The beginning of a new year often increases interest in fitness products including nutrition and weight-loss programs, athome gym equipment, and other systems designed around healthier lifestyles. Millions of consumers turn to online marketplaces in late December or early January, taking advantage of New Year’s deals and joining online communities that will help support their 2025 goals. However, it is important to be mindful of scammers who take advantage of consumer trends to carry out a series of schemes leveraging the new year’s mentality.
Miracle Products
Using deceptive marketing strategies and fabricated testimonials, miracle products promise fantastic results with regular use. They may claim to cure a wide range of health challenges, eliminate excess fat with no side effects, or prevent an array of infectious or genetic diseases.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a health product is fraudulent if it is deceptively promoted as being effective against a disease or health condition, but not scientifically proven safe and effective for that purpose.
Red flags of a miracle product: “All natural” cure or treatment. These phrases are often used as an attention-getter and suggest the treatment is safe for use. Some ingredients found in nature can be harmful or fatal to humans if consumed in large quantities. Thoroughly research the ingredients contained in the product to create an informed opinion, even if it is claimed to be FDA-approved.
New discovery.
Beware of claims that a scientific breakthrough or secret ingredient incorporated into the product is the basis of its success. Scientifically backed cures for diseases or healthcare challenges would be promoted more heavily than on a single product.
Conspiracy theories.
Be skeptical of claims that “Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know about this” or similar phrases. They are often used to prevent customers from asking common- sense questions about the product. Always remain mindful of what you are introducing into your body.
Misleading Fitness Programs
Often promoted via social media through influencers or advertisements, these programs may claim to provide a one-stop shop to accomplish any fitness goal. They may include dietary supplements, meal plans, exercise programs, one-onone consults, and a litany of other services. While many of these programs are legitimate ways for people to live a healthy lifestyle, others fail to deliver the promised services, and the results customers experience are vastly inferior than promised. Additionally, many people sign up for the program with the promise they are being provided with a customized nutrition and fitness routine to reflect their individual goals but quickly learn their program doesn’t fit their lifestyle or needs after consulting with a medical professional.
Red flags of a misleading fitness program: Avoids or misrepresents credentials or qualifications. Keep in mind that online fitness experts can say or claim anything. Take the time to research the credentials, qualifications, and education of who is developing the fitness program. Be wary if they are unwilling to share these details or discredit others in the fitness industry who hold degrees, certifications, or credentials.
Discourages consulting with medical professionals.
Legitimate fitness programs should encourage you to consult with a medical professional before beginning the program. Be especially cautious of any fitness program that claims medical professionals do not have the expertise to provide an opinion on the nutritional or exercise routine included in the program.
Immediate and drastic results. Fitness programs that claim customers can expect immediate results should be treated with caution, especially if they do not include a nutritional or dietary program, or manage expectations based on individual lifestyle. While losing 30 pounds in a month may be enticing, it is neither a realistic nor healthy rate to lose excess fat.
Subscription Traps
These schemes seek to capitalize on “free trial” advertising or fail to disclaim that a subscription service is included in an initial purchase of a health product. Many reports to BBB Scam Tracker describe how, using AI-generated content, celebrity endorsements such as appearances on Shark Tank or individual recommendations from well-known movie stars and singers encouraged consumers to try the product. Attempts to remove or cancel the subscription are met with unresponsive customer service departments, leading the customer to cancel the payment method they used to sign up for the subscription.
Red flags of a subscription trap: Generous free trial for an expensive subscription.
Be cautious if the offer is for a 3 or 6-month free trial period for a subscription that has a high monthly cost once the free trial period is over. Consider how the business maintains profitability with such a generous offer – it may be a gimmick or a misleading advertisement.
Extremely complicated or hidden service agreements. Legitimate businesses should be forthcoming with the subscription fees included in an initial purchase agreement, and the agreement should be easily found on their website. Be sure to check for any cancellation fees hidden in the agreement.
Miracle products. Subscription traps are commonly used with miracle products. Keep a look out for the red flags of a miracle product as a sign that it may also be a subscription trap.
For more information about how to have a fraud-free new year, visit BBB.org/ NewYear.
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