\u2019s more, stopping or delaying proven treatment can have serious consequences.\r\n\r\nThe truth is that no single device, remedy, or treatment can treat all types of cancer. All cancers are different, and no one treatment works for every cancer or every body. Even two people with the same diagnosis may need different treatments. That\u2019s one more reason to be skeptical of websites, magazines, and brochures with ads for products that claim to treat cancer, and to decide on treatments with your health professional.\r\n\r\nPeople with cancer who want to try an experimental treatment should enroll in a legitimate clinical study. The FDA reviews clinical study designs to help ensure that patients are not subjected to unreasonable risks.\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Optional Learning Activity<\/h3>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/0104-cancer-treatment-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">CURE-ious? Ask. Cancer Treatment Scams<\/a>\r\n\r\nMicrosite with important information about cancer treatment scams. Includes tips on questions to ask, how to spot a scam, how to file a complaint and resources for patients and their families. Includes a 90 second video, \"Anatomy of a Cancer Treatment Scam.\u201d\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>HIV and AIDS<\/h2>\r\nAlthough proven treatments can extend and improve the quality of life for people with AIDS, so far there is no cure for the disease. If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, you may be tempted to try untested drugs or treatments. But trying unproven products or treatments\u2014like electrical and magnetic devices and so-called herbal cures\u2014can be dangerous, especially if it means a delay in seeking medical care.\r\n\r\nFor example, the herb St. John's Wort has been promoted as a safe treatment for HIV. But there\u2019s no evidence that it is effective in treating HIV; in fact, studies have shown that it interferes with medicines prescribed for HIV.\r\n\r\nYou also may have considered home test kits. But claims for these products could be misleading. Safe, reliable HIV testing can be done only through a medical professional or a clinic, or through the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System, the only FDA-approved system for home use.\r\n<h2>Arthritis<\/h2>\r\nThere\u2019s no shortage of people selling unproven arthritis remedies, which include thousands of dietary supplements and so-called natural cures like mussel extract, desiccated liver pills, shark cartilage, CMO (cetylmyristoleate), honey and vinegar mixtures, and gimmicks like magnets and copper bracelets. But these remedies aren\u2019t backed adequately by science to demonstrate relief.\r\n<h2>Avoiding Shady Sellers and Practitioners<\/h2>\r\nIt's easy to see why some people believe product claims, especially when successful treatments seem elusive. But pressure to decide on-the-spot about trying an untested product or treatment is a sure sign of a fraud. Ask for more information and consult a knowledgeable doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional. Promoters of legitimate health care products don\u2019t object to your seeking additional information\u2014in fact, most welcome it.\r\n\r\nThe same goes if you\u2019re considering a clinic that requires you to travel and stay far from home for treatment: check it out with your regular doctor. Although some clinics offer effective treatments, others:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Prescribe untested, unapproved, ineffective, and possibly dangerous \"cures\"<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Employ health care providers that may not be licensed or have other appropriate credentials<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor information about a particular hospital, clinic, or treatment center contact the state or local health authorities where the facility is located. If the facility is in a foreign country, contact that government's health authority to see that the facility is properly licensed and equipped to handle the procedures involved.\r\n\r\nThe FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.\r\n<h2>Beware of Health Scams<\/h2>\r\nYou see the ads everywhere these days\u2014\u201cSmart Drugs\u201d for long life or \u201cArthritis Aches and Pains Disappear Like Magic!\u201d or even statements claiming, \u201cThis treatment cured my cancer in 1 week.\u201d It\u2019s easy to understand the appeal of these promises. But there is still plenty of truth to the old saying, \u201cIf it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!\u201d\r\n\r\nHealth scams and the marketing of unproven cures have been around for many years. Today, there are more ways than ever to sell these untested products. In addition to TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, infomercials, mail, telemarketing, and even word-of-mouth, these products are now offered over the Internet\u2014with websites describing miracle cures and emails telling stories of overnight magic. Sadly, older people are often the target of such scams.\r\n\r\nThe problem is serious. Untested remedies may be harmful. They may get in the way of medicines prescribed by your doctor. They may also waste money. And, sometimes, using these products keeps people from getting the medical treatment they need.\r\n<h3>False Hopes<\/h3>\r\nWhy do people fall for these sales pitches? Unproven remedies promise false hope. They offer cures that appear to be painless or quick. At best, these treatments are worthless. At worst, they are dangerous. Health scams prey on people who are frightened or in pain. Living with a chronic health problem is hard. It\u2019s easy to see why people might fall for a false promise of a quick and painless cure. The best way for scientists to find out if a treatment works is through a clinical trial.\r\n\r\nThese scams usually target diseases that have no cures, like diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\r\n\r\nYou may see ads for:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Anti-aging medications.