A cybersecurity firm warns of a sprawling scam network that is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to sell fraudulent healthcare products through ads, fake profiles, and bogus websites.
In a new blog post, BrandShield reveals a coordinated operation that impersonates real doctors and misuses the logos of respected organizations to build trust with vulnerable patients.
“At its core is a surge of fake ads promoting fake ‘miracle’ health products for chronic conditions: GLP-1 weight-loss alternatives, arthritis creams, bronchitis inhalers, glaucoma drops, and more. These products are completely fraudulent.”
The operation relies on stolen identities and digital fakery powered by artificial intelligence.
“To build trust, scammers use stolen identities of real doctors, including professional photos and fake endorsements. Ads and websites display fake medical seals, regulatory logos, and AI-generated before-and-after images to enhance credibility.”
In one case, a Facebook ad impersonating obesity specialist Dr. Robert Lustig linked to a site selling “Peaka GLP-1 slimming pearls.” The page displayed phony endorsements from regulatory bodies and fake compliance marks, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and the Conformité Européenne (CE).
BrandShield tells consumers to scrutinize social media ads, urging them not to solely rely on the popularity of brands and treatments.
“At best, these scams only steal patients’ money and do not deliver a product. Alternatively, the products fail to deliver the promised medical benefits. At worst, they pose serious health risks and can severely damage the reputation of a legitimate brand.”
Earlier this month, fellow cybersecurity firm ID.me said fraudsters drained up to $521 billion annually from the US government.
Blake Hall, ID.me’s founder and chief executive, underscored the pace of escalation.
“Fraud is evolving at the speed of AI… Secure identity is foundational to AI ecosystems that will depend on memory, context, and authentication.”
BrandShield is a cybersecurity and online brand protection firm that detects and dismantles scams across websites, social media, ads, and marketplaces. The company uses AI-driven monitoring and legal enforcement to protect brands from impersonation, phishing, and counterfeit sales.