Whether you are looking for a short cut to losing weight or a cure for a serious ailment, you may be spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year on unproven, fraudulently marketed, often useless health-related products, devices and treatments.

Consumers who fall for fraudulent “cure-all” products do not find help or better health. Instead, they find themselves cheated out of their money, their time, and maybe even their health. Some products can even cause serious harm, and many are expensive because health insurance rarely covers unapproved treatments. To avoid becoming victims of health fraud, it is important for consumers to learn how to assess health claims and seek the advice of a health professional.

Consumer Fraud Online has collected some tips on how to spot false health claims. Officials at the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration say health fraud promoters often target people who are overweight or have serious conditions for which there are no cures, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, HIV and AIDS, and arthritis.

The most common types of diet, health, and fitness fraud include:

• Weight loss and dietary supplements
• Health and fitness clubs
• Medical quackery

If you are a victim of health fraud, contact Consumer Fraud Online to discuss your options.