Who is most often targeted for health fraud?

People of all ages can fall victim to health fraud, but certain groups are targeted more often because they are seen as vulnerable or more likely to seek quick solutions. The most common targets include:

1. Older adults

• Often dealing with chronic illnesses, pain, or age-related conditions
• May trust authority figures or advertisements more
• Frequently targeted with fake cures, supplements, anti-aging products, and medical devices

2. People with chronic, severe, or incurable conditions

• Cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, etc.
• Fraudsters exploit their desire for relief or a cure

3. Individuals with limited medical knowledge

• People who have low health literacy or difficulty understanding legitimate medical information
• More likely to fall for pseudoscience or exaggerated claims

4. Immigrants and non-native English speakers

• May be unfamiliar with the healthcare system
• Often targeted with unregulated traditional remedies or “miracle cures”

5. People seeking quick results

• Those looking for fast weight loss, bodybuilding shortcuts, or anti-aging fixes
• Targeted with “instant” supplements or injections

6. Caregivers

• Often searching desperately for treatments for loved ones
• Vulnerable to false claims promising hope