Health fraud refers to deceptive practices that aim to mislead individuals or groups regarding health-related products, services, or claims. It often involves false representations about the effectiveness of medical treatments, dietary supplements, or health-related products that are marketed without scientific backing or regulatory approval. Health fraud can manifest in various forms, including scams that promise miraculous cures, fraudulent health insurance claims, and misleading advertisements for unproven therapies. The primary intent of health fraud is typically financial gain, exploiting consumers’ desire for improved health or cures for ailments. Victims of health fraud may suffer not only financial loss but also potential harm to their health due to reliance on ineffective or harmful treatments. Authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, work to combat health fraud by enforcing regulations and providing consumer education.
Belle Gibson deceived followers by falsely claiming she cured terminal brain cancer through diet. Her narrative attracted vulnerable individuals, promoting reckless health advice that jeopardized lives. Lucy, a cancer patient,…