The world of weight loss is rife with misleading advertising, and the association of reputable figures like Lori Greiner with weight loss products is a common tactic used by scammers. This article aims to clarify the truth behind claims linking Lori Greiner, and other "Shark Tank" investors, to weight loss supplements, particularly keto gummies, and to shed light on the broader issue of fraudulent endorsements.
The Keto Gummies Scam: "Shark Tank" Investors Targeted
Social media is awash with ads touting keto gummies, often falsely claiming endorsement from celebrities and entrepreneurs. One particularly pervasive scam involves falsely associating "Shark Tank" investors like Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban with these products. These advertisements are designed to appear legitimate, often using the "Shark Tank" brand to lend credibility.
However, the reality is that Greiner, Cuban, and other Sharks have never endorsed keto gummies. As Clay Newbill, executive producer of "Shark Tank," stated, "I can tell you, we don’t put keto diet pills on our show."
These scams are not limited to keto gummies. They extend to other products, including hair-growth supplements, libido-enhancement supplements, and various other weight loss solutions. Some ads feature fabricated images of the Sharks with altered bodies, further highlighting the deceptive nature of these campaigns.
Why "Shark Tank" Endorsements Matter to Scammers
The "Shark Tank" name carries significant weight. A positive review or investment from the Sharks can translate into substantial financial success for entrepreneurs. Products like Bombas socks, the Squatty Potty, and the happy sponge all gained popularity after appearing on the show. Scammers recognize this potential and exploit the show's reputation to mislead consumers.
Read also: A Healthier You: The Lori Goldstein Method
The Sharks themselves are aware and frustrated by the ongoing fraud. Kevin O’Leary has stated, "I don't take weight-loss pills and I don’t take drugs and don’t use marijuana creams and all this stuff." This underscores the importance of verifying claims and being skeptical of endorsements, especially those found in online advertisements.
How the Scams Operate
The keto gummies scams often involve a network of fake articles and reviews designed to resemble legitimate news sources. These articles falsely claim that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ree Drummond, Kelly Clarkson, Tom Selleck, Kaley Cuoco, Melissa McCarthy, Wayne Gretzky, and even the entire cast of "Shark Tank," have endorsed keto gummies.
These articles are not genuine reviews but rather marketing tools designed to lure consumers. The website URLs of these fake articles can be reported to the domain registrar to combat the spread of misinformation.
Some users have reported receiving unsolicited shipments of keto gummies, despite not remembering placing an order. These shipments often originate from nameless "fulfillment centers," making it difficult to trace the source. Furthermore, the charges to their credit cards were significantly higher than initially expected, sometimes reaching close to $200 instead of the advertised $40.
Spotting the Red Flags
Several red flags can help consumers identify these scams:
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
- Unsolicited advertisements: Be wary of ads that appear on social media or websites, especially those promising quick weight loss with celebrity endorsements.
- Fake news articles: Watch out for articles that appear to be from reputable news sources but contain sensational claims or promote specific products. Check the website's URL and credibility.
- Questionable product names: Be cautious of new products with no clear parent company or branding.
- Disconnected phone numbers: If a product order page has missing or disconnected phone numbers, it's a sign of a potential scam.
- Unexpected charges: Keep a close eye on your credit card statements for unauthorized or inflated charges.
Everlywell: A Legitimate "Shark Tank" Success Story
While many "Shark Tank"-related claims are fraudulent, some companies have genuinely benefited from the show. Everlywell, a consumer health testing company, is one such example.
Julia Cheek, Everlywell's founder and CEO, appeared on "Shark Tank" in 2017 and secured funding from Lori Greiner. This investment helped Everlywell expand its reach and offer accessible at-home lab tests to consumers.
Everlywell's success is built on providing convenient and affordable lab testing options. They offer over 30 at-home lab tests, allowing individuals to monitor their health without the need for traditional doctor's visits. All labs used by Everlywell are CLIA-certified, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Everlywell also employs independent physicians to review test orders and results, ensuring medical oversight. They prioritize data security and never sell customer information.
Everlywell's legitimate success story stands in stark contrast to the fraudulent keto gummies scams that exploit the "Shark Tank" name.
Celebrities Fighting Back
Celebrities whose names and images are used in these scams are taking legal action. Clint Eastwood, for example, won a $2.5 million lawsuit against a CBD company that used his likeness without permission. He later won another lawsuit pertaining to a CBD promotion, receiving $2 million.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Mark Cuban has also voiced his frustration with the lack of content filtering on online platforms. He questioned why platforms cannot detect fake keto or CBD gummy ads and whether they can detect anything at all.