Chapter 3 Frauds & Quackery
Donna Gordon Consumer Health “There’s a sucker born every minute” -P. T. Barnum
“There’s also a crook born every hour who can take care of sixty suckers.” -Anonymous Definitions • Quacksalver - (someone who boasts about his salves)
“a pretender to medical skill; a charlatan
FDA - “the promotion, for profit, of a medical remedy known to be false or unproven.”
“Fraud” connotes deliberate deception
Most promoters are unwitting victims • Quackery
methods that are not scientifically accepted.
• Questionable Practices
Cellulite removal
Hair analysis
Reflexology
Psychic healing
megadoses of vitamins Frauds and Quackery Today • One person out of four will use a quack product each year.
See Personal Glimpse on page 37
Why People are Vulnerable • Can not afford traditional services • Religious reasons • Fear of social unacceptableness (wrinkles, hair, etc.) • Mass media • 50% - 70% is emotional Hazards • Financial harm can range from minor expense to loss of one’s life savings. • Improper diagnosis can lead to worsening health. • Delay in treatment can have serious consequences - and psychological harm. • Examples p. 39 Common Misconceptions Of Quacks
• Quacks are frauds and crooks • Most quackery is dangerous • Media reliable • Personal experience is the best way to tell if the treatment works • Spontaneous Remission
Even many serious diseases have ups and downs • Placebo Effect
power of suggestion
lessening anxiety
temporary relief has been demonstrated
one third will get relief • See p. 39, Table 3-1 for Placebo Myths and Facts Recognizing Quackery
• Consumers must be alert • Characteristics of Quackery promise quick, simple, painless results testimonials disclaimers detoxify strengthen immune system balance body chemistry
single product works secret cure What sells is not the quality of the goods and services but their ability to influence the audience. Conspiracy Claims • Cut into doctors pockets • Bought off • Suppression • Underdog Greatest Threat to Quacks
Medical profession would adopt methods and compete for patients Freedom-of-Choice Issue • Efforts underway to prevent FDA from interfering with dietary and herbal supplements • Fundamental principle of consumer protection: Methods should not be marketed until they have been proven safe and effective by scientific study.