Beware of Fake Weight-Loss Drugs Online

Scammers are taking advantage of the growing interest in GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. These drugs are expensive, so people are looking for cheaper options. But be careful! Many fake versions are out there, and they might not work or even arrive after you pay.

Scammers' Clever Tricks

• Fake Ads with Celebrity Endorsements Scammers create fake ads with celebrities and doctors endorsing their products. For example, there was a fake video of Oprah Winfrey promoting a "pink salt" weight-loss drink called Lipomax. Many people fell for it and spent over $300. But when they tried to get their money back, the support email didn't work. Oprah Winfrey has no connection to Lipomax.

• Fake Messages Saying You Are "Eligible" You might get a text, email, or call saying you are approved for a GLP-1 prescription. But these messages lead to fake websites. Some people even got calls saying they owed money for a weight-loss medication subscription.

How to Stay Safe

• Check How the Drug is Administered FDA-approved drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are injections. If someone is selling a pill or patch, it's probably fake.

• Use Safe Pharmacy You can use the website Safe Pharmacy to check if an online pharmacy is legitimate.

• Check Ingredients on the FDA Website Always check the safety of ingredients on the FDA website and consult with your doctor before taking anything.