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Our culture places great value on staying young, but aging is normal. Despite claims about pills or treatments that lead to endless youth, no treatments have been proven to slow or reverse the aging process. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are proven ways to help prevent some of the diseases that occur with age. In other words, making healthy lifestyle choices offers you the best chance of aging well.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Arthritis remedies.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Unproven arthritis remedies can be easy to fall for because symptoms of arthritis tend to come and go. You may believe the remedy you are using is making you feel better when, in fact, it is just the normal ebb and flow of your symptoms. You may see claims that so-called treatments with magnets, copper bracelets, chemicals, special diets, radiation, and other products cure arthritis. This is highly unlikely. Ads where people say they have been cured do not prove that a product works. Some of these products could hurt you, aren\u2019t likely to help, and are often costly. There is no cure for most forms of arthritis. Rest, exercise, heat, and some drugs help many people control their symptoms. Don\u2019t trust ads where people say they have been cured. This kind of statement probably doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. If you are thinking about any new treatment, such as diet, a device, or another arthritis product, talk with your doctor first.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cancer cures.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Scam artists prey on a fear of cancer. They promote treatments with no proven value\u2014for example, a diet dangerously low in protein or drugs such as laetrile. Remember: there is no one treatment that cures all types of cancer. By using unproven methods, people with cancer may lose valuable time and the chance to benefit from a proven, effective treatment. This delay may lessen the chance of controlling or curing the disease.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Memory aids.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Many people worry about losing their memory as they age. They may wrongly believe false promises that unproven treatments can help them keep or improve their memory. So-called smart pills, removal of amalgam dental fillings, and certain brain retraining exercises are some examples of untested approaches.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dietary supplements.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Americans spend billions of dollars each year on dietary supplements. These supplements are sold over-the-counter and include vitamins and minerals, amino acids, herbs, and enzymes. Most dietary supplements do not undergo government testing or review before they are put on the market. While some vitamins may be helpful, supplements may be bad for people taking certain medicines or with some medical conditions. Be wary of claims that a supplement can shrink tumors, solve impotence, or cure Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Health insurance.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Some companies target people who are unable to get health insurance. They offer coverage that promises more than it intends to deliver. When you think about buying health insurance, remember to find out if the company and agent are licensed in your State.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>How Can You Protect Yourself From Health Scams?<\/h2>\r\nBe wary. Question what you see or hear in ads or on the Internet. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV stations do not always check to make sure the claims in their ads are true. Find out about a product before you buy. Don\u2019t let a salesperson talk you into making a snap decision. Check with your healthcare provider first.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Promise a quick or painless cure<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Claim the product is made from a special, secret, or ancient formula<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Offer products and services only by mail or from one company<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use statements or unproven case histories from so-called satisfied patients<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Claim to be a cure for a wide range of ailments<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Claim to cure a disease (such as arthritis or Alzheimer\u2019s disease) that hasn\u2019t been cured by medical science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Promise a no-risk, money-back guarantee<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Offer an additional \u201cfree\u201d gift or a larger amount of the product as a \u201cspecial promotion\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Require advance payment and claim there is a limited supply of the product<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Learning Activity<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Watch this video:\u00a0<strong>Navigate Safely\u2014A Video Guide by the Health On the Net Foundation (HON)<\/strong><\/p>\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/j_PdLOO-XGQ\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"912087\"]Show Sources[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"912087\"]\r\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Health Fraud<\/a>, NLM, NIH, MedlinePlus, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Miracle Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Medical Health Claims<\/a>, FTC, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Beware of Health Scams:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Beware of Health Scams<\/a>, NIA, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams<\/a>\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]","rendered":"<p>You have probably seen ads for miracle cures\u2014a supplement to cure cancer, a diet to cure diabetes. But remember\u2014if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Health fraud involves selling drugs, devices, foods or cosmetics that have not been proven effective. At best, these scams don&#8217;t work. At worst, they&#8217;re dangerous. They also waste money, and they might keep you from getting the treatment you really need. Health scams often target older people. Most victims in the United States are older than 65.