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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 Page 5 BBB Scam Alert: Looking for Ozempic? Spot a scam before you buy phony medicine W hen demand for something exceeds its supply, scammers are quick to take advantage. It’s happened recently with popular toys, baby formula and even rental cars. Now, it’s happening with Ozempic, a prescription-only drug for people with Type 2 diabetes. Scammers are aware of the drug’s popularity for weight loss, and they’re targeting folks looking for a convenient way to purchase it. Here’s what you need to know to stay alert. How this scam works: You are looking online for a pharmacy that carries Ozempic and are pointed to a website claiming to sell the drug at a reduced price. You might fi nd the website through a web search, an ad or even a friend’s post on social media. The website claims that buying Ozempic is easy and you can save a few hundred dollars by purchasing it online vs. through a doctor. All you must do is make a payment through a digital wallet app like CashApp or Zelle (CashApp and Zelle are Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Businesses as of this writing in December 2023). Many such websites don’t even ask for a prescription before “selling” the drug, but some sites work harder to appear that you are dealing with a legitimate pharmaceutical company. One consumer COMMITTEE | FROM Page 1 signifi cant economic growth in recent years and the work of this committee will be a vital part of how we can create growth for all in our city and region. Mayor Keefe appointed Mike McLaughlin as the Executive Director of the all-volunteer Policies for Progress Committee, and he will be joined by State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Representatives Jessica Giannino and Jeff Turco, former State Representative Kathi Reinstein, Joseph Gravellese, Kerri Perullo and Claudia Correa. Additional subcommittees and members include: • City Services Subcommittee – chaired by Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur and Somerville Finance Director/City Auditor Ed Bean • Education & Safety Subcommittee – chaired by Carol Tye – Kevin O’Hara, Rachel Haas Shanley and Joe Internicola • Housing & Economic Development Subcommittee – chaired by Paul Nowicki and Jay Ash • City Hall Culture & Innovation Subcommittee – chaired by Claudia Correa and Richard Vellante “I am honored to be serving reported having a “tele-consult” with a “doctor” before paying to receive Ozempic. The consumer told BBB: “I have not received the drug. When I reach out to customer service, they send automated responses. They refuse to refund my money, even though they claim not to know when or if the drug will be shipped.” In some versions of the scam, the con artists claim to encounter issues when shipping the drug, all of which require additional fees. For example, after your initial payment, scammers might insist that you need to pay for insurance or a discreet shipping fee to get the package past customs. If you refuse, scammers might resort to threats. For example, they might claim to report the transaction to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you’ll be held responsible for buying illegal drugs without a prescription. In reality, scammers never planned on sending you anything at all. Any problems encountered when “shipping” the medication is only a trick to get even more money from you. If you give in and use a digital payment app to send funds, your money is gone for good. How to avoid similar scams: • Don’t buy medicines from foreign countries. The FDA warns consumers that non-FDA-apas Executive Director of the City of Revere’s Policies for Progress Committee,” said Michael McLaughlin. “I look forward to working with other leaders, creators and doers to drive new progress for Revere and all of our residents.” The committee is looking forward to celebrating Mayor proved products sold by internet pharmacies in other countries can be downright dangerous. Avoid risking your health and getting scammed by sticking with pharmacies based in the country where you live. • Don’t buy prescription-only medications from a seller who doesn’t ask you for a prescription. This is a huge red fl ag and one of the biggest signs that you are dealing with a scammer. Even if they are selling the drug, off ering it to consumers without a prescription is illegal. • Watch out for unreasonably low prices. This is another red fl ag. Ask yourself, “Why is a vendor off ering a high-demand, name-brand prescription at such a low price?” It’s probably a scam. After paying, you could end up with counterfeit products or no products at all. • Don’t use digital wallet apps to pay for a prescription. A reputable pharmacy won’t ask you to make a payment using a digital wallet app, prepaid debit cards, or wired funds. These payment methods are a common denominator in countless scams. • Only buy from reputable pharmacies. If you come across a pharmacy online that you aren’t familiar with, research is a must. Make sure the business has legitimate contact information and a working phone number. Look for conKeefe’s fi rst 100 days with a formal Celebration, as well as his inaugural State of the City Address, where he will outline the Policies for Progress Committee report recommendations. For more information, please contact Hilary Jenison at 781424-7489. sumer reviews, keeping a sharp eye out for reports of scams or shady business dealings. Remember, your personal information, some of your medical details, and your money are all on the line. For more information, read the BBB Tip about weight loss products at https://www.bbb. org/article/news-releases/16895bbb-tip-supplements-and-other-weight-loss-products?utm_ source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BBB%20 Tip%20about%20weight%20 loss%20products&utm_campaign=scam-alert and check out BBB’s online shopping HQ for more resources. If you spot a prescription scam, report it at https:// www.bbb.org/ScamTracker?utm_ source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BBB%20 Scam%20Tracker&utm_campaign=scam-alert. Saint Anthony’s Flea Market 250 Revere St., Revere Indoor Flea Market Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM ~ Admission Only .50 Cents ~ FREE COFFEE & TEA * FULL KITCHEN Plenty of New Vendors! For info, call Lynda: (781) 910-8615 Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657

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