Spoof weight-loss websites beat internet scammers at own game

The website promises may seem convincing to some. "Feast on favourite foods and lose up to 20 pounds a week. With Fat Foe pads you can kiss your dieting days goodbye," goes one, while another product, Glucobate, claims to be "the all-natural diabetes breakthrough", boasting such ingredients as "Cucumis melo - the elixir of muskmelon".

But Fat Foe and Glucobate are not your average internet scams preying on consumers trawling the internet for answers to their health and dietary concerns – 200,000 of whom fork out an estimated £20m a year on such promises. In fact, the source of both products is the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the regulator trying to stop the practices.

Initially only the website address, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk, gives eagle-eyed readers a hint of the origins, but conned web surfers clicking on links to learn more about the "money back guarantee" or to "order now" will get a rude awakening about the fakery.



The spoof scams follow similar successful campaigns by authorities in the US and Canada, which use internet banner advertising and sponsored links on search engine sites to drive consumers to the fake websites, preventing the scammers from doing business.

OFT research suggests most victims of health scams are women and aged between 35 and 64, yet fewer than 1% report the fraud to authorities.

Mike Haley, the OFT's director of consumer protection, said scammers target "vulnerable people who are desperate to lose weight or find a cure. These products are often worthless and can even be dangerous with untested and potentially harmful ingredients. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before you part with your money."