CRIMINALS are cashing in on the growing demand for weight-loss pills and injections, with action against fake slimming drugs soaring by 684% — as experts warn consumers’ health could be “at risk”.
According to new data from Corsearch, enforcement numbers against illicit GLP-1 listings across its monitored portfolio increased 684% between February and July 2026.
The new data underlines the scale of the threat already facing the sector, with online marketplaces accounting for 58% of all detected infringements, followed by social media at 27%.
More than a third (35%) of those actions targeted medicines offered without a prescription.
There is increasing concern about a new wave of fake slimming pills and bogus injections being sold, with criminals exploiting everything from bargain prices to glowing online reviews to lure customers in.
According to the data, 35% of GLP-1 enforcement actions involved listings offering medicines without a prescription, the leading infringement type. Trademark infringement followed closely, accounting for 33% of actions.
How big is the fake weight-loss drug problem?
Mike Sweeney, Vice President at Corsearch, believes the scale of the counterfeit weight-loss problem is staggering.
He said: “Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines are already a rapidly growing threat online. Our enforcement data shows just how quickly criminal activity is responding to demand, with monthly enforcement actions across our monitored portfolio increasing by 684% between February and July.
“The arrival of weight-loss pills creates another opportunity for criminals to exploit consumer demand. Counterfeiters don’t care whether they’re copying an injection pen or a tablet, they follow demand. As more legitimate products enter the market, we should expect illicit sellers to broaden their operations and impersonate trusted brands across multiple formats.
“What’s particularly concerning is the extent to which criminals are attempting to bypass legitimate prescription routes. More than a third of the GLP-1 infringements we identified involved offers to sell without a prescription, showing how consumers looking for easier or cheaper access can be targeted.
“The challenge now isn’t just counterfeit weight-loss jabs; it’s counterfeit and illicit weight-loss medicines in every form. That’s why consumer awareness has never been more important. Buying from regulated providers and being sceptical of deals that seem too good to be true can make the difference between receiving genuine treatment and taking an untested counterfeit product.”
Can you trust five-star reviews?
Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, is increasingly concerned at how criminals can fake five-star reviews to make dodgy sellers look completely legitimate.
He commented: “With up to half of online reviews now showing signs of being suspicious, consumers need to be cautious online generally. In a sector like this, the consequences of getting it wrong can be far more serious than simply losing money.
“If something looks too good to be true, it may well be. A wall of glowing five-star reviews should not automatically reassure you. In some cases, it should actually be treated as a warning sign.
“Consumers should look closely at where the reviews are coming from. Are they simply convincing snippets of text placed on the seller’s website, where they could have been written by anyone, or are they being served independently through an established review platform such as Trustpilot or Feefo?
“Even then, reviews should never be treated as proof that a medicine is genuine, safe or appropriate. When prescription drugs are involved, buyers should make proper checks on the supplier before handing over any money or personal information. Fake reviews can make a dangerous seller look credible. In this sector, they can put much more than just someone’s money at risk.”
What are the warning signs of a scam?
Francis West, CEO at Security Everywhere, has reminded consumers that the safest place to buy weight-loss drugs is through a registered pharmacy – never a marketplace.
He added: “I can’t speak to the health side, that’s for a pharmacist, but the scam mechanics are exactly what I see across every sector. Criminals go where people are in a hurry and want a shortcut, so a search ad or social post promising quick, cheap access works the same way a fake job offer or fake invoice does.
“My advice: only buy through a registered pharmacy, never a marketplace listing or a DM sliding into your inbox, and if the price looks too good, assume it’s because there’s no real product or no real company behind it. Urgency and a bargain together is the tell every time.”
Nouran Moustafa, Practice Principal & IFA at Roxton Wealth, said the increase in counterfeiters has the potential to put consumers’ health “at risk”.
She commented: “The danger is that convenience creates opportunity for criminals. Once weight-loss medication becomes mainstream, counterfeiters are no longer targeting a niche market. They are targeting millions of consumers who may be actively searching online for quicker, cheaper access. A fake handbag wastes your money. A fake medicine can put your health at risk. Consumers should treat any seller offering GLP-1 medication without a proper consultation or prescription as an immediate red flag.
“Do not buy through social media, marketplaces or random websites because the price looks attractive. Check that the pharmacy is properly registered, verify the seller independently and never let urgency override basic due diligence. The cheapest option can become the most expensive purchase of your life if what arrives is not what it claims to be.”
Pharmacies in Great Britain must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, which keeps a public online register.
