One of your favorite news sites has an exciting report about a new supplement that’s guaranteed to boost brain power, and improve memory and concentration—a kind of “Viagra for the brain.” There’s even an impressive endorsement by Steven Hawking—or maybe one by Anderson Cooper. Just enter your credit card information and you’ll never forget a name again, right?
Wrong!
Don’t Fall for the Fake News About Memory Pills
According to Andrew Johnson, a consumer education specialist at the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are building fake websites that look like your trusted news sites to fool you into buying phony cures—a miraculous memory pill that’s at the cutting edge of medicine.
The “news” stories on these sites really are fake news—they use so-called quotes from trustworthy figures like news personalities, and scientific or medical experts. They make wild claims about the pills’ effectiveness backed by nonexistent studies or no evidence at all. And they provide links so that you can buy the pills yourself.
The spoofed news sites link you to the sales page for the product—which no legitimate news site would ever do. Once you’re on that page, it’s tempting and easy to place an order with a credit or debit card.
You could lose more than just your money. Besides stealing your credit or debit card information and possibly your identity, the people selling these fake “cures” could misrepresent the ingredients they contain and use ones that may be harmful to you.
There is no such thing as a miraculous memory supplement. Before you hit Submit on any online transaction involving a miracle cure (whether it’s for memory loss, weight gain, sleep or any other issue) run it by your doctor—or at least Google the name. It’s likely to come up on one of the sites that tracks scams, such as Snopes.com. And if glowing reviews come up, that’s another reason not to trust it.
How to Spot a Fake Website
You might receive a link to one of these fake news sites in any number of ways:
In an email, even from someone you know
Via social media a networking platform like Facebook, in a chat session, in public comments on a forum, through a Skype message, or even in a blog post. And you could see a link to one of these fake news stories on a legitimate website that runs ads.
On the internet, prevention is the best medicine. This site has some good tips for spotting phony or spoofed websites (hint, a typo when you type in a website address can lead to a spoofed site, so always look for https:// – the “S” means it’s secure).
Google searches alone may not yield helpful information, since scamsters also load up fake positive stories on other fake websites to confuse or discourage investigation.
If You’ve Already Paid a Scammer
There’s still hope:
- Call the card company immediately
- Alert them to the fraudulent charge right away
- Ask if you are still eligible to get your money back
- Ask if you should get a new card with a new number to prevent more fraudulent charges
- Report the scam to the FTC
Have you ever been scammed online? Share your experience in the comments below and help someone else avoid the next scam!
COMMENTS
12 responses to “A Memory Boosting Pill? That News Story Is a Scam.”
Still happening. Television ads for NeuroQ (the main ingredient is phosphatidylserine) making credible claims about memory enhancement. Web search pulls up countless pages claiming to “debunk the scam,” but really leading you to affiliate marketing sales pages. Deceptive and underhanded in the extreme. Do not be taken in by any claims about any supplements, especially those being marketed on the internet by shady websites or on television by “world renowned neurologists” and other such nonsense.
I was told to buy many memory Rx all fraud! Do not buy anything! I can remember my entire life!! Ignore scam!!!!
They were doing this awhile back with another supplement called Accelleral. I almost bought it before I read this article that broke down the whole thing as a scam.
Not sure if I’m allowed to post a link here, but here it is in case you’re interested: https://www.supplementcritique.com/accelleral-review/
Great article; I work in computer / Internet [State of Arizona WIC office] and almost fell for one of these. I found this page while using GOOGLE to find more about brain pills used by Bill Gates FAKE WEBSITE and you were absolutely correct the ‘link’ took me directly to a page to buy.
Keep putting out good information; I’ll be adding your home page to my favorites!
I was scammed Big Time trying to buy one bottle of CBD Oil and they charged my credit card $120.00 for five bottles and I only wanted one. Well they were like ghost’s in the Night!! could not find ANY INFO so I called my CC and filed a claim. When the product arrived I just left it alone waiting for my CC to give me feedback but I got pissed, opened the box and opened one of the bottles. To my dismay there was NO OIL in the bottle, it was all crystallized!!! Finally my CC company reimbursed me.
i have arthritis all over my body and have purchased medical marijuana which I hoped would help more than the narcotics and surgery that the allopathic system keeps giving me. could you please do an article on marijuana for seniors. two products I already bought did not give me any help.
