Beware of Weight-Loss Drug Scams: How to Protect Yourself in 2025
The new year often brings resolutions to get healthier, and for many, that includes turning to weight-loss drugs to achieve their goals. However, as the popularity of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy skyrockets, so too does the risk of falling victim to scams. Fraudsters are capitalizing on the trend, creating fake websites, phishing ads, and counterfeit products to exploit unsuspecting consumers.
Take Cecilia, a viewer who reached out to ABC15 after paying $119 to an online company promising a pill form of Ozempic. The website offered a money-back guarantee, but the pills she received didn’t work. When cecilia requested a refund, the company repeatedly claimed a check was “being mailed.” Weeks later, the website disappeared, replaced by a warning: ”Attackers might be trying to steal your information.” Fortunately, Cecilia paid with a credit card and is working to recover her money.
This is just one example of a growing problem. Scammers often create websites that mimic legitimate companies, offering weight-loss drugs at steep discounts. they may send counterfeit medications, allergy pills, saline solution, or nothing at all before vanishing into thin air. Others use phishing ads on legitimate websites or post videos on social media,posing as doctors or pharmacists offering “miraculous” products. The goal? To steal financial and personal information.
The issue has become so widespread that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is issuing warnings and urging consumers to report suspicious sites. The Food and Drug Management (FDA) is also cracking down, sending warning letters to internet pharmacies suspected of illegal activities.
The risks go beyond financial loss. Counterfeit drugs can be risky, even deadly. They may contain the wrong ingredients, harmful substances, or no active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) at all. The API is what makes a medication effective, and without it, the drug coudl fail to work, interact dangerously with other medications, or cause severe side effects.
How to Avoid Weight-Loss Drug Scams
Here are some key steps to protect yourself:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|———|———————|
| Verify prescriptions | Legitimate sellers will ask for a prescription for prescription-only medications. |
| Avoid foreign pharmacies | Medications from unregulated sources might potentially be counterfeit or unsafe. |
| Check licenses | ensure the pharmacy is licensed in your state. For arizona, verify online. |
| Be cautious of payment methods | Sellers who only accept cash, Cash app, or Zelle might potentially be scammers. |
| Watch for low prices | Unreasonably cheap medications are often too good to be true. |
The FDA emphasizes that while online pharmacies can offer convenience and cost savings, consumers must ensure they are licensed and regulated. “When a consumer purchases drugs online and the website does not provide information on where the drug is made, consumers cannot do their due diligence,” the agency warns.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC or FDA promptly. Your health and financial security are too critically important to risk.
Stay vigilant, and remember: if it truly seems too good to be true, it probably is.
FDA Cracks Down on Illegal Online Pharmacies Selling Unapproved Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its efforts to combat the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, through online pharmacies. In a recent wave of enforcement actions, the agency has issued warning letters to several internet pharmacies for violating federal laws by selling unapproved and possibly dangerous medications.
These pharmacies have been accused of offering prescription drugs without requiring a valid prescription, failing to provide FDA-mandated warnings about serious health risks, and distributing medications with inadequate directions for safe use.Additionally,some of these online platforms are selling drugs of unknown origin,raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness.
The Risks of Unapproved Medications
The FDA has expressed significant concern over the sale of unapproved drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity. These medications, when obtained from unauthorized sources, might potentially be counterfeit, improperly stored, or contaminated, posing serious health risks to consumers.
“If a patient has an unexpected side effect associated with the use of a medicine or if there is a product quality problem, it should be reported to FDA through MedWatch,” the agency stated. The FDA also encourages the public to report any websites suspected of selling counterfeit drugs through its dedicated reporting portal.
FDA’s Enforcement Actions
The FDA’s enforcement strategy includes sending warning letters to website operators engaged in illegal activities. These letters inform the operators that they are violating federal laws and must cease their operations immediately.If compliance is not achieved, the FDA may escalate its response by collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies to pursue actions such as seizures, injunctions, or criminal prosecutions.
The agency has also been actively monitoring the internet for fraudulent or unapproved products. In recent months, it has targeted the illegal distribution of semaglutide and tirzepatide, two drugs that have gained popularity for their weight-loss benefits but are often misused or sold without proper oversight.
How to Safely Purchase Medications Online
To help consumers navigate the risks of online pharmacies, the FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign provides tools and resources to identify legitimate sources of medication. The campaign emphasizes the importance of purchasing drugs only from licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription and provide clear information about the medication’s risks and proper use.
Key Tips for Safe Online Medication Purchases:
- Verify the pharmacy’s licence through your state board of pharmacy.
- Ensure the website requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Look for the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal, which indicates the pharmacy has been accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- Avoid websites that offer medications at significantly lower prices or without a prescription.
Reporting Suspect Counterfeit Drugs
The FDA takes reports of counterfeit drugs seriously and investigates each case to assess public health risks and determine the appropriate regulatory response. Consumers who encounter suspicious websites or suspect counterfeit medications are urged to report them to the FDA through its counterfeit drug reporting portal.
Summary of FDA Actions Against Illegal Online Pharmacies
| Action | description |
|———————————|———————————————————————————|
| Issued Warning letters | Notified online pharmacies of illegal activities and demanded compliance. |
| Monitored Internet Sales | Identified and targeted websites selling unapproved semaglutide and tirzepatide.|
| Collaborated with Law Enforcement| Pursued seizures, injunctions, and criminal prosecutions for non-compliance. |
| Launched BeSafeRx Campaign | Educated consumers on safely purchasing medications online. |
What’s Next?
The FDA remains committed to protecting public health by cracking down on illegal online pharmacies and ensuring that consumers have access to safe and effective medications. As the agency continues its enforcement efforts, it urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
For more information on how to safely purchase medications online, visit the FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign page. If you suspect counterfeit drugs or have experienced adverse effects from a medication, report it to the FDA through MedWatch or the counterfeit drug reporting portal.
By staying informed and cautious, consumers can protect themselves from the dangers of unapproved and counterfeit medications.
