The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently put out a strong warning. Buying weight loss medicines outside of legitimate channels, such as online without a prescription, can be extremely unsafe. The agency cautions that these products are commonly sold in cosmetic salons, illegal pharmacy websites and social media. Additionally, those products can have toxic chemicals and other undisclosed ingredients. This advisory arrives just as news reports emerge highlighting a dramatic increase in scams involving weight loss products.
According to new statistics from Santander, reports of customers being scammed by weight loss scams have soared by a staggering 225%. Between July and September, scams promising viable injections, pills, and fat-dissolving products have more than tripled. The overall sum lost to these changing scams has increased by over 130% from the last three months. On average, victims have told us they’ve lost an average of just over £120 each.
Rising Concerns Over Frauds
Michelle Pilsworth, fraud head at Santander, agreed it was the ‘darkest of times’. Additionally, she pointed out that tens of millions of people are being taken advantage of because of their anxiety and pre-existing conditions.
“Fraudsters are actively exploiting people’s insecurities and health concerns, with these scams soaring in recent months,” – Michelle Pilsworth.
The MHRA has warned against purchases from unverified sources due to negative physical, economic, and mental health outcomes. Pilsworth wanted to remind people to be very careful about any weight loss products not approved by your healthcare provider.
Sources of Illegal Products
The MHRA’s alert is particularly aimed at online marketplaces, social media platforms and other channels that these unlicensed weight loss medicines are marketed. Cosmetic salons have emerged as the key site for the distribution of these unregulated products. Separately, phony pharmacy sites are a big danger for moms and dads looking for real weight loss products.
Social media companies have come under fire for facilitating the sale of these widely dangerous drugs. Pilsworth added that one of the large-scaled ways is the accessibility that scammers have to vulnerable people through those outlets.
“Buying from unverified sellers online can come at a serious financial, health-related and emotional cost,” – Michelle Pilsworth.
Consumers can check the legitimacy of online pharmacies by looking them up on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The GPhC maintains a public registry of accredited online pharmacies based in Great Britain. You can find this important information readily available on their official website.
Recommendations for Consumers
The MHRA and Santander have recently warned about shocking trends occurring with weight loss products. In addition, they point consumers to their advice urging extreme caution when buying any products online. As always, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning any weight loss plan, especially those that require injections or other pharmaceuticals.
Individuals are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or perceived scams to local authorities to help combat this growing issue. The trend in weight loss fraud is particularly concerning. Now more than ever, we need to create focused and targeted education and awareness campaigns that empower consumers to purchase safely.