Supplement scams are a real risk in today’s marketplace, both online and offline. This page is designed to help you uncover those scams by showing you how to spot fake pills, verify ingredients, and protect your wallet with practical tips you can act on today. By tightening your checks and knowing what red flags to look for, you can shop more confidently and avoid common pitfalls tied to supplement scams. Spotting fake pills starts with careful observation of packaging and presentation. Look for packaging that appears rushed, with misaligned labels, misspellings, or inconsistent fonts. Check that the bottle lists a clear manufacturer name and legitimate contact information. Compare the pill’s shape, color, and imprint with official brand listings, and watch for large discrepancies. Red flags include prices that are dramatically lower than market norms, aggressive upsell tactics, or a site with a domain that imitates a trusted brand. If anything seems off, pause and verify before you buy, as these are frequent indicators of supplement scams. Verifying ingredients means reading the label and cross-checking what’s advertised with what’s actually on the bottle. The label should disclose all active ingredients with precise amounts and units. Be cautious of vague “proprietary blends” that hide quantities, which can be a sign of deception. Look for a batch or lot number and an expiration date, and seek out a certificate of analysis from a credible third-party lab that corresponds to that batch. If the product lacks a third-party verification or COA, treat it as a red flag and consider avoiding the purchase. To protect your wallet, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and be mindful of auto-renew or subscription traps. Use secure payment methods that offer consumer protection, and save receipts and packaging in case you need to dispute a charge. Do some quick background checks on the company: verify a physical address, accessible customer service contact, and a clear return policy. If you encounter concerns, report potential supplement scams to consumer protection agencies and consult official recall or safety alerts from regulatory bodies. By applying these steps, you can reduce exposure to supplement scams and shop with greater confidence.
