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January 2012
Don't fall for anti-aging scams
Americans live in a youth-oriented culture. Television programs, magazines, and other media present a seemingly endless parade of smart, fit, beautiful, young people. Youth sells. So it's no wonder that consumers spend billions of dollars on anti-aging products. Wrinkle creams, skin peels, cosmetic surgeries, vitamin supplements, and a wide variety of cosmetics claim to restore sagging skin, remove discoloration, and otherwise reverse the advancing tide of age.
While the desire to look one's best and fight the aging process is certainly reasonable, con artists are attuned to that natural desire and quick to take advantage. So beware. Before spending your hard-earned cash on the latest "treatment," cast a skeptical eye on the following:
- Before and after pictures. With a little creative computer artistry, anyone's photograph can be made to appear more youthful. Thighs can be toned, sagging skin tightened, dark eye shadows removed. Careful use of lighting and makeup also can mask the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, folks who start an exercise program and maintain a more healthful diet may lose weight and take on a more youthful appearance. In other words, a person's features in the "after" photograph may not result from vitamin supplements or other anti-aging products.
- Review sites. Fraudsters have been known to set up websites that claim to present legitimate research results when, in fact, they're lying to consumers. The sites may be owned by the company that produces the product. Watch out for reviews that point to the benefits of a product and fail to mention its drawbacks. Beware, too, of products that claim to cure a wide variety of illnesses or have no side effects.
- Testimonials. People sometimes heed the advice of actors — especially those who play doctors in the latest television dramas — to make decisions about anti-aging treatments and products. A company may also enlist real health care professionals to tout the latest medical "breakthrough" or overnight cure. Money is a powerful incentive. So, again, remain skeptical. Don't neglect articles that question the efficacy of a particular product as well those that discuss its benefits. You may still choose to buy, but at least you'll be making an informed decision.
- Auto-ship programs. Read the fine print before signing up for a product on the Internet. You may find that your wrinkle cream is being sent — and your credit card charged — month after month following the product's "trial period."
