How do I recover after falling for a fake health supplement or medical scam?
Dispute the charge with your card issuer, report to the FDA and FTC, and monitor your bank for further unauthorized charges if you signed up for a 'free trial.'
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Health supplement scams typically use one of two models: a fake 'free trial' where you pay only shipping and are then auto-enrolled in a costly monthly subscription, or outright fraudulent products making unsubstantiated medical claims. Both are actionable through your bank and federal regulators.
If you were caught in a free trial trap, dispute the recurring charges with your credit or debit card issuer. Cite 'misrepresentation of terms' or 'no authorization for recurring billing.' The FTC's ROSCA rules require clear disclosure of subscription terms, and many of these companies operate in violation of those rules — your issuer knows this and is often cooperative. Request a new card number to prevent future charges.
Report to the FDA's MedWatch system at fda.gov/safety/medwatch if the product made false health or medical claims. The FDA actively pursues companies marketing supplements with unproven disease cures. Also report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — health fraud is an enforcement priority and the FTC has brought major cases against supplement scam operators.
If the product caused any adverse health effects, report to FDA MedWatch as a safety report, not just a fraud report. Keep the product, packaging, and any documentation you received.
Common red flags
- Free trial only requires you to pay shipping — monthly subscription buried in fine print
- Celebrity or doctor endorsement that cannot be verified
- Promised to cure or treat a disease — only FDA-approved drugs can make such claims
- Testimonials but no clinical trial data or peer-reviewed research
- Contact details on the website are minimal — no physical address
- Website uses countdown timers and 'only X left in stock' pressure
What to do now
- Dispute recurring charges with your card issuer and request a new card number
- Cancel the subscription directly with the company and get written confirmation
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report false medical claims to the FDA at fda.gov/safety/medwatch
- If adverse health effects occurred, report as a product safety concern to the FDA
Frequently asked questions
Can a supplement legally claim to cure a disease?
No. Under U.S. law, only FDA-approved drugs can claim to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases. Supplements can make 'structure/function' claims (supporting health) but not disease claims. Any supplement promising to cure cancer, diabetes, or other diseases is making an illegal claim.
What if the product was sent from overseas?
Overseas supplement companies are harder to pursue through U.S. regulators, but your card chargeback rights remain the same. File with the FTC and the FDA — both share data with international counterparts in some cases.