The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning against buying illegal weight loss medications from unverified sellers, including beauty salons, fake pharmacy websites, and social media platforms. These products may contain toxins and other harmful ingredients, posing serious health risks.
New figures from Santander show a sharp rise in fraud involving weight loss injections, pens, tablets, and fat-dissolving products. Between July and September, the amount lost to such scams more than doubled compared to the previous three months, with the average victim losing £120.
Fraudsters often use urgency-laden phrases like “limited-time offer” or “exclusive deal” on messaging apps and social media. They mimic legitimate brands with subtle differences in spelling or logos, and price their fake products lower, especially as the cost of genuine medications like Mounjaro has increased.
Michelle Pilsworth, Santander’s head of fraud, said: “Fraudsters are actively exploiting people’s insecurities and health concerns, with these scams soaring in recent months. Buying from unverified sellers online can come at a serious financial, health-related and emotional cost.”
The MHRA advises that weight loss medications should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Consumers can verify online pharmacies by checking the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.
