Today, there are more ways than ever to sell untested products—online, TV, radio, magazines, and newspapers are just a few examples. Actors portray doctors and patients on infomercials. You might even get an email urging you to try a product. It can be hard to tell what’s an ad and what’s a scam.

Be skeptical. Something might be a scam if it:

• Promises a quick or painless cure
• Claims the product is made from a special, secret, or ancient formula
• Offers products and services only by mail or from one company
• Uses statements or unproven case histories from so-called satisfied patients
• Claims to be a cure for a wide range of ailments
• Claims to cure a disease (such as arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease) that hasn’t been cured by medical science
• Promises a no-risk, money-back guarantee
• Offers an additional free gift or a larger amount of the product as a special promotion
• Requires advance payment and claims there is a limited supply of the product

Learn more about protecting yourself from health scams and how to find trustworthy health information online.