Avoid supplement fraud by arming yourself with the right indicators before you buy. This page highlights seven red flags to watch for, so you can spot fake labels, bogus claims, and unsafe ingredients with expert tips. By learning these signs, you can shop with greater confidence and reduce exposure to deceptive products. Red flag one: labeling that is incomplete or inconsistent. If a product lacks a full ingredient list, batch or lot number, or clear contact information for the manufacturer, that should raise a warning. Red flag two: claims that seem exaggerated or unsupported, with little data or transparent sources to verify them. Red flag three: absence of independent, third‑party verification or recognizable certification logos, or information that cannot be verified through a quick check. Red flag four: packaging or labeling discrepancies such as misspellings, inconsistent fonts, or packaging that differs from what is shown online or in other listings. Red flag five: pricing that seems unrealistically low for the product, especially when coupled with high-pressure sales tactics. Red flag six: missing or false manufacturing details, including an address that doesn’t match the company or a lack of a verifiable batch number. Red flag seven: unclear or questionable sourcing with opaque supply chain information. Expert tips to avoid supplement fraud include verifying the seller’s credibility, looking for independent verifications from credible organizations, and checking batch numbers against the manufacturer. Keep purchase records, review packaging for consistency, and prefer purchases from reputable retailers. By applying these steps before you buy, you can sharpen your ability to avoid supplement fraud. If you encounter a product that fits many of these red flags, consider reporting it to the appropriate authorities or platforms.
