What to Do After an Online Health Scam

By NHINWatch.com Investigations Desk | Reviewed August 13, 2026

NHINWatch is an independent scam-investigation newsroom. We are not a clinic, regulator, law firm, law-enforcement agency, or emergency service. This page offers practical steps to take after you believe you’ve been harmed by an online health scam. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Step 1: Stop the Charge (First Hour)

Call your card issuer or bank using the number on the card or its official website. Describe the purchase, any renewal you did not expect, and your attempts to cancel. Ask which of these steps applies:

• Review whether the card number should be replaced
• Reverse the charge if possible
• Flag the merchant’s account for review
• Explain your dispute rights

Dispute rights depend on the payment method, facts, timing, and local law. Report the problem promptly and keep the case or reference number. Do not promise the bank will reverse a charge.

Step 2: Gather and Preserve Evidence (First Day)

Before the website disappears or changes, collect everything:

• Screenshots of the product page, claims, and pricing
• Confirmation emails and receipts
• Your bank or card statement showing the charge
• Any communication with the seller (email, chat, phone records)
• The website URL and domain registration details
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers listed on the site

Save these files in a folder on your computer or cloud storage. Do not alter or delete anything. This evidence will be needed if you file a formal complaint or dispute.

Step 3: Report to Official Agencies

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC collects reports on health fraud and uses them to identify patterns and take action against repeat offenders.

If the scam involved an unproven health claim, also report it to the FDA’s health fraud page. The FDA investigates false or unsubstantiated claims about drugs, supplements, and medical devices.

If you paid by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These payment methods are harder to reverse.

Step 4: Monitor Your Accounts (Next Month and Beyond)

If payment or identity information may have been exposed, watch your statements and accounts for activity you do not recognize. Ask your bank or an official identity-theft resource how long monitoring makes sense for your situation.

• Review your credit card and bank statements weekly
• Check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
• Use a password manager to create unique, strong passwords for all accounts

If you see charges you don’t recognize, report them to your card issuer immediately.

Step 5: Assess Your Health and Safety

If you received a product from the seller, do not use it unless a doctor you trust has reviewed it. Counterfeit or unregulated health products can cause serious harm.

If you have taken a supplement or product and are experiencing unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.). Tell them exactly what you took, when, and how much. Keep the product packaging or label.

If you believe a product caused an injury or adverse event, you can report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Step 6: Avoid Recovery Scams

After you report a scam, you may receive unsolicited calls, emails, or texts from people claiming they can recover your money—for an upfront fee. These are almost always scams themselves.

Real law enforcement and regulatory agencies do not charge fees to help you recover money. Do not send money, gift cards, or personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about your case.

If someone claims to represent the FTC, FBI, or your bank, hang up and call the official number on your statement or the agency’s website directly.

How to Avoid Online Health Scams in the Future

Before you buy a health product online, verify the claim and seller. Check whether the company is licensed, whether the product is approved by the FDA, and whether independent experts support the claim.

Be skeptical of:

• Promises to cure serious diseases
• Testimonials instead of clinical evidence
• Pressure to buy immediately or in bulk
• Sellers who avoid listing a physical address or phone number
• Prices far below competitors

If you want to understand how we investigate these scams, read our investigation methodology.

Your Rights and Next Steps

You can ask your card issuer about its dispute process and submit reports to appropriate agencies at no cost. Available remedies vary. Keep copies of all correspondence and follow the deadlines given by the bank or agency.

If the scam involved a large amount of money or identity theft, consider consulting a consumer protection attorney. Many offer free initial consultations.

For questions about our editorial standards and how we verify information, see our standards page.

Last reviewed: August 13, 2026. This page reflects current FTC, FDA, and IC3 guidance. Procedures and contact information may change. Always verify official links directly.