‘An old scam with new tools': BBB warns of fake health products

CTV News

6 days ago

The Better Business Bureau says scammers are using fake ads for health products to trick customers online. (Pexels/Pixabay)
The Better Business Bureau is warning Albertans to watch out for a surge in fake online ads promoting health and wellness products that are either ineffective, unsafe, or part of outright scams.
'These kinds of scams literally have been going back since the 1900s,' said Wes Lafortune, media relations spokesperson for the BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay.
'Even before that, it was snake oil. So, it's the same thing — people make these wild claims about health products such as smartwatches that can monitor glucose, or you could lose weight with a pill and go down 30 pounds in a month — really over-the-top claims.'
The BBB says scammers are now using artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted health professionals and community figures in misleading video ads. Some use fake endorsements from celebrities or health organizations to appear legitimate.
'It's an old scam with new tools, is how I'd put it,' said Lafortune.
'You might actually get some kind of product that is not worth purchasing, or you simply are being scammed for your credit card information, and they steal it. And, you know, it's fraud.'
The organization issued an alert this week, pointing to a rise in deceptive ads that have been reported across Alberta. While many are circulating on social media, others are landing directly in people's inboxes.
'What's happening is people are just noticing a lot of these ads,' Lafortune said.
'This alert is all about getting out in front of it and warning people. They're taking advantage of people that have sometimes legitimate health concerns — and so it can be a serious issue.'
The BBB advises consumers to speak with a licensed health professional before trying any new products and to avoid companies making 'miracle' claims.
How to protect yourself:
be wary of ads promising 'miracle' results or rapid weight loss without diet or exercise;
don't trust celebrity endorsements or familiar logos at face value — they're often faked;
check product ingredients with Health Canada and avoid items without full disclosure;
watch out for 'free trials' that may be hidden subscription traps.
research vendors using BBB.org and read consumer reviews; and
report suspicious ads to BBB Scam Tracker, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or your local police non-emergency line.
'You really should talk to your physician if you have a serious health issue or a health issue that you're concerned about,' said Lafortune.
He added that scammers often lure victims with promises of free trials or hidden subscription traps and stressed the importance of reading the fine print before buying anything online.
'What Better Business Bureau wants to do is make people aware of these fraudulent activities, so they don't lose their personal information, lose their money and get defrauded,' he said.