<\/p>\n<p>To protect yourself,<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Question claims of miracle cures or breakthroughs<\/li>\n<li>Know that newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV stations do not have to make sure that the ads they run are true<\/li>\n<li>Find out about products before you buy them<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t let salespeople force you into making snap decisions<\/li>\n<li>Check with your doctor before taking products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Learning Activity<\/h3>\n<p>Watch these short videos by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-1\" title=\"Health Fraud Awareness (Consumer Update)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sEHLs_ZXRZI?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-2\" title=\"Health Fraud Scams -- Be Smart, Be Aware, Be Careful Video\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KsPlwKbGxE8?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>What are the red flags that should make you suspicious about health product or treatment claims?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Miracle Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism<\/h2>\n<p>People spend billions of dollars a year on health-related products and treatments that not only are unproven and often useless, but also sometimes are dangerous. The products promise quick cures and easy solutions for a variety of problems, from obesity and arthritis to cancer and AIDS. But the &#8220;cures&#8221; don&#8217;t deliver, and people who buy them are cheated out of their money, their time, and even their health. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to learn how to evaluate claims for products related to your health.<\/p>\n<h2>Are You a Target for Health Fraudsters?<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ve seen miracle claims for products related to health. It\u2019s no wonder. People spend billions of dollars a year on fraudulently marketed health-related products and treatments that not only are unproven and often useless, but sometimes also are dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>Health fraud trades on false hope. It promises quick cures and easy solutions for a variety of problems, from obesity and arthritis to cancer and AIDS. But the \u201ccures\u201d don\u2019t deliver. Instead, people who buy them are cheated out of their money, their time, and even their health. Fraudulently marketed health products can have dangerous interactions with medicines people are already taking, and can keep them from getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from their own health care professional. Many unapproved treatments are expensive, too, and rarely covered by health insurance.<\/p>\n<p>Health fraudsters often target people who are overweight, have serious conditions like cancer, or conditions without a cure, like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>multiple sclerosis<\/li>\n<li>diabetes<\/li>\n<li>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/li>\n<li>HIV\/AIDS<\/li>\n<li>arthritis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation\u2019s consumer protection agency, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say it&#8217;s important to learn how to evaluate health claims, especially if you have a serious condition.<\/p>\n<h2>Cancer<\/h2>\n<p>If you or someone you love has cancer, you may be curious about supposed \u201cmiracle\u201d cancer-fighting products \u2014like pills, powders, and herbs\u2014that you\u2019ve seen advertised or heard about from family and friends. Scammers take advantage of the feelings that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer. They promote unproven\u2014and potentially dangerous\u2014substances like black salve, essiac tea, or laetrile with claims that the products are both \u201cnatural\u201d and effective. But \u201cnatural\u201d doesn\u2019t mean either safe or effective, especially when it comes to using these products for cancer. In fact, a product that is labeled \u201cnatural\u201d can be more than ineffective: it can be downright harmful. What\u2019s more, stopping or delaying proven treatment can have serious consequences.<\/p>\n<p>The truth is that no single device, remedy, or treatment can treat all types of cancer. All cancers are different, and no one treatment works for every cancer or every body. Even two people with the same diagnosis may need different treatments. That\u2019s one more reason to be skeptical of websites, magazines, and brochures with ads for products that claim to treat cancer, and to decide on treatments with your health professional.<\/p>\n<p>People with cancer who want to try an experimental treatment should enroll in a legitimate clinical study. The FDA reviews clinical study designs to help ensure that patients are not subjected to unreasonable risks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Optional Learning Activity<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/0104-cancer-treatment-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">CURE-ious? Ask. Cancer Treatment Scams<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Microsite with important information about cancer treatment scams. Includes tips on questions to ask, how to spot a scam, how to file a complaint and resources for patients and their families. Includes a 90 second video, &#8220;Anatomy of a Cancer Treatment Scam.