Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 1, 2026 BBB Scam Alert: Weight loss and GLP-1 scams G Scammers are targeting consumers with fake texts, online pharmacies, and fraudulent offers for GLP-1 weight loss medications 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 50 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net for weight loss or GLP-1 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. The most common weight loss and GLP-1 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 GLP1 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 GLP-1 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
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