Call it wishful thinking…and spending. Unfortunately, every year millions of individuals search for medical "miracles" that will never happen. It is estimated that more than $10 billion a year are spent on medical quackery. These unproven goods and services not only cost consumers a lot of money; they also cost lives and health in terms of needless pain, worsening conditions, and, most of all, crushed hopes.
How a Doc Can Become a Quack
Internet Hoax Watch Topic Center
Fraudulent Health Claims: Don't Be Fooled
Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
Quackwatch
The Quackatorium
Prime targets
Quackery preys on people's fears. This may be especially true for older adults, who experience more chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases and thus may be willing to embrace worthless and unproven treatments in the hope that they may be cured.The peddlers of false hopes tell people what they want to hear, whether it is totally true or not. Millions of people are taken in each year by health fraud. If that "cure" for baldness, smoking, or even cancer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You may be just as likely to be harmed as helped by such products.
Beyond belief
- A product available only by mail or 'exclusive' supplier contains a 'special,' 'secret,' 'foreign,' or 'ancient' formula.
- A 'miracle' drug/product will treat a wide variety of illnesses or ailments.
- 'Testimonials' or case histories from 'satisfied customers' as the only evidence that the product works.
- Claims the medical establishment overlooked or suppressed a 'scientific breakthrough.'
- The snake oil salesman in a three-piece suit.
- Beware of group presentations.
- Beware of "payment up front" requirements.
Act wisely
Before you jump in and impulsively buy that miracle cure, talk to your doctor. Then get more information, articles, and news on medical scams by going to HealthCentral.com's Internet Hoax Watch page. Also see the FTC's recommendations, and go to the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices for an amusing--and ironic--historical collection of medical deceit.Make sure you...
- Read health books carefully.
- Get it in writing.
- Talk to your medical doctor.
Get More Information
National Institute On Aging Age Page: Health QuackeryHow a Doc Can Become a Quack
Internet Hoax Watch Topic Center
Fraudulent Health Claims: Don't Be Fooled
Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
Quackwatch
The Quackatorium
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