The Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a growing wave of scams tied to popular weight loss products and GLP-1 medications, a trend fueled by high demand and limited access to drugs such as Ozempic.

BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of scammers using fake offers for weight loss programs and GLP-1 prescriptions to steal money and personal information. GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for diabetes and increasingly used for weight loss, have become a prime target for fraudsters exploiting their popularity.

According to the BBB, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Consumers report seeing deepfake videos of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, as well as supposed doctors and other trusted figures promoting weight loss products on social media. Other scams arrive by text message, claiming the recipient is “eligible” for a GLP-1 prescription or special weight loss program. These messages often create a sense of urgency and direct users to fraudulent websites designed to look legitimate.

An Alabama consumer who reported losing $350 shared their experience through BBB Scam Tracker: “The video shown had Oprah Winfrey endorsing the product and since I have trusted her for years I bought into it.”

The BBB urges consumers to slow down and verify before buying any weight loss product online. The organization recommends purchasing only from reputable pharmacies and checking unfamiliar businesses at www.bbb.org. Consumers are also encouraged to be skeptical of so-called miracle claims, which the Federal Trade Commission has repeatedly warned are often tied to deceptive marketing. Celebrity endorsements, television mentions and familiar logos should be treated with caution, as scammers frequently use them without permission. Another common red flag is a subscription trap, where consumers unknowingly sign up for recurring shipments and charges they did not intend to authorize.

“This is a great time to arm yourself with a healthy dose of scepticism and do some research before buying anything. Look up the business or pharmacy's address and customer service number before you buy anything,” says Evey Owen, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau of Central and South Alabama. “And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.”

Consumers who encounter suspicious or misleading ads are encouraged to report them to BBB Scam Tracker. Complaints can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission by calling (877) 382-4357 or with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.