Do you know how to tell if a medical treatment is a fraud or scam? Have you observed an increase the number of persons, websites, radio or TV adverts claiming to have a cure for challenging health problems? Most of them target chronic medical problems like diabetes, sexual conditions and cancer. Being able to determine if a medical treatment is a fraud is a very important skill that can save lives. Have you acquired this skill?

In Nigeria, a young woman named Eunice who had fibroids (a benign tumour of the uterus) was told there were herbal medicines that could ‘melt’ the tumours instantly. She was told told that women with similar conditions were treated successfully in the past. Specific examples highlighting the success rates of the treatment were cited. She was even offered ‘money back guarantee.’’ On account of these assurances, she stopped seeing her doctors, refused surgery and pursued these ‘guaranteed‘ form of treatment. Unknowingly, she had fallen for a scam. Three years later after parting with about 500,000 naira (US$1500) all she had was a bigger tumour that was now complicated and life threatening. Clearly, she had fallen for a health fraud which is very common worldwide.

Certainly, these scammers target persons that desire easy solutions for difficult health problems. Unfortunately, many of these scammers evolve or repackage their products when caught. Some moved into developing countries when there is no more room for them in western countries.

In the United States, about 14 companies recently received a notice to take down bogus, unverified claims of ‘miraculous’ medical treatment they were making on their websites.

Nevertheless, there has been an increase in the number of websites and persons offering cures to cancer and other deadly diseases in recent times. Many often prey on desperate and unsuspecting individuals on social media.

Where can you find these health frauds?

You can find bogus health claims on social media platforms and websites. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp may be used to lure individuals to buy products that are not just ineffective but potentially dangerous. Some of the claims are endorsed by ‘doctors’ from foreign countries. You can also find the in radio and TV adverts, and newspapers too. In many countries, family members, friends and colleagues may unwittingly and with good intentions promote such health frauds without verifying the claims.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/health-tip-tell-medical-treatment-fraud-scam/

How can you tell if the medical treatment is a scam?

Many scammers make bogus claims. In other to grab the attention of unsuspecting individuals they often appear convincing, enthusiastic, using testimonies of non-existent or hired individuals to validate their claims. Some use photo-shopped images of individuals to sell weight loss products.

What statements should make you take to your heels whenever someone offers a health product that cures cancer?

Generally, look for statements like this

Scammer’s favourite Terms What you should know

CURE ALL! Does it seem plausible that two or completely unrelated diseases have same cure? One company claimed that the drug could cure syphilis, gonorrhoea, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, cancer, dementia, kidney dysfunction! Really?!


LOSE WEIGHT! No diet or exercise. If weight depends on how much we consume or burn, is it really possible to lose weight without changes to our diet or weight?


QUICK FIX! Unlike automobiles were changing parts solve problems quickly, it takes time for the body to adjust to changes initiated by any drugs.


ANCIENT REMEDY! Or a secret formula. If it is truly a secret, why is the person so eager to part with it for a few dollars?


ACT NOW! Limited availability. This creates a sense of urgency. If you look carefully, the scheme has been around for ages, only repackaging has been taking place
REVOLUTIONARY! Or new science. Really? And no doctor or scientist in your environment is aware of these findings. That’s very unlikely.
AMAZING RESULTS! Difficult to verify. Were the results objectively verified by third parties or only reported by interested or biased parties eg family members or friends. Know that people can readily give false testimonies.
MY TUMOR SHRUNK! Unproven testimonials. Shrunk from what size to what? As measured by whom? How many cases shrunk? With what side effects?


“ALL NATURAL.” Yes. But remember that some plants are natural but dangerous too. Some persons actually compound high doses of medicines, mix with herbs and still claim its ‘’natural’’
‘’SECRET FORMULA’’ Why would government agencies and health care providers keep secret a safe and effective solution to challenging medical problems. According to FDA, ‘’These statements are used to distract consumers from the obvious, common-sense questions about the so-called miracle cure.’’


What should you do if you see any of these terms? Simply walk away! You may also take time to thoroughly investigate before using the products.

You could check with your doctor or ask around for those you know that have actually used the product.



http://www.healthx24.com/health-tip-tell-medical-treatment-fraud-scam/