How to Avoid the Top Supplement Scams

**How to Avoid the Top Supplement Scams (Without Falling for the Hype)**

The supplement industry is booming, but so are the scams. From fake reviews to counterfeit products, here’s how to protect yourself and your wallet.

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### 1. **Spot Fake Reviews Like a Pro**
Fake testimonials flood websites, making it hard to trust what you read. Watch for:
– **Over-the-top praise** with no specifics (“Miracle cure!”).
– **AI-generated phrasing** or poor grammar (“This product very good for health”).
– **Stock photos** instead of real before-and-after images[1].
Check multiple sources—reviews on a brand’s official site *and* third-party platforms like ConsumerLab[5]. If something feels off, it probably is.

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### 2. **Buy Directly from Trusted Sellers**
Unauthorized sellers on auction sites or shady online stores often sell diluted or expired products[1]. To avoid this:
– **Stick to the brand’s official website.** If they don’t sell directly, verify authorized retailers.
– On Amazon, look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon” (not third-party sellers)[5].

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### 3. **Check Labels for Red Flags**
Counterfeit supplements often have:
– **Misspelled ingredients** or blurry packaging[5].
– Pills that are a different size/color than advertised[5]. Always compare unboxing videos or photos from verified buyers if unsure.

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### 4. **Ignore “Too Good to Be True” Claims** Legit supplements won’t promise overnight results or celebrity-endorsed miracles[4]. Steer clear of phrases like:
– “Lose 30 pounds in a month!”
– “FDA-approved” (the FDA doesn’t approve supplements)[5].

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### 5. Report Suspicious Products Immediately If you get a fake product: Request a refund through the seller platform (like Amazon)[5], report it to the FTC via their website[5], and leave an honest review warning others[1][5].

By staying skeptical and doing your homework, you can dodge most scams—and keep your health goals on track without wasting money on junk products!