How to Avoid Shark Tank CBD Gummies
If you’re like Sarah, you may have stumbled across a sponsored search ad for “Shark Tank keto gummies.” The problem is, Shark Tank never endorsed these supplements. Investors such as Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner have nothing to do with them.
In addition to using fake celebrity endorsements, these scams often charge unauthorized fees. They can also take an emotional toll on consumers.
They promise fast weight loss
Whether you’re a fan of the reality show Shark Tank or just a consumer, you’ve probably seen ads for weight loss gummies promising to boost metabolism and burn fat. Unfortunately, these products are scams. Here’s how to avoid them.
First, look for the word “scam” in reviews. It’s important to check out customer feedback and complaints before buying any new product. You can also check out the ingredients of a product before making a purchase. Some supplements have a wide variety of side effects, so it’s best to speak with your doctor before trying them.
Another way to avoid a shark tank gummies scam is to look for an official website. Many bogus gummies have websites that look very authentic, but are actually fakes. They may use fake celebrity endorsements or doctored videos to make them appear real. In addition, they may try to manipulate users by using fake reviews and testimonials.
For example, an ad for Keoni CBD gummies on Google features a picture of Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary with two women holding packages of the gummies. However, the original unaltered photo was taken outside a Wine & Design paint-and-sip franchise in Pittsburgh. Moreover, the advertisement doesn’t contain the specific gummies named in the image. In addition, the ad links to a page that’s actually an imposter health domain name.
In addition to a fake image, Shark Tank gummy scams often tout the claim that they’re endorsed by celebrities like Lori Greiner, Dolly Parton, or Kelly Clarkson. In fact, none of these celebrities have ever endorsed any weight loss gummies. They’re simply using their names to lure unsuspecting consumers. Many of these products claim to be backed by scientific research and clinical trials. While these claims are usually false, some people do experience short-term weight loss with these pills. However, it’s important to remember that no supplement can replace healthy diet and exercise. In addition, these gummies have several harmful ingredients and can cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, you should always speak with a doctor before taking any weight loss supplements.
They use fake celebrity endorsements
Scammers know that a thumbs-up from the sharks is a seal of approval that can make their products seem credible. They use celebrity photos paired with fake Shark Tank endorsements to sell everything from hair-growth supplements to crypto investments to business courses. However, the most common product pitched with fake Shark Tank approval is a brand of gummies that claim to promote weight loss. These bogus Shark Tank endorsements are made using deepfake technology to generate celebrity models that mimic facial expressions, voice patterns, and mouth movements. They then merge the celebrity deepfakes with background footage of TV interviews or talk shows to create fake celebrity videos that appear genuine. Then, they post these videos on social media sites to get as many views and clicks as possible.
The scammers behind these videos use paid reach to spread them across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. They target demographics that are more likely to buy into miracle supplements endorsed by household names, such as women over 40 who are interested in diet, exercise, and celebrities. The videos are accompanied by posts that encourage viewers to visit the product’s sales page and input their payment details. The sales pages offer “risk-free trials,” discounts, and other time-sensitive promotions to lure customers in. Once they enter their credit card information, the scammers use hidden terms to enroll consumers in expensive recurring monthly shipments of BioKetix Keto ACV Gummies.
One of the most popular ads is a doctored photo of the cast of Shark Tank featuring John, Corcoran, Cuban, Greiner, and O’Leary with bottles of the keto gummies. Another ad claims that the show’s cast has endorsed the gummies and is backed by experts in psychedelics, cancer, and mental health. The truth is that the cast of Shark Tank has never endorsed these products and the expert named in the ad, Emily Senstrom, does not exist.
Other bogus endorsements claim that the gummies are effective in treating tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing or other noises in the ears. This condition is usually caused by a hearing loss or injury and can be very debilitating. In reality, the gummies do not treat tinnitus and may even worsen the condition.
They charge unauthorized fees
A growing number of consumers are falling victim to Shark Tank CBD gummies scams that are advertised on social media and search engines. These ads promise miracle CBD products backed by the Shark Tank investors. The scammers often lure unwitting consumers into submitting their credit card information to purchase these fake products. After they make their purchases, customers receive unauthorized charges to their credit cards and may find it difficult to recoup their losses. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline regularly hears from consumers who are struggling with these scams.
The bogus advertising for the CBD products includes detailed descriptions of the fictional pitches on Shark Tank and images of the phony founders. These scams also use celebrity likenesses and fake testimonials to convince victims that the product is legitimate. The sham CBD products are sold through slick websites that mimic real cannabis retailers. Pay-per-click ads and social media promotions drive traffic to these sites. Discount offers and a sense of urgency are used to persuade consumers to act quickly. After the initial sales, these scammers often charge recurring monthly fees to the credit cards of their unsuspecting victims. The recurring monthly charges are often hard to halt and can end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run. The scammers also take advantage of Google Ads to monetize their sites and steal advertising revenue from legitimate advertisers.
Many of these fake Shark Tank CBD gummy websites rank high in organic searches. For example, a site named “University of Pittsburgh” ranks first in the organic search results for “Shark Tank keto gummies”. Check My Ads found that this website uses Google Analytics and serves Google Ads. Google should be taking steps to remove these fraudulent sites from the organic search results.
Despite the fact that the Shark Tank investors have steered clear of CBD and cannabis investments, scammers still use their names to legitimize their fake products. For instance, Barbara Corcoran’s name is frequently used to promote scam CBD gummies. Her reputation as an investor on the show gives these scams credibility that they otherwise lack.
They don’t work
Despite being hyped up by a variety of celebrities and being endorsed by Shark Tank, these gummies don’t actually work. In fact, they’re a scam that uses free trials to reel in consumers before charging them unauthorized monthly fees. These scams are widespread, and they’re also difficult to identify. According to Jane, most people who fall victim to these scams don’t realize they’ve been scammed until they receive their bill in the mail or call their credit card company.
These scams target individuals who are desperate to lose weight and live healthier lives. They use fake celebrity endorsements and misleading claims to lure vulnerable people into buying bogus products. They’re often promoted through social media and other online platforms, as well as by posing as real news articles. Some even use the design of reputable news publishers for their articles. Ultimately, these scams can drain the pockets of consumers and damage their mental health.
In order to avoid falling prey to these scams, you should always do your research before making any purchases. The best way to determine if a product is genuine is to visit its official website and read customer reviews. If you’re still unsure, consult with an expert to ensure you don’t fall victim to any scams.
Regardless of whether you’re looking to lose weight or just want to improve your overall health, it’s important to remember that no magic pills or supplements will work. Instead, it takes dedication and time to make a positive change in your life. Moreover, if you’re serious about losing weight, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a professional, such as a nutritionist or personal trainer.