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You've come across a great deal regarding the use of slimming jabs to get slim, you feel the moment has come to try them out in the run-up to the holiday period. However, the issue lies in expense.

But it seems there are other options rather than getting a prescription and visiting the chemist. A text message comes through providing a URL to a site with much cheaper medication – and requiring no necessity to go through official channels. You also noticed a similar ad on online platforms the other day, prompting you to take the plunge.

The problem is such promotions are almost certainly scams. At best, you'll receive nothing and lose whatever money you paid. At worst, you receive a fake version, containing unspecified components which may result in serious medical issues.

The popularity of authentic slimming drugs has resulted in a increase in fake goods hitting the market and deceptive practices set up to merely steal people’s money.

Health authorities have warned against buying these illegal slimming medications absent a doctor's order from aesthetic clinics, fake pharmacy websites or through digital platforms, saying they might include “harmful substances and additional components which may provoke real harm”.

New figures from a major retail bank show a sharp rise in the number of clients who have been affected by the scam. The bank says, the amount of money lost to fraudulent activities involving slimming jabs, pens, pills and fat-dissolving products during the third quarter this year, was more than double the total sum lost in the prior quarter. Each incident typically sets back sufferers £120, reports indicate.

“Scammers are actively exploiting individuals' self-doubts and health concerns, with these scams soaring in the past few months,” notes a bank’s head of fraud.

How It Appears

Most occur on communication platforms and social media. On socials, a profile may mimic the company that you are looking for, but you'll often notice slight variations in spelling or brand marks.

The messages or posts will often use urgency-laden phrases such as “time-sensitive deal”, “exclusive deal” or “complimentary gift”.

With the cost of certain authentic weight loss jabs, has increased of late, the fraudsters will price their “item” more cheaply.

“Purchasing from unverified sellers on the internet can come at a serious financial, medical and emotional cost,” says the fraud expert.

Recommended Actions

As with all scams, the old adage holds true: if it appears too good to be true, then it probably is.

Medical authorities have cautioned people to be highly vigilant when buying medicines via the web. They should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a valid script issued by a medical practitioner, they advise. If sourced elsewhere, they may pose serious risks to health.

Criminals can expend considerable effort to make their site or online profile appear completely genuine. Should they state to be an internet-based chemist based in the UK, you can check the website of the medicines oversight organisation to ensure they are properly registered.