5 Tips to Fight Chronic Illness Scams

The first time I heard about fibromyalgia was about thirty years ago. A man I worked with explained how much pain his wife was in and how there were no treatments. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when my wife was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and I felt like I was living that bad joke, “it’s déjà vu, all over again.”

As we sat in the doctor’s office, trying to process how we should proceed, my wife’s physician did something unexpected—she warned us about dishonest doctors and others who peddle “miracle cures.” After hearing from several of you last month when I posted about our upcoming road trip, I realized just how vulnerable people with these types of conditions can be. That’s why this month’s scam alert focuses on medical scams. Whether or not you’re directly affected by ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or similar chronic conditions, these principles will apply. Scammers use the same tricks on anyone with health problems. It doesn’t matter if it’s chronic fatigue, cancer, or diabetes. They prey on hope. So, for starters, let’s break down the three chronic illness scams and the red flags that give them away. 

The Three Most Common Medical Scams

1. Miracle Cure Products and Treatments

Fraudulent companies market supplements, devices, or treatments as breakthrough cures for multiple unrelated conditions. They rely on emotional testimonials rather than clinical evidence, use phrases like “ancient secret” or “what doctors won’t tell you,” and create false urgency with limited-time offers.

2. Fake Online Pharmacies

Scammers create professional-looking websites offering prescription medications at steep discounts without requiring valid prescriptions. These fake drugs might have dangerous ingredients—or nothing helpful at all. The bottom line is they may steal your credit card information and personal data while shipping you sugar pills or something worse.

3. Insurance and Identity Theft Schemes

Scammers call or email offering “free” medical equipment or tests. They really want your Medicare number to bill for fake services. They often pretend to be from real companies or the government.

Universal Warning Signs

• Unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages
• Pressure to “act now” or miss out
• Requests for insurance information upfront
• No licensed medical professionals available
• Payment required before treatment
• Promises that seem too good to be true

Your Protection Plan: 5 Essential Steps

Now that you know the types of scams and the warning signs, let’s talk about an action plan. Here are 5 simple steps you can take to stay safe.

1. Doctor First, Always: Before trying any new treatment, run it by your physician. They know your medical history and can spot red flags.
2. Research Like a Detective: While “Dr. Internet” can be a terrible way to diagnose medical conditions, searches can be a valuable tool when trying to determine what’s real and what’s a scam. Try a search for “[product name or condition] + scam” or “complaint.” For this post, I did a search for “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome scams” and came up with a very bad study that promoted exercise as a way to cure this condition. Another source? Check FDA warnings and Better Business Bureau reports.
3. Trust Your Gut: Feeling pressured? That’s your warning system. Legitimate providers give you time to decide. Walk away and don’t let yourself be sold on a scam.
4. Document Everything: Screenshot ads, save emails, keep receipts. You’ll need proof if things go wrong.
5. Report and Protect Others: File complaints with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report could save someone else from being scammed.

Final Thoughts 

According to the CDC, approximately 3.3 million adults in the United States suffer from ME/CFS alone, with millions more affected by fibromyalgia. When you tack on Long Covid, we’re looking at between 20-30 million people. Putting this into dollars and cents, we’re looking at billions of dollars in losses. And, people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or long COVID often have limited treatment options, which makes them more likely to try alternative therapies or pay for unproven remedies.

It shouldn’t be this way. When you’re already fighting your own body every day, you shouldn’t have to fight off predators too. Please use or share these tips to help protect yourself or your loved ones from medical scams. Remember, you’re not helpless. Armed with these warning signs, you’re already one step ahead of the scammers.

I hope you found this scam tip helpful. I’d love to hear your feedback, including any additional tips that you might have to help others. Thanks for being here!

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