The weight loss drug market is surging, but scammers are exploiting the trend.
Phishing attempts involving popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have seen a significant increase according to a new report by McAfee, a leading online security company.
Researchers discovered 449 malicious website URLs and 176,871 email phishing attacks related to fraudulent drug schemes. Scammers have been using Telegram to rake in millions through weight loss drug scams.
Fraudulent schemes take various forms, with scammers operating on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, offering fake GLP-1 products or substitutes without prescriptions.
Some scammers pose as doctors on social media, offering Mounjaro without a prescription in exchange for payment through methods like Zelle, Venmo, or Bitcoin.
McAfee warns that requests for unconventional payment methods should raise red flags, as many scams employ artificial intelligence to appear legitimate.
While the FDA has approved Ozempic for type 2 diabetes treatment, false claims associating the drug with weight loss abound. Only three GLP-1 drugs are FDA-approved for weight loss: Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
Scammers capitalize on sudden product demand spikes and supply shortages, leading unsuspecting buyers to lose money on fake or non-existent drugs.
It’s crucial to exercise caution when purchasing medications online and to avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as these scams can result in financial loss or identity theft.
Healthcare professionals are also impacted by fake Ozempic drugs, prompting the FDA to issue warnings and seize counterfeit products in the market.
A mix of consumer education, caution, and continuous technological advancements is essential to combat these scams. Healthcare providers should educate patients on medication safety, while consumers are advised to approach all medical transactions skeptically.