NEVER believe all the claims they make about marijuana products because they are all fake and only made legal by using claims when the fact is they are in the business of growing and harvesting and selling for lots of money and even used saying they will pay millions in taxes……well I have been around that business for 50 years and one thing for sure is they would easily lie about how much they made and what they will pay in taxes…….the only thing it does is get you high and sit around do
Now I’m concerned. I ordered a 6 month supply of MINAXIL based on the ad in the Miami Herald. Isn’t there anything that can be done about these companies that sell these fake pills. I’m a 77 year old widow and can’t afford to pay for fake pills I notice that provasil has this phosphatidylserine listed as an ingredient also.
Thank you for warning not only me but everybody who might get offers for fake pills .
I almost felt for it ,the add in the paper was quite convincing
PLease keep up you so important and money saving work
P.S. you are right ; you give those hucksters your Credit Card who knows what they do with it
The article I read in the Miami Herald cited Stanford University doctors as discovering Minaxil. How can they use such reputable names?
I asked the company, and they pointed me to a study published in 1991 that appears to have involved at least one researcher from Stanford. The study was testing a lipid called phosphatidylserine, that was extracted from cow brains. This preparation is now banned, and therefore should not be an ingredient in Minaxil. Apparently, you can extract phosphatidylserine from other sources, such as soy, but the data with the soy version are inconsistent and not nearly as promising as the studies using cow brain phosphatidylserine. What’s more, looking at their website, I noticed that the label doesn’t even name phosphatidylserine, just a bunch of herbs and nutrients! So I went back to the company, and their reply was that they forgot to include phosphatidylserine in their label. How can you “forget” to include the main active ingredient that you write a sensational advertisement about in your label?! Sounds highly suspicious to me.
I can personally assure you Albert Einstein also endorses those pills
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Where can you find cute pets, news, how-to videos, and more? YouTube, of course! Join us for an intro to YouTube.
Learn how the Nextdoor app can help you connect to neighbors and stay in the know in your neighborhood.
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
This program is cancelled.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Ready to get your business noticed online? From SEO to five-star reviews, discover practical strategies to put your business on the digital map!
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Learn about platforms that make website building a breeze!
Are you paying for TV channels you don't watch? Learn why people are "cutting the cord" and using streaming services instead!
Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!
Make money while decluttering with online marketplaces!
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Ready to ditch the filling cabinet and store your documents virtually? Join this lecture on Digital Vaults to learn how!
Tired of juggling paperwork, deadlines, and day-to-day chaos? Discover the user-friendly software tools that can bring clarity, control, and peace of mind to your business.
Make money while decluttering with online marketplaces!
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tour world famous museums from the comfort of your home!
Registration required.
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Want to use AI on your phone? Come explore Google Gemini’s mobile features, from drafting messages to managing privacy.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Croatia!
Can you photoshop that? Come learn the possibilities with photo editing tools!
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Concerned about viruses and malware? Attend this lecture to learn how to keep your device safe!
Don't want to pay for software? Learn how Google's free tools have you covered.
Curious about your family's history? Fill in the gaps using digital genealogy resources!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Be your own DJ with help from Spotify.
¡Venga a chatear con ChatGPT y aprenda sobre IA!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Join this session for a fun workout that will boost your strength, flexibility, and mobility!
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Be your own travel agent with help from these online travel sites!
Leave the dictionary at home and start using digital tools that can translate on the go.
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Learn tips and tricks to using your smartphone while staying safe!
Registration required.
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Interested in taking your cash only business into the digital age? Learn what digital payments are and how to choose among them in this lecture!
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Learn about platforms that make website building a breeze!
Don't want to go out? Learn about some popular apps to get food delivered to your front door.
Registration required.
Curious about AI? Come learn the basics, including how it works and considerations to keep in mind.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Don't overpay for internet. Learn about programs offering low-cost home internet that can help save you money.
Registration required.
Where can you find cute pets, news, how-to videos, and more? YouTube, of course! Join us for an intro to YouTube.
Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Are you scam savvy? Come to this lecture to learn about fraud and scams and how to protect yourself against them.
Explore ways that tech can help you save money and manage your finances!
Learn how the Nextdoor app can help you connect to neighbors and stay in the know in your neighborhood.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
See who you are talking to with video chat apps!
