There are a lot of products out there that claim to do a lot of things—clothes that make you look thinner, cleaners that remove impossible stains, programs that get you rich (quickly!). You may have purchased one, only to discover later you’d fallen victim to a scam.
Just about everyone has been scammed at some point. People fall for scams for a number of reasons: they’re trusting, they’re desperate, they’re greedy.
Some of the most popular scams involve issues that really hit home for many of us: money and health. When health is involved, our actions typically result from desperation. We’ll do anything to lose that weight, to look younger, or to cure the disease. If simply swallowing a pill or slathering on a cream is all it takes, we’ll turn over our hard-earned money in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, supplement scams are common. Many companies make bogus, unsubstantiated claims about their products, and hopeful consumers believe them, ending up frustrated and disappointed when the advertised benefits don’t appear.
To protect yourself from falling victim to a supplement scam, keep the following in mind:
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Use common sense. If a supplement claims it will treat or cure disease (or common problems like hair loss, acne, sexual dysfunction, etc.) don’t buy it. These claims are illegal, and miracle pills don’t exist.
Research the Company
Research the company as much as possible. It’s a good idea to choose publicly traded companies, which are regularly audited, because you can easily obtain information about their manufacturing practices and more.
Research the Product
Study ingredient labels. Was the product produced using pharmaceutical manufacturing standards? Are nutrient ratios consistent with current scientific research? Learn as much as you can about a nutrient before purchasing a supplement.
Check with a Physician or Pharmacist
If you’re not sure about a supplement, ask your physician or pharmacist before purchasing it. You can also find a wealth of information on dietary supplements on the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements webpage at http://ods.od.nih.gov/.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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