Donna Gordon 6/22/2007 “There’s a sucker born every minute” -P. T. Barnum Chapter 3 Frauds & Quackery Donna Gordon Consumer Health “There’s also a crook born every hour who can take care of sixty suckers.” -Anonymous Definitions ) “Fraud” connotes deliberate • Quacksalver -(someone who deception boasts about his salves) ) Most promoters are unwitting ) “a pretender to medical skill; a victims charlatan • Quackery ) FDA - “the promotion, for profit, of ) methods that are not scientifically a medical remedy known to be false or unproven.” accepted. • Questionable Practices Frauds and Quackery Today ) Cellulite removal • One person out of four will use a ) Hair analysis quack product each year. ) Iridology ) Reflexology ) Acupuncture ) Acupressure ) Psychic healing See Personal Glimpse on page 37 ) megadoses of vitamins Chapter 3 Frauds & Quackery 1 Donna Gordon 6/22/2007 Why People are Hazards Vulnerable • Financial harm can range from minor expense to loss of one’s life • Can not afford traditional services savings. • Religious reasons • Improper diagnosis can lead to • Fear of social unacceptableness worsening health. (wrinkles, hair, etc.) • Delay in treatment can have • Mass media serious consequences - and psychological harm. • 50% - 70% is emotional • Examples p. 39 Common Misconceptions • Media reliable Of Quacks • Personal experience is the best way to tell if the treatment works • Quacks are frauds and • Spontaneous Remission crooks ) Even many serious diseases have ups and downs • Most quackery is dangerous Recognizing • Placebo Effect Quackery ) power of suggestion ) lessening anxiety ) temporary relief has been • Consumers must be alert demonstrated • Characteristics of Quackery ) one third will get relief ) promise quick, simple, painless • See p. 41, Table 3-1 for results Placebo Myths and Facts ) testimonials Chapter 3 Frauds & Quackery 2 Donna Gordon 6/22/2007 ) disclaimers What sells is not the quality of the + detoxify goods and services but their ability + strengthen immune system to influence the audience. + balance body chemistry ) single product works ) secret cure Conspiracy Claims Greatest Threat to Quacks • Cut into doctors pockets • Bought off Medical profession would • Suppression adopt methods and compete for • Underdog 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. Chapter 3 Frauds & Quackery 3.