Musings: A scam by any other name still bilks us
Sometimes, a simple aspirin can be the right stuff. Credit: PHOTOS.COM
We are often warned by the government and media to be wary of scams that prey predominantly on the elderly. Many succumb to the wiles of those who aim to separate us from our painstakingly accumulated wealth. Yet there is a far greater effort to rob us of said wealth by a determined yet insidious cadre of scammers.
There is a consistent drumbeat of ads on television that is designed to take our money in exchange for products that have no discernible benefits. The fact that these offerings appear repeatedly in a single day and for years is a testament to their success. The carefully worded promises of health are not flagged by food and drug agencies and therefore allow Americans to be bilked out of billions of dollars annually. The exceptionally high price tag on the products gives the unsuspecting buyers the illusion that they must really work if the price is so high.
The elaborate presentation referring to the magical processing of multiple fruits and vegetables by someone with “Dr.” attached to his or her name promises to make us healthy beyond our dreams. Yet some investigation into the ingredients will show that a $5 bottle of multivitamins with minerals would yield the same benefits.
We have seen the offering of capsules that will overcome inevitable aging and even dementia and neurological diseases. These are promises that have not been able to be made by the most sophisticated labs of major research facilities. Expensive creams are hawked for the relief of muscular aches and pains when an aspirin or ibuprofen tablet, used properly, gives greater relief. The promise of hair growth, muscle development and even renewed testosterone-fueled libido can be had by simply purchasing an overpriced capsule.
As Americans, we are blessed with the ability to live comfortable lives and still have a little left over to spend on things that improve our health and well-being. Succumbing to the false promises of these scammers is not beneficial to us, and money sent to these charlatans could be better spent on a vacation.
— Anthony J. Bruno, Smithtown
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