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>HIV and AIDS<\/h2>\n<p>Although proven treatments can extend and improve the quality of life for people with AIDS, so far there is no cure for the disease. If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, you may be tempted to try untested drugs or treatments. But trying unproven products or treatments\u2014like electrical and magnetic devices and so-called herbal cures\u2014can be dangerous, especially if it means a delay in seeking medical care.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the herb St. John&#8217;s Wort has been promoted as a safe treatment for HIV. But there\u2019s no evidence that it is effective in treating HIV; in fact, studies have shown that it interferes with medicines prescribed for HIV.<\/p>\n<p>You also may have considered home test kits. But claims for these products could be misleading. Safe, reliable HIV testing can be done only through a medical professional or a clinic, or through the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System, the only FDA-approved system for home use.<\/p>\n<h2>Arthritis<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s no shortage of people selling unproven arthritis remedies, which include thousands of dietary supplements and so-called natural cures like mussel extract, desiccated liver pills, shark cartilage, CMO (cetylmyristoleate), honey and vinegar mixtures, and gimmicks like magnets and copper bracelets. But these remedies aren\u2019t backed adequately by science to demonstrate relief.<\/p>\n<h2>Avoiding Shady Sellers and Practitioners<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to see why some people believe product claims, especially when successful treatments seem elusive. But pressure to decide on-the-spot about trying an untested product or treatment is a sure sign of a fraud. Ask for more information and consult a knowledgeable doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional. Promoters of legitimate health care products don\u2019t object to your seeking additional information\u2014in fact, most welcome it.<\/p>\n<p>The same goes if you\u2019re considering a clinic that requires you to travel and stay far from home for treatment: check it out with your regular doctor. Although some clinics offer effective treatments, others:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prescribe untested, unapproved, ineffective, and possibly dangerous &#8220;cures&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Employ health care providers that may not be licensed or have other appropriate credentials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For information about a particular hospital, clinic, or treatment center contact the state or local health authorities where the facility is located. If the facility is in a foreign country, contact that government&#8217;s health authority to see that the facility is properly licensed and equipped to handle the procedures involved.<\/p>\n<p>The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.<\/p>\n<h2>Beware of Health Scams<\/h2>\n<p>You see the ads everywhere these days\u2014\u201cSmart Drugs\u201d for long life or \u201cArthritis Aches and Pains Disappear Like Magic!\u201d or even statements claiming, \u201cThis treatment cured my cancer in 1 week.\u201d It\u2019s easy to understand the appeal of these promises. But there is still plenty of truth to the old saying, \u201cIf it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Health scams and the marketing of unproven cures have been around for many years. Today, there are more ways than ever to sell these untested products. In addition to TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, infomercials, mail, telemarketing, and even word-of-mouth, these products are now offered over the Internet\u2014with websites describing miracle cures and emails telling stories of overnight magic. Sadly, older people are often the target of such scams.<\/p>\n<p>The problem is serious. Untested remedies may be harmful. They may get in the way of medicines prescribed by your doctor. They may also waste money. And, sometimes, using these products keeps people from getting the medical treatment they need.<\/p>\n<h3>False Hopes<\/h3>\n<p>Why do people fall for these sales pitches? Unproven remedies promise false hope. They offer cures that appear to be painless or quick. At best, these treatments are worthless. At worst, they are dangerous. Health scams prey on people who are frightened or in pain. Living with a chronic health problem is hard. It\u2019s easy to see why people might fall for a false promise of a quick and painless cure. The best way for scientists to find out if a treatment works is through a clinical trial.<\/p>\n<p>These scams usually target diseases that have no cures, like diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n<p>You may see ads for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anti-aging medications.\n<ul>\n<li>Our culture places great value on staying young, but aging is normal. Despite claims about pills or treatments that lead to endless youth, no treatments have been proven to slow or reverse the aging process. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are proven ways to help prevent some of the diseases that occur with age. In other words, making healthy lifestyle choices offers you the best chance of aging well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Arthritis remedies.\n<ul>\n<li>Unproven arthritis remedies can be easy to fall for because symptoms of arthritis tend to come and go. You may believe the remedy you are using is making you feel better when, in fact, it is just the normal ebb and flow of your symptoms. You may see claims that so-called treatments with magnets, copper bracelets, chemicals, special diets, radiation, and other products cure arthritis. This is highly unlikely. Ads where people say they have been cured do not prove that a product works. Some of these products could hurt you, aren\u2019t likely to help, and are often costly. There is no cure for most forms of arthritis. Rest, exercise, heat, and some drugs help many people control their symptoms. Don\u2019t trust ads where people say they have been cured. This kind of statement probably doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. If you are thinking about any new treatment, such as diet, a device, or another arthritis product, talk with your doctor first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Cancer cures.