Fimea issues a warning: Plenty of scam advertisements now spreading online

The Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea warns Finnish consumers of generalised scam ads containing uncovered health claims.

Plenty of advertisements are currently spread online and in social media, in which different products are incorrectly marketed as approved by Fimea or recommended by medical experts. 

– It is typical that the advertisements use the agency’s name or logo unauthorised in order for the claims made on the advertisements to appear reliable. The products advertised are suggested to be officially approved medicines or medical devices, says Senior Pharmaceutical Inspector Sami Paaskoski.

Fimea does not issue product certificates

Advertisements claiming that Fimea has issued a certificate or other permit for a product have been appearing on social media. The marketing authorisation for medicines is granted by a pharmaceutical authority, either Fimea or the European Medicines Agency. Medicines that have been granted a marketing authorisation can be found in Fimea’s medicine search and are sold at pharmacies. 

– Products sold in scam ads should not be confused with medicinal products subject to marketing authorisation. Legal advertising for medicines does not emphasise the authority for marketing authorisation and the approval of the authorities by means of advertising phrases, names or logos. It is misleading and always causes suspicion of fraud, Paaskoski warns.

No prior authorisation is granted for medical devices, but their conformity is at the responsibility of the manufacturer. 

– The CE marking on devices on the European market is the manufacturer's declaration that the device complies with the legal requirements applicable to it. Neither do legal medical devices or their packaging contain any solemn assurances referring to official approval, like in scam advertisements, says Chief Specialist Jari Knuuttila.

Misleading marketing claims

Online shops and social media ads may include products that allegedly offer promising new solutions to a wide range of problems and purposes and to a wide range of target groups. 

Advertisements may include products that are reported to provide fast and reliable results. 

– At the moment, particularly advertisements concerning so-called GLP-1 weight management solutions are appearing, in which the product is claimed to be approved by Fimea. Fimea has not assessed or approved these products in any way, and no information is available on their quality, efficacy or safety, says Market Surveillance Coordinator Noora Lindgren.

How to recognise misleading claims:

• Unclear contact details: A reliable operator has clear information about the company and customer service on the website.
• Too promising results: Claims such as “fast and easy weight loss” or “perfect treatment for the flu” are often false.
• Before and after photos: Images are aimed at influencing emotions – they are not proof of the functionality of the product.
• References to authorities: Fimea or other experts may be mentioned without permit.
• Urgent purchasing pressure: Timed offers or “last items” guide to making decisions in a hurry.

Tips for safe online purchases:

• Check what you are buying: Is it a medicine, food supplement or cosmetics, and how does this affect, for example, the legal ordering of a product from abroad to Finland?
• Verify product authenticity and legality: When ordering medicines, ensure that the online service is a legal pharmacy. Medicinal products with marketing authorisation are found in Fimea’s medicine search. 
• Do not share your data on light grounds: Suspicious websites may not have a secure method of payment or delivery.

Lue lisää:

How can I assess the reliability of drug information? 

Ordering medicines online

Marketing of medical devices

Medicines that have marketing authorisation in Finland

Why is the food supplement I ordered considered to be a medicine?

Bringing medicines to Finland