Risk: Elevated

"This is defamation with health risks"

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 15/09/2026 · Last updated: 17/09/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case reported by Watchlist Internet. For details, see the linked source.

Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.

How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

Criminals create AI videos in which the face and voice of well-known individuals such as Eckart von Hirschhausen appear deceptively real
These videos are played as paid advertising on major platforms – according to the source, reaching approximately 30 million people in just four weeks
The advertised 'miracle remedies' often target people with serious concerns: obesity, diabetes, joint pain, aging
Behind the ads are call centers with professional training materials and sales scripts that, according to the source, even imitate medical history interviews
Victims order and pay for products that may in reality be relabeled insulin syringes, banned appetite suppressants (e.g., sibutramine), or uncontrolled hormone preparations
Anyone who stops payment or asks critical questions is subjected to pressure and new offers to continue

How to recognise it

You see a video in which a well-known person such as Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen promotes a miracle remedy – this is almost always a deepfake
The advertising instills fear while promising immediate salvation, such as '20 kilos in three weeks' or 'cure diabetes overnight'
The legal notice contains fictitious names instead of a real address
The page URL is unnecessarily long and cryptic
It involves supposed weight-loss injections, appetite suppressants, or hormone preparations without clear quality control
Allegedly 'limited' or 'exclusive' discounts that must be claimed immediately by clicking
Winning without participation or a 'free' offer that requires providing data
Advance payment demanded for 'fees/taxes'

How to protect yourself

Before you order anything: ask someone you trust – doctor, pharmacist, family – and read the legal notice carefully
Look for independent information about the product and provider, for example from the consumer advice center
Establish a code word with your family to make it easier to identify suspicious calls and videos
If you have already paid: stop the payment immediately, inform your bank, and file a report with the police
Talk about the incident – silence is the perpetrators' capital. You are not alone; this also happened to a doctor in the linked documentary
Secure evidence: screenshots of the ad, legal notice, URL, order confirmation, and all payment receipts

What you should never do

Do not order or pay anything before you have spoken with a real person
Do not stop taking any medically prescribed medication because of such advertising
Do not feel so ashamed that you hide the incident – that is exactly what the perpetrators count on
Do not spontaneously click on 'limited' discounts or countdown ads; instead, check calmly

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay if I have already ordered?

Try to stop the payment through your bank immediately. You do not have to simply accept unjustified demands. Contact your bank and document everything.

How can I tell whether a video is real?

Watch out for unrealistic promises, check the legal notice of the advertised page and the URL. Even well-known faces can be faked using AI. When in doubt: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Where did they get my data?

This often cannot be determined precisely. Data leaks, previous orders, or public profiles can play a role. What matters is: you can do something about it – filing a report and notifying the consumer advice center also help others.

What should I do if I have already taken the product?

Seek medical help promptly and bring the product with you. This can be especially important for injections or undeclared active ingredients.

Who can I contact?

For financial losses: police (file a report) and bank. For questions about consumer rights: consumer advice center. For health concerns: family doctor or the medical on-call service at 116117.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

17/09/2026Description updated
15/09/2026Warning added from an official source