Chapter 3 Health Fraud

Health Fraud ________an intentional act perpetrated to be deceptive in order to gain something of value. _________services or articles of unproven effectiveness that are promoted to improve health, well being, or appearance. Cleverly marketed with half-truths, catchy phrases, gimmicks, deceptions, and testimonials Testimonials of celebrities, case histories, etc. These are often faked, paid for or sometime actually true. Results could be from ______________________________________ Placebo effect- _____________________________________ Vague language-” will eliminate acne in just days” (How many?) “All Natural, ancient secret, money back guarantee, conspiracy theories” False Analogies- fungus causes flower bulbs to remain dormant so this fungus can make skin cells dormant and thus slow aging. (Really?)..

Other Frauds HIV/AIDS –No cure or preventative treatment (abstinence, protection from blood) Diabetes- unproven cures, 23 firms received FDA warning letters Arthritis-pain fluctuates, no cure, only symptom treatments Cancer- shark cartilage, “sharks don’t have cancer”, FDA prosecuted successfully 3 companies claiming it cures cancer. Aging- too many to mention

Health ______________an intentional deception or misrepresentation that an individual or entity makes knowing that the misrepresentation could result in unauthorized benefit to the individual, to the entity, or to some third party. _________Quackery: promotion of health practices or remedies that have no compelling scientific basis. May or may not be intentional Widespread due to the internet There is cure for cancer (oxygen) Eat according to your blood type Ab stimulator Reflexology Iridology Sexual aids (sea horse, bull’s testicles, duck embryo, etc), Weight-loss:insert in ear, massage, ear stapling, Herbal bodywraps, etc.

Quackery Fitness Machines make it “easy” to lose weight Spot reduction Faked- before and after images Other deceptions Misleading fees (shipping and handling) Protections Consumer Reports, online reviews, better business bureau, Angie’s List, etc.