🔗 Share this article

You've come across so much regarding the use of slimming jabs to get slim, you feel the moment has come to give it a go in the run-up to the holiday period. However, the issue lies in cost.

But it seems there are other options instead of getting a prescription and going to the chemist. A text message comes through giving a link to a website with more affordable medication – and with no necessity to go through official channels. You also noticed a comparable advertisement on social media the other day, so you decide to take the plunge.

The catch is such promotions are highly likely to be scams. At best, you will be sent nothing and forfeit any funds you paid. At worst, you receive a counterfeit item, containing unspecified components which may result in serious medical issues.

The popularity of legitimate weight loss medications has resulted in a increase in fake goods entering circulation and scams set up to merely steal consumers' cash.

Medical regulators have warned against buying such unlawful slimming medications absent a doctor's order from aesthetic clinics, fake pharmacy websites or through social media, stating they could contain “toxins and other ingredients that could cause genuine injury”.

Recent statistics from a major retail bank show a sharp rise in the quantity of customers who have been impacted by the scam. According to the bank, the total sum stolen through fraudulent activities related to weight loss injections, injector pens, pills and fat-dissolving products during the third quarter this year, was more than double the overall amount stolen in the prior quarter. The average scam sets back sufferers £120, reports indicate.

“Scammers are actively exploiting people’s insecurities and health concerns, with such frauds soaring in recent months,” says a financial institution's fraud prevention lead.

How It Appears

The majority occur on messaging apps and social networks. On socials, a profile may imitate the brand that you seek, but you'll often notice subtle differences in spelling or brand marks.

The messages or posts will often use pressure-inducing language such as “time-sensitive deal”, “special promotion” or “free giveaway”.

As the price of certain authentic slimming injections, rose recently, the fraudsters will set the cost of their “product” more cheaply.

“Buying from unapproved vendors online can come at a serious financial, health-related and psychological toll,” says the fraud expert.

What to do

As with all scams, the old adage holds true: should something seem too good to be true, it likely isn't genuine.

Medical authorities have warned people to be extremely cautious when purchasing medications online. These products must only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a valid script issued by a medical practitioner, they advise. When procured from other sources, they can present serious risks to wellbeing.

Criminals can go to great lengths to make their site or online profile look as authentic as possible. If they claim to be an internet-based chemist based in the UK, you can check the website of the pharmaceutical regulatory body to ensure this is properly registered.