The allure of quick weight loss and miracle health products has made the "Shark Tank" brand a prime target for scammers. The internet is awash with advertisements falsely claiming endorsements from the show's investors, known as the Sharks, to promote various products, most notably keto gummies. These deceptive tactics exploit the unwary, using the names and images of the show and its stars to sell products that often don't live up to the hype. This article aims to dissect the Shark Tank keto gummies phenomenon, providing clarity and guidance to consumers navigating this treacherous landscape.
The Rise of "Shark Tank" Scams
With each new episode of "Shark Tank," the opportunity arises for imposters to exploit the show's popularity. Many products claim to have been on "Shark Tank," but that's not always the case. Scammers are well aware that a thumbs-up from the Sharks can mean big money. They are relentless in their use of fake Shark Tank seals of approval to sell products, pitch crypto investments, or encourage people to sign up for business courses, and products pitched with bogus Shark Tank approval are sometimes hair-growth or libido-enhancement supplements, but often are those claiming to promote weight loss.
Identifying Fake Endorsements
Scammers use fake Shark Tank celebrity testimonials and endorsements - complete with doctored photos and videos - to generate buzz and profits. One common tactic is to create fake articles branded with the logos of major publishers, falsely claiming that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ree Drummond, Kelly Clarkson, Tom Selleck, Kaley Cuoco, Melissa McCarthy, Wayne Gretzky, or the cast of "Shark Tank" have endorsed either CBD gummies or keto gummies, even though they had no involvement with the products whatsoever.
These ads often lead to scammy articles that claim that various celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Ree Drummond, Kelly Clarkson, Tom Selleck, Kaley Cuoco, Melissa McCarthy, Wayne Gretzky, the cast of "Shark Tank," or others all endorsed either CBD gummies or keto gummies, even though they had no involvement with the products whatsoever.
A Nov. ad claimed that a video showed Kelly Clarkson promoting weight loss keto gummies, but this was altered. In the original post, she talks about her album "Chemistry" and does not mention weight loss gummies or losing weight. Melissa Kates, a spokesperson for Clarkson, told USA TODAY the singer has not promoted diet pills or gummies.
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The sharks are fed up with the fraud. Shark and Canadian businessman O’Leary, 69, says, “I don't take weight-loss pills and I don’t take drugs and don’t use marijuana creams and all this stuff."
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Doctored Photos and Videos: Be wary of images or videos that appear manipulated or too good to be true.
- Fake Celebrity Testimonials: Approach celebrity endorsements with caution. Verify claims independently.
- Unofficial Websites: Always check the official "Shark Tank" website (abc.com/SharkTank) for a list of products that have appeared on the show.
- Too-Good-to-Be-True Claims: Be skeptical of products promising miraculous results or rapid weight loss.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to rush you into making a purchase.
- Mismatched Information: Look for inconsistencies in product descriptions, pricing, or company information.
- Generic Customer Service: Be wary of missing or disconnected phone numbers, or generic customer service lines.
- Unexpected Charges: Scammers may charge you more than the advertised price or enroll you in unwanted subscriptions.
The Keto Gummies Deception
Keto gummies are supplements sold with claims that they can help with weight loss, energy, focus and more (“keto” refers to the controversial high-fat, very-low-carb ketogenic diet regimen). Despite their popularity, "Shark Tank" executive producer Clay Newbill says, “I can tell you, we don’t put keto diet pills on our show."
The Appeal of Keto Gummies
The keto diet's popularity has fueled the demand for keto supplements, including gummies. These products often promise to accelerate weight loss, boost energy levels, and suppress appetite. However, the effectiveness and safety of keto gummies are often questionable, and many claims are not backed by scientific evidence.
The Dangers of False Advertising
The false association of keto gummies with "Shark Tank" can mislead consumers into believing that these products are legitimate and effective. This can lead to wasted money, disappointment, and potentially harmful health consequences.
Google's Role in Scam Advertisements
Google is doing business with scammers, letting them pay for scam links to be higher in search results so more people will click. These scams have a cost beyond the financial. They can damage brands, general trust, and most importantly, people.
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The first four “search” results that greeted us when we searched for “shark tank keto” weren’t a warning from the FTC about fake endorsements. Google knows this is a problem, telling the Washington Post - in 2022 - that it was trying to address scam ads.
Eight of the sponsored search result sites we analyzed, including todayshealthreviews.com, topverifiedreveiws.com, and sharp-reviews.com, use Google Analytics or Tag Manager.
That means Google could get paid at least two times for scam sites: Once when we clicked on the sponsored link, and again when the target site loaded ads. And if we were to click on the ads on the MFA site?
Google captures almost 30 percent of the entire US digital advertising market. It has nearly $300 billion in annual revenue.
Real "Shark Tank" Success Stories
While scams abound, it's important to remember that "Shark Tank" has also launched numerous legitimate and successful businesses. These include wildly successful Bombas socks, the Squatty Potty (for easier pooping), and that happy sponge that appeared on the show in 2012.
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How to Spot a Legitimate "Shark Tank" Product
- Verify on the Official Website: Check the official "Shark Tank" website for a list of products that have appeared on the show.
- Research the Company: Look for independent reviews and information about the company behind the product.
- Read Customer Reviews: Pay attention to customer feedback on reputable websites.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If you're considering a health-related product, talk to your doctor first.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- Report to the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help them track and combat scams.
- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Report the fraudulent charges and request a refund.
- Report to the Domain Registrar: If you find a scammy article or product order page, report the domain URL to its registrar.
- Leave Reviews: Share your experience online to warn others about the scam.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Before you spend money on that “Shark-approved” miracle invention, weight loss product, or keto diet pill, are you sure it’s really been through the Tank? Really sure? Approach celebrity testimonials with caution. Look for product reviews on your own. Go directly to the source. Don’t click on a link or ad.
The "Shark Tank" keto gummies scam serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and due diligence when evaluating online products and endorsements. By staying informed, being skeptical, and verifying claims, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
A Word on Supplements
Remember: the government doesn’t review or evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness before they’re put on the market. Your health care professional is the most important person to ask whether a supplement is safe for you. Even a natural supplement can be risky depending on your health and the medicine you take.