Aprenda cómo aprovechar al máximo ChatGPT y otros software de IA.
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Registration required.
Goodbye floppy discs and USB drives! Learn about cloud storage options that save your files remotely.
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Make money while decluttering with online marketplaces!
Discover what you can do with online and mobile banking!
Learn how to make the most out of ChatGPT and other AI software.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
No car? No problem! Use these apps to help you get around!
Who are Alexa and Siri? Come to this lecture to find out!
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Say cheese! Learn more about your smartphone's camera.
Registration required.
Faster is not always better! Come learn about home internet options so you only pay for what you need.
Still paying for texting? Use these free apps instead.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
¡Todo el mundo habla de IA! Asista a esta clase para ver cómo la IA es parte de la vida cotidiana.
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Join this session to turn your business idea into reality and learn about planning, research, and funding options.
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Join this session for a fun workout that will boost your strength, flexibility, and mobility!
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
Can't find it in the store? Learn about shopping online!
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Interested in taking your cash only business into the digital age? Learn what digital payments are and how to choose among them in this lecture!
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Ready to get your business noticed online? From SEO to five-star reviews, discover practical strategies to put your business on the digital map!
Goodbye floppy discs and USB drives! Learn about cloud storage options that save your files remotely.
Registration required.
Everyone is talking about AI! Come to this class to see how AI is part of everyday life.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Tired of resetting your password all the time? Join this lecture to discover password alternatives and different ways to manage your passwords.
Learn how the Nextdoor app can help you connect to neighbors and stay in the know in your neighborhood.
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Come learn about all that Senior Planet has to offer online!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Goodbye Copper, Hello Fiber!
Registration required.
Overwhelmed by the choices of a new computer? We'll help you simplify so you can decide!
Are you paying for TV channels you don't watch? Learn why people are "cutting the cord" and using streaming services instead!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
¿Podemos realmente creer lo que vemos? ¡Venga a esta clase para acostumbrarse a reconocer la IA!
Love the great outdoors? Come learn how smartphone apps can enhance your outdoor hobbies!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Registration required.
Learn how to use emojis, GIFs, and more to quickly say what you mean!
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Ready to ditch the filling cabinet and store your documents virtually? Join this lecture on Digital Vaults to learn how!
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
YouTube
Introduction to Nextdoor
Fit Fusion Workout
CANCELLED – Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Getting Your Small Business Online
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Website Builders at a Glance
Streaming & Smart TVs
Podcasts at a Glance
Intro to Selling Online
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Digital Vaults
Essential Tech for Running Your Small Business
Intro to Selling Online
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Virtual Museum Tours
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Using the Google Gemini App Demo
Morning Stretch
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Virtual Tour: Split, Croatia
Intro to Photo Editing Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
Google Workspace
Digital Genealogy Tools
Morning Stretch
Spotify
Introducción a la IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Saturday Morning Boost: A Fun and Functional Workout
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Online Travel Sites
Intro to Translation Tools
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Safe & Savvy Smartphone Habits
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Digital Payments & Your Small Business
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Website Builders at a Glance
Food Delivery Apps
Intro to AI
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
YouTube
Podcasts at a Glance
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Understanding Fraud & Scams
CANCELLED – Saving Money with Tech
Introduction to Nextdoor
Morning Stretch
CANCELLED – Video Chat
Introducción a chatear con IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Cloud Storage
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Intro to Selling Online
Banking and Finance Apps at a Glance
Intro to Chatting with AI
Morning Stretch
Ridesharing Apps
Voice Assistants
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Smartphone Photography
Understanding Internet Plans
Messaging Apps
Morning Stretch
Usos cotidianos de la IA
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Turning a Business Idea Into Reality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Saturday Morning Boost: A Fun and Functional Workout
Digital Coupon Tools
Online Shopping
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Digital Payments & Your Small Business
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Getting Your Small Business Online
Cloud Storage
Everyday Uses of AI
Morning Stretch
Passwords, Passkeys, and More
Introduction to Nextdoor
Fit Fusion Workout
Virtual Orientation to Senior Planet
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Staying in Touch as Landlines Change
How to Choose a New Computer
Streaming & Smart TVs
Morning Stretch
¿Es eso IA?
Outdoor Adventure Apps
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Emojis, GIFs, and more!
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Digital Vaults
Recent Articles
Recent Comments