Fraudsters are cashing in on the popularity of weight loss injections, with fake products being sold online that could cause serious health problems. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned against buying these illegal medicines without a prescription from beauty salons, fake pharmacy websites, or social media, as they may contain toxins and harmful ingredients.
New figures from Santander bank show a sharp rise in scams involving weight loss injections, pens, tablets, and fat-dissolving products. Between July and September this year, the amount lost to such scams more than doubled compared to the previous three months, with the average victim losing £120.
Scammers often use messaging apps and social media to target victims, mimicking legitimate brands with subtle differences in spelling or logos. They employ urgency-laden phrases like 'limited-time offer' or 'free giveaway' to lure people in. As the price of genuine weight loss jabs like Mounjaro has risen, fraudsters price their products lower to appear attractive.
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 medicines should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Consumers can check the General Pharmaceutical Council website to verify if an online pharmacy is properly registered. As with all scams, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
