(InvestigateTV) — Weight loss is a major New Year’s resolution, and many people are turning to GLP-1 medications — prescription drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, support weight loss.
But scammers are cashing in, using fake websites and phony offers to steal money and personal information.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have become a popular option for weight loss. With demand growing, some people turn online to try to find them for less.
“It’s a hot item,” Better Business Bureau spokesperson Melanie McGovern said. “A lot of people want to use it. Some insurance doesn’t cover it. So, a lot of people will turn to the internet to try to find a solution.”
McGovern said that search can lead people to fake sellers and fraudulent offers for prescription medications.
“It’s really important for people to understand not only that you need a prescription for this type of medication, but knowing the websites you’re shopping and making sure that they’re reputable before you try to make an order is so important, especially when it comes to something, like a medication that you’re putting into your body,” she said.
McGovern said the BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of scammers using weight loss drugs to get money and personal information.
“We’ve seen, you know, emails, we’ve seen deepfake advertising for weight loss products by celebrities that, you know, clearly people figured it out after a while that, hey, this might be a scam,” McGovern said.
She said there are also reports of fake online pharmacies and fake retailer popups, and in some cases, people lose hundreds of dollars.
“So, it’s so important to check to make sure that the retailer or the pharmacy that you’re using is real,” McGovern said. “And, you know, there’s a lot of, you know, advertising and marketing associated with this kind of drug because people have seen so much success that other people want to jump on this train and see what it can do for them.”
Consumers should be cautious about miracle claims, too-good-to-be-true deals and endorsements that seem designed to pressure quick purchases, she added.
McGovern also warned consumers to be wary of subscription traps, when a seller tries to lock buyers into expensive, repeated shipments they did not agree to purchase – that’s a red flag.
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