Milwaukee, Wis. – GLP-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. Scammers are targeting consumers with fake texts, online pharmacies, and fraudulent offers for GLP-1 weight loss medications.
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 GLP-1 medications and weight loss products. These ads look convincing but are completely fabricated, tricking consumers into believing the endorsements are real.
Learn more about deepfake celebrity endorsements of Lipomax and Prozenith weight loss products
BBB Scam Tracker reports
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. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
In a different example, a consumer watched a 30-minute presentation by Dr. Mark Hyman promoting healing and weight loss with gelatin, green tea, and other ingredients. However, the product received, called Ozemburn, contained only Garcinia Cambogia, which was never mentioned. The buyer later found no connection to Dr. Hyman on his official website and expressed concern, recalling past negative health effects from similar supplements. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
A consumer ordered six bottles of Prozenith after watching an online presentation about the “pink salt trick.” After 13 days of use with no results and chest discomfort, they requested a refund. Despite repeatedly submitting forms and contacting customer service, the refund was never processed, even after receiving a pop-up stating it was approved. The buyer later found online reports calling Prozenith a scam and warns others not to spend $315.68 on the product. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
Fake texts, emails and phone calls
You may 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.
Learn how to spot a phony text.
BBB Scam Tracker reports
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. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
In a different example, a consumer received a call stating they had supposedly subscribed to weight loss medication and owed $800 to cancel, or they would face collections. The caller shared personal details, used different phone numbers, and applied high-pressure tactics, signaling a scam. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
Fake online pharmacies and health retailers
Fake websites may advertise GLP-1 medications at discounted prices. Victims who enter payment information may never receive any products, or they may get unsafe or watered-down medications.
Learn how to identify a fake website.
BBB Scam Tracker reports
A consumer searching for a cheaper price than 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. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
Another consumer reported a fraudulent online pharmacy posing as a legitimate source for GLP-1 drugs and tirzepatide. After charging over $750 to their card, the company stopped communicating. Initially, the website appeared credible, but follow-ups through a chat box led to vague delays and then silence when the consumer tried to cancel. The consumer has since reported the scam to the FTC, BBB, and disputed the charge with their credit card company. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
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, unclear ingredients, and 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. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
Missing or fake shipments
In some cases, consumers order products that never arrive. The website may 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.
Learn how to avoid delivery scams.
BBB Scam Tracker reports
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. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report.
In a different example, a consumer ordered a GLP-1 oral solution and paid for next-day shipping. Two weeks later, USPS intercepted the package due to a fraudulent label, and the consumer was told they now had to pay additional shipping, indicating a scam. Read the full BBB Scam Tracker report. View the online version
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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