Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 20, 2026 BBB Scam Alert: Weight loss and GLP-1 scams G LP-1 medications (like Ozempic) have become popular for both diabetes treatment and weight loss. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of their demand and limited availability by tricking people with fake offers and fraudulent websites. What you’ll learn · How scammers use fake messages, online pharmacies, and impostor doctor’s offices to push GLP-1 medication scams · Warning signs that an offer for weight loss or GLP1 prescriptions might be fraudulent · Steps you can take to safely buy medications and protect yourself from scams The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has received many reports of scammers using weight loss and GLP-1 medications to get people’s money and personal information. Scammers use several methods to carry out these scams. Scammers are targeting consumers with fake texts, online pharmacies, and fraudulent offers for GLP-1 weight loss medications The most common weight loss and GLP1 scams · AI-generated ads with fake endorsements: Scammers are increasingly using deepfake videos and AI-generated images of celebrities, doctors and other trusted figures to promote GLP-1 medications and weight loss products. These ads look convincing but are completely fabricated, tricking consumers into believing the endorsements are real. A consumer clicked a video link about the “pink salt trick” and saw what appeared to be Oprah Winfrey and a doctor promoting Lipo Max as a safer alternative to GLP-1 injections. Believing the endorsement was real, they purchased the product, spending over $300, but later suspected the video was AI-generated. When they tried to request a refund, the support email bounced back as non-deliverable. · Fake texts, emails and phone calls: You might receive a message claiming you are “eligible” for GLP-1 prescriptions or weight loss programs. These messages often look urgent and include a link to a fraudulent website. A consumer received a text message, claiming to be from “Laura at WellnessCare,” stating that a doctor had cleared their GLP-1 prescription and that they were approved to begin treatment immediately. The consumer blocked the number, suspecting it was fraudulent and possibly linked to Medicaid fraud. BBB Scam Tracker reports · Fake online pharmacies and health retailers: Fake websites might advertise GLP-1 medications at discounted prices. Victims who enter payment information might never receive any products, or they might get unsafe or watered-down medications. A consumer searching for a cheaper price than at their doctor’s office found an online ad for a GLP-1 shot. After paying a $32 membership fee and entering credit card information, they were hit with repeated $670 charge attempts, despite contacting the company multiple times to cancel. The charges continued nearly every other day, leaving the consumer worried the company would eventually succeed in debiting their account. In a different example, a consumer purchased weight loss patches advertised as containing “SMGT-GLP-1” with promises of great results. After paying over $70, they received products with no instructions and unclear ingredients, and they later discovered the patches were simply collagen. Despite a “100% refund guarantee,” the company ignored multiple refund requests, leaving the consumer — a senior on a fixed income — out the money and warning others not to fall for the scam. · Missing or fake shipments: In some cases, consumers order products that never arrive. The website might continue taking payments, provide no tracking updates, or make excuses for delays. Often, customer support is limited to a chat box, and attempts to cancel are ignored. A consumer ordered GLP1 medication for $279, but the FedEx package was misdelivered and never reached their address. Attempts to resolve the issue with both the company (Zealthy) and FedEx were unsuccessful, leaving the consumer without the medication and no resolution or refund. Tips to avoid weight loss and GLP-1 scams: · Only buy from reputable pharmacies · Be cautious of miracle claims · Don’t be quick to trust endorsements · Be wary of subscription traps Better Business Bureau warns consumers about “Notice of Hearing” traffic violation text scam BB Eastern New England is warning consumers about a text message scam inB volving fraudulent claims of a “notice of hearing” traffic violation. The scam appears designed to frighten recipients into clicking a link or sharing personal and financial information. According to reports received by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), consumers are getting unexpected text messages claiming they have an outstanding traffic-related matter or legal notice requiring immediate action. The messages might use alarming language, reference a supposed violation and direct recipients to click a link or respond quickly to avoid penalties. “These types of scam texts are designed to create urgency and fear,” said BBB Eastern New England’s Chief Spokesperson, Paula Fleming. “Scammers want people to react before they have time to verify whether the message is legitimate. Consumers should pause, avoid clicking links and confirm any claim directly through an official government source. While we have been notified of this scam here, we do not doubt it is happening in other states as well, and we want consumers to be educated so they do not fall victim.” The scam might appear to come from a government agency or official entity, but consumers should be cautious. Government notices involving traffic matters, hearings or violations are generally handled through official channels, not unsolicited text messages demanding immediate action. BBB Eastern New England urges consumers to take the following steps if they receive a suspicious text about a traffic violation or hearing notice: • Do not click on links or download attachments in unexpected text messages. • Do not reply or provide personal, financial or payment information. • Verify the claim independently by visiting the official website of the agency or contacting it directly using a phone number or web address you know is legitimate. • Block the number and report the text as spam through your mobile carrier or device. • Report the scam to BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others. Scam text messages, also known as “smishing,” often impersonate trusted organizations, government agencies, banks or delivery services. Their goal is to steal money, personal information or login credentials. Anyone who has received this type of message is encouraged to report it at BBB Scam Tracker and share details that might help protect others in the community. For more information and scam prevention tips, visit bbb.org. About BBB Eastern New England: The organization is dedicated to advancing marketplace trust by providing consumers with reliable information, helping people find trustworthy businesses and charities, and educating the public about scams and fraud.
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