The skyrocketing demand for Ozempic and Wegovy — also known as semaglitude, a prescription drug used for managing diabetes and weight — has created a prime opportunity for online scammers. These medications, popularized via news and social media, have become increasingly hard to access. As a result, individuals in need are encountering scams that can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or exposure to counterfeit, potentially harmful products.

Common Types of Semaglitude Scams

• Fake Online Pharmacies
• Social Media and Influencer Scams
• Counterfeit Products

Fake Online Pharmacies

Fraudsters often set up professional-looking websites that mimic licensed online pharmacies. These websites may even include fake reviews and secure payment icons to appear legitimate. After enticing consumers with discounted prices or promises of quick delivery, these sites can steal personal and financial information or never ship the product. In some cases, they may ship counterfeit drugs that are ineffective or dangerous.

Social Media and Influencer Scams

Scammers are increasingly using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to reach potential victims. They may pose as influencers or medical experts sharing personal success stories with Ozempic or Wegovy or claiming to have “insider” access to supply. These accounts use stolen photos, fabricated testimonials, or fake ads to lure people into clicking links or messaging for discounted access. Once users engage, they’re often asked for payment through untraceable methods, with nothing delivered in return.

Counterfeit Products

One of the most dangerous aspects of these scams is the risk of counterfeit medications. Counterfeit Ozempic and Wegovy products may look similar to the real thing, but they often contain none of the active ingredients — or worse, contain harmful substances. This is not only a waste of money but also a serious health risk, as counterfeit drugs can lead to ineffective treatment, allergic reactions, or other complications.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

To protect yourself, here are some common red flags that could indicate a scam:

• Unusually low prices or special offers: Scam sites often advertise prices significantly lower than legitimate pharmacies. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Vague or missing contact information: Legitimate pharmacies provide clear, verifiable contact details and are often associated with a physical address. Scam sites, in contrast, will offer only an email or online form and avoid providing detailed contact information.
• Request for untraceable payment methods: Scammers often ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, which makes it almost impossible to recover your money once the transaction is complete.
• No prescription requirement: Both Ozempic and Wegovy are prescription drugs and should only be sold with a valid prescription. If a website claims it can provide these medications without one, it’s likely a scam.

Indicators of Counterfeit Ozempic:

• A fake Ozempic pen might display a dose scale that extends out from the pen when setting the dose.
• The label on a counterfeit pen may appear low-quality or may not stick well to the pen.
• The carton of a counterfeit product may have spelling errors, such as “1pen” or “4doses” with missing spaces.
• Counterfeit cartons may lack tamper-resistant features, like perforations.
• The batch number on a counterfeit box may not match the product strength indicated on the box and pen.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Buy from reputable sources: Stick to well-known online or physical pharmacies and consult with your healthcare provider if you have trouble accessing the medication. Avoid offers that seem “exclusive” or that bypass normal prescription processes.
2. Check for verification: The NABP and other online resources allow consumers to verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies. Use these resources to check if a pharmacy is licensed and safe.
3. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a website, ad, or social media post that seems suspicious, report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program or the FTC. By reporting these scams, you’re helping prevent others from becoming victims.

Protect Yourself with ScamCheck

With the increasing number and sophistication of scams, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Unfortunately, antivirus software alone isn’t enough. Introducing the newly updated Trend Micro ScamCheck! Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
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• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below. As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider clicking the LIKE button or sharing your experience in a comment below. Here’s to a secure 2024!