People should take several important actions to avoid being tricked by health frauds:
- Do thorough research on any health product or treatment before using it. Look for reviews, complaints, or scam reports online to verify its legitimacy.
- Always consult a trusted healthcare provider or doctor before trying new treatments or supplements. They can advise on safety, effectiveness, and potential risks.
- Be skeptical of claims that a product cures many diseases, offers miraculous results quickly, or pressures for immediate purchase.
- Understand that "natural" does not automatically mean safe or effective; some natural products can be harmful or interfere with other treatments.
- Protect personal health insurance information as carefully as financial data to avoid identity theft or fraudulent use.
- Regularly check medical bills and Explanation of Benefits statements to ensure charges match services actually received.
- Avoid sharing sensitive personal information or making payments to anyone claiming it is necessary to maintain health coverage.
- Use official government and health organization websites as trusted sources of information.
- Report any suspicious health scams or fraud attempts to authorities promptly.
These actions help people avoid falling victim to health scams, protect their health and finances, and contribute to reducing the broader impact of health fraud on the healthcare system.
