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How Seniors Can Spot and Stop Healthcare Fraud

Older adults are often targeted by companies that sell worthless medications and phony medical devices. What are the red flags to watch out for? 

Health fraud is the deceptive marketing of unproven, fraudulent health-related products, treatments or devices. The sellers claim that their products will cure diseases, make us feel better, and look younger. But the only real benefit of these products is to the con artists themselves, who bilk Americans out of $100 billion every year. 

Health fraud can damage more than your bank account. You might waste valuable time pursuing useless treatments instead of receiving effective care that could really help you. And some products are not only useless; they can be dangerous. For example, many dietary supplements are produced in unregulated foreign plants with no safety standards or regulatory oversight. 

Older adults can be at particular risk of health fraud. Scammers often target people who are at their most vulnerable. They prey on the hopes of those who are experiencing ill health, pain and fear. Seniors are more likely to experience challenging health conditions which modern medicine can’t entirely cure…and it’s no coincidence that scammers put most of their energy into claims for those very diseases. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns consumers to be aware of these common health fraud types: 

• Useless remedies for diseases and health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, HIV/AIDS or flu 

• Weight-loss products 

• “Anti-aging” treatments 

• Unproven diagnostic tests  

• Useless dietary supplements claimed to promote better health.  

As you evaluate health advertising and product packaging, here are some red flags to look out for:  

• Claims that a product is a “cure-all” for a variety of ailments  

• Advertising terms like “miracle cure” or “ancient remedy” 

• A “no-risk” guarantee  

• Statements that claim a product is better because it is “all natural” 

• Pressure to “buy now, as supplies are limited” 

• A company that recruits you to become a dealer of their product  

• Negative comments using terms like “the medical establishment” or “mainstream medicine” 

• Salespeople who call the home repeatedly and try to “befriend” you.  

Remember: a glitzy website, an hour-long TV infomercial full of testimonials, or a full-page advertisement, even in a reputable publication, are no guarantee of the value of a healthcare product. You would be justified to suspect that the scammers have spent all their money on this advertising, and not on research or a quality product. 

Speak to your doctor before you spend your money on medical devices or products. And remember that following the advice of a trained, licensed healthcare provider is the wisest choice when it comes to making healthcare decisions. Scam artists take advantage of our hopes. But the best source of a sense of well-being comes from knowing we have made educated choices. 

Talking to older friends and family members 

If you suspect an older adult has been swindled, offer your help in a non-judgmental way. Your friend may be defensive or embarrassed at having been taken. Assure him that he is not alone; appeal to his sense of justice by telling him how widespread the problem is. You can say, “We’ll do what we can to get your money back, and we’ll educate ourselves on what to look out for in the future. And you can share the information with your friends.”  

Healthcare fraud is a serious threat, but it’s not an unstoppable one. Awareness is the most powerful defense. By knowing the warning signs, asking questions, and speaking up when something feels off, seniors and their families can stay one step ahead of scammers. 

Source: IlluminAge