Today we’re sharing information from the Competition Bureau about fraudulent health products and cures.

According to the Competition Bureau, there are many websites that promote fraudulent health products and cures. It’s important to know that many of these treatments are untested, fraudulent or just plain ole’ don’t work. Using them may not only damage your wallet, but also your health.

What you need to watch out for

  • Do the results seem miraculous and too-good-to-be-true? They probably are.
  • Be cautious about websites that use of words like “scientific breakthrough” or mention “scientific evidence” to advertise their products. Information about real scientific discoveries will often be shared in the media.
  • Don’t believe a product’s claims just because the website includes testimonials from doctors or patients – they may not be legit. Same goes for photos, as they may be actors.
  • Money-back guarantees are not proof that a product works, that a company is legit or that you’ll even get your money back.

Remember to always talk to your healthcare provider before trying a new treatment. More information about drugs and health products, consumer product safety and healthy living can be found on Health Canada’s website, at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

ADDITIONAL READING:

Is it a scam? Three ways to tell
Avoiding rental property scams
What to know about work-related injuries