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“Burn fat. Reduce cravings. Feel better. Lose weight.” Some dietary supplements come with big promises backed by five-star customer reviews. But do these supplements really do what they say? And can you trust those five-star ratings?

Unfortunately, the answer is often no. Take the FTC’s recent complaint against Cure Encapsulations, Inc. According to the FTC, the company made misleading claims for an appetite suppressant, Quality Encapsulations Garcinia Cambogia Extract. The FTC says that the company couldn’t back up its claims that said this product would cause rapid and substantial weight loss and block the formation of new fat cells.

What’s more, the FTC says that some customer reviews of the product were fake. According to the FTC, Cure Encapsulations paid another company to pose as real customers to push up its Amazon product rating and generate sales.

Considering a supplement? Talk to your healthcare professional before using any dietary supplement. Remember that the FDA doesn’t evaluate or review dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness. For more tips, check out our article on weighing the claims in diet ads.

And when you’re reading product reviews, be skeptical about who is writing them. Your best bet may be to look for well-known websites that specialize in reviewing products, not selling them. Check out this video for more information.

 

Spot a dietary supplement scam? Tell the FTC.

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Porgy
February 26, 2019
I wonder if Amazon will crack down on their reviews. Now, how does the consumer know if the review is correct and truthful. Keep up the great work FTC and perhaps the FDA can borrow from your prosecution of bogus dietary supplements.
Marcie324
February 26, 2019
I am not familiar with Cure Encalsulations, and could not find any information on this brand. Did you mean Pure Encapsulations?
FTC Staff
February 27, 2019

In reply to by Marcie324

The FTC's case is against the company Cure Encapsulations. The FTC's legal documents say that Cure Encapsulations is a New York corporation with its principal place of business at 485 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211. According to the FTC, Cure Encapsulations has advertised, marketed, distributed, or sold Quality Encapsulations Garcinia Cambogia to consumers throughout the United States.

rysio
February 26, 2019
It is hard to believe yet it is so prevalent Thank you so very much for all the info you send to help keep citizens safe
DonOmite
February 26, 2019
Remember too that the FDA has "skin" in the game. They want to have total control over drugs etc and so will always put natural supplements down. After all, there is no money in it for them. But do your homework on ALL drugs and supplements you take.
Interesting
February 26, 2019
Thank you!
Roger
February 26, 2019
Thanks
Savesthedyll
February 27, 2019
Wait, how do we know THESE comments are real? :-P I kid, I kid. Keep up the great work, FTC!!
Mr. Skeptic
February 26, 2019
If its a testimonial its nothing. Ever hear of placebos? Even the best intended may be experiencing euphoria when in fact nothing has occurred. Believe nothing of what you hear or read and half of what you see.
Jam
February 26, 2019
Thank you so very much.
sunshine123
February 26, 2019
Thank you for the information-I honestly wish you could evaluate every overzealous review regarding a product not just on Amazon but almost every such seller out there. I think when one reads over reviews and sees basically the same wording one can assume that these are not valid reviews. Unfortunately some people are in such dire situations(not really this case) but they are looking for any product that they think can help and there is where the real crime is so having you keep track of false claims is keeping us all safe.
Jesskin
February 26, 2019
Those pills don't work at all! It's a scam! I bought them and they don't work at all, then you have to cancel cuz they automatically send you more of it even if you didn't order anymore, then charge it on to your card.
Tim
March 02, 2019

In reply to by Jesskin

I bought the "Garcinia Cambogia" from them because their ad was linked on a website that I frequently visit. I thought that I could trust them. I quickly learned that they just want your money; and they will use deceptive practices to sell you more than you want to buy. Then, they will honor your request for a refund only by removing your subscription, not giving your money back -- I had no idea that I signed up for a recurring subscription.
Sally
February 26, 2019
I don't trust most of the reviews that I see for some products that I am shopping for. I have found many times that the reviewer is not being honest and they seem to be working for the company.
shanbrownnola
February 27, 2019
Almost any magazine ad that says from Today with a rainbow that looks legit - isn’t. They are all scams!
ccooper37
February 27, 2019
Hello those diet pills don't work and I don't believe reviews they just get your money like they been taking my money I don't buy anymore diet pills Don't Work they are lying
Pancreatic survivor
February 27, 2019
Is this about Pure Encapulations? It is written “Cure” Encapulations. I couldn’t find Cure Encapulations on line. Please clarify.
FTC Staff
February 27, 2019

In reply to by Pancreatic survivor

The FTC's case is against the company Cure Encapsulations. The FTC's legal documents say that Cure Encapsulations is a New York corporation with its principal place of business at 485 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211. According to the FTC, Cure Encapsulations has advertised, marketed, distributed, or sold Quality Encapsulations Garcinia Cambogia to consumers throughout the United States.

Edna7
February 27, 2019
The only supplement company I know of that sounds like this is Pure Encapsulations. Could this be a typo? cure instead of pure?
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