The soaring demand for Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight-loss medications has unintentionally fueled a dangerous rise in online scams, with fraudulent schemes tied to these drugs increasing by over 200% this year.
Scammers are capitalizing on the widespread popularity of GLP-1 medications, which are in high demand due to their effectiveness in aiding weight loss. However, the high cost, limited insurance coverage, and ongoing supply shortages have created a prime opportunity for grifters seeking to exploit individuals eager to access these drugs.
According to McAfee’s Threat Research Team, phishing attacks and fraud involving Ozempic and its active ingredient, semaglutide, surged by 183% in the first four months of 2024 compared to the previous quarter. Fraudsters have been spotted impersonating medical professionals on social media platforms like Facebook and posting fraudulent listings on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, offering Ozempic and similar medications at deeply discounted prices. Unfortunately, the buyers typically receive either saline solution, insulin, allergy medications, or nothing at all.
Abhishek Karnik, McAfee’s director for threat research and response, highlighted that scams like these are likely to intensify as the New Year approaches, especially with many people planning weight-loss resolutions. “This is a scam that will likely persist well into the new year. Weight loss is a common resolution for many, so expect to see an uptick in scams targeting people looking for a quick fix,” said Karnik.
The Situation on Social Media and TikTok
In a related investigation, Eric Feinberg, vice president of the Coalition for a Safer Web, teamed up with the Digital Citizens Alliance to examine how these scams are proliferating on platforms like TikTok. The short-form video platform, which is particularly popular among younger audiences, has become a hotspot for fraudsters showcasing what appear to be legitimate weight-loss drug boxes. Feinberg noted that TikTok’s algorithm, designed to keep users engaged, unwittingly helps scammers reach users interested in weight loss, pushing fraudulent offers directly into their feeds.
Despite concerns raised in a May report, TikTok has not taken sufficient action to block these scam accounts. Feinberg confirmed that in December, TikTok alerted him to a new scam video uploaded by one of the fraudulent accounts.
The Complicated Legal Landscape
The issue is further complicated by the legal loophole that allows the sale of compounded versions of weight-loss drugs during shortages. Telehealth services, online pharmacies, and wellness spas have exploited this gap, offering cheaper, unregulated versions of GLP-1 medications. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve or monitor compounded drugs, and consumers are at risk of purchasing unsafe or ineffective products from unverified sources. While the FDA has launched educational campaigns to guide consumers on how to buy compounded drugs safely, the unregulated market continues to thrive.
Health Risks and Financial Damage
The consequences of falling victim to such scams are severe, as individuals risk not only losing money but also compromising their health. Receiving unsafe doses of medication or unknown substances can be extremely dangerous. Moreover, because many victims feel embarrassed, such scams often go unreported, making it harder to identify and shut down fraudulent operations.
“I strongly encourage anyone who encounters a scam to report it,” said Karnik. “It benefits the community and strengthens efforts to stop these criminals.”
Red Flags to Watch For
Experts offer several key indicators that may help consumers identify online weight-loss drug scams:
No Prescription Required – All legitimate GLP-1 medications require a prescription. Sellers who do not request a prescription are likely operating illegally.
Requests to Move to Private Messaging – Scammers may push potential victims to other platforms like Telegram for further communication.
Unrealistically Low Prices – Genuine weight-loss medications cost around $1,000 per month without insurance, while compounded versions typically start at $200. Any seller offering these drugs for significantly less is likely a scam.
Non-Standard Payment Methods – Scammers often prefer untraceable payment options like Bitcoin, Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards, which make it harder to trace transactions.
Foreign Packaging – Any suspicious packaging or shipments that appear to come from outside the country should raise immediate concern.
Consumers can report fraudulent activity involving weight-loss drugs to the FDA for further investigation.
As scams related to weight-loss drugs continue to proliferate, consumers must stay vigilant, ensuring they only purchase from trusted, licensed sources and avoid falling prey to schemes that could jeopardize both their finances and their health.
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