Category: Health Fraud

Stem cells

Dubious stem cell trials for autism and the darker side of quackademic medicine

Despite a lack of evidence, Duke University is all-in on stem cells for autism, thanks to a billionaire benefactor and a highly dodgy for-profit Panama stem cell clinic. How did this come to be and what will be the outcome? Whatever the answers to these questions, it is clear that arrangements like the one between Duke University and The Stem Cell Institute...

/ November 2, 2020
COVID-19 vs. FDA and CDC

The Top COVID-19 Hucksters and Grifters…so far

It wouldn't be a health crisis without those that want to profit from it.

/ October 29, 2020

Consumer groups urge feds to act against Mercola and his false COVID-19 claims

Consumer rights organizations urge the FDA and FTC to take action against Joseph Mercola and his businesses over their false, misleading, and dangerous claims that their products will prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.

/ August 13, 2020

Expert review warns against compounded bioidentical hormone therapies

A National Academies report finds widely-marketed compounded hormone replacement therapies lack evidence of safety and effectiveness, and recommends restriction of their use.

/ July 16, 2020

FTC settles false advertising suit against low-level light therapy marketer with $22 million judgment

Per a settlement with the FTC, the marketers of Willow Curve, a low-level light therapy device costing hundreds of dollars, will have to stop making deceptive claims that the device treats chronic, severe pain and associated inflammation. Any health claims made for the device must be supported by "competent and reliable scientific evidence".

/ July 2, 2020

FTC warns naturopaths, acupuncturists, physicians, and chiropractors about false and misleading COVID-19 claims  

Since March, the FTC has issued almost 250 warning letters to companies and individuals making unsubstantiated claims for COVID-19 treatments. Included among these are naturopaths, acupuncturists, physicians, and chiropractors.

/ June 18, 2020

An incomplete list of COVID-19 quackery

Possibly the only thing spreading faster than COVID-19 is the pseudoscience about COVID-19.

/ May 28, 2020

Chiropractors continue to make claims about chiropractic and COVID-19

Chirorpractors continue to make unsubstantiated claims about COVID-19.

/ April 2, 2020

Chiropractors falsely claim they can protect patients from coronavirus

Chiropractors are falsely claiming that their spinal "adjustments" can protect people from coronavirus infection, as well as giving other dubious health advice on COVID-19. As they have with other bogus remedies, the media and government authorities should take action.

/ March 12, 2020

Supplement vendors make unfounded cancer treatment claims

A new analysis shows widespread marketing of natural health products for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

/ March 5, 2020