\n<ul>\n<li>Scam artists prey on a fear of cancer. They promote treatments with no proven value\u2014for example, a diet dangerously low in protein or drugs such as laetrile. Remember: there is no one treatment that cures all types of cancer. By using unproven methods, people with cancer may lose valuable time and the chance to benefit from a proven, effective treatment. This delay may lessen the chance of controlling or curing the disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Memory aids.\n<ul>\n<li>Many people worry about losing their memory as they age. They may wrongly believe false promises that unproven treatments can help them keep or improve their memory. So-called smart pills, removal of amalgam dental fillings, and certain brain retraining exercises are some examples of untested approaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Dietary supplements.\n<ul>\n<li>Americans spend billions of dollars each year on dietary supplements. These supplements are sold over-the-counter and include vitamins and minerals, amino acids, herbs, and enzymes. Most dietary supplements do not undergo government testing or review before they are put on the market. While some vitamins may be helpful, supplements may be bad for people taking certain medicines or with some medical conditions. Be wary of claims that a supplement can shrink tumors, solve impotence, or cure Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Health insurance.\n<ul>\n<li>Some companies target people who are unable to get health insurance. They offer coverage that promises more than it intends to deliver. When you think about buying health insurance, remember to find out if the company and agent are licensed in your State.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Can You Protect Yourself From Health Scams?<\/h2>\n<p>Be wary. Question what you see or hear in ads or on the Internet. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV stations do not always check to make sure the claims in their ads are true. Find out about a product before you buy. Don\u2019t let a salesperson talk you into making a snap decision. Check with your healthcare provider first.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Promise a quick or painless cure<\/li>\n<li>Claim the product is made from a special, secret, or ancient formula<\/li>\n<li>Offer products and services only by mail or from one company<\/li>\n<li>Use statements or unproven case histories from so-called satisfied patients<\/li>\n<li>Claim to be a cure for a wide range of ailments<\/li>\n<li>Claim to cure a disease (such as arthritis or Alzheimer\u2019s disease) that hasn\u2019t been cured by medical science<\/li>\n<li>Promise a no-risk, money-back guarantee<\/li>\n<li>Offer an additional \u201cfree\u201d gift or a larger amount of the product as a \u201cspecial promotion\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Require advance payment and claim there is a limited supply of the product<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Learning Activity<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Watch this video:\u00a0<strong>Navigate Safely\u2014A Video Guide by the Health On the Net Foundation (HON)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-3\" title=\"Navigate Safely - A Video Guide by the Health On the Net Foundation (HON)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j_PdLOO-XGQ?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q912087\">Show Sources<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q912087\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Health Fraud<\/a>, NLM, NIH, MedlinePlus, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/healthfraud.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Miracle Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Medical Health Claims<\/a>, FTC, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/pubs\/consumer\/health\/hea07.shtm<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beware of Health Scams:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Beware of Health Scams<\/a>, NIA, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/print\/health\/publication\/beware-health-scams<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-98\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Contemporary Health Issues. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Judy Baker, Ph.D., Dean of Foothill Global Access at Foothill College. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: bakerjudy@foothill.edu. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/hlth21fall2012.wikispaces.com\/\">http:\/\/hlth21fall2012.wikispaces.com\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":20,"menu_order":7,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Contemporary Health Issues\",\"author\":\"Judy Baker, Ph.D., Dean of Foothill Global Access at Foothill College\",\"organization\":\"bakerjudy@foothill.edu\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/hlth21fall2012.wikispaces.com\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-98","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":36,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/98","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/98\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":430,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/98\/revisions\/430"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/36"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/98\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=98"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=98"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-contemporaryhealth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=98"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}