Fake Reviews Fuel Illegal Drug Sales Online

Illicit sellers are exploiting online review platforms to market dangerous, unlicensed weight-loss drugs, a Guardian investigation revealed. Companies like Retatrutide UK, offering experimental injections, have amassed positive reviews despite selling illegal products. This practice allows high-risk operators to appear credible, drawing unsuspecting consumers into unregulated markets with potentially severe health consequences.

The drugs, such as the experimental Retatrutide, are not yet approved and carry significant risks. When obtained through unofficial channels, these injectable hormones are unregulated, risking contamination, incorrect dosages, and serious side effects including infections and cardiovascular issues. The scheme is further highlighted by other operators, including Alluvi Health Care, which was recently raided by regulators, still maintaining a seemingly positive Trustpilot rating.

Experts express alarm at these findings, emphasizing weak regulatory safeguards and the urgent need for proactive enforcement. Social media platforms like TikTok are also implicated, with some accounts offering deals on these drugs. While platforms are taking action to block problematic businesses and remove violating content, the evolving tactics of bad actors require continuous vigilance and stronger regulatory oversight to protect public safety.