Think twice before buying!

Fake and illegal health products can contain harmful ingredients, leading to side effects like diarrhoea, headache, pain, skin rashes, swelling of hands and feet, vomiting – and even death. Using these products can also delay proper treatment, putting your health at risk.

Beware of these fake health product signs

Be cautious of suspicious sources when purchasing health products, especially those sold through:

  • Back-alley peddlers, makeshift stalls and door-to-door salesmen.
     
  • Unverified online platforms, including suspicious websites, online auctions, or social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Carousell. If anything goes wrong, you may not be able to find the seller. It is easy for anyone to set up an online platform such as a website, online auction or social media account (e.g. Facebook and Instagram). It is almost impossible to keep track of these suspicious sellers as their sites may pop up one day only to disappear the next. So, you may not be able to contact them for help, send a complaint or even get your money back.
     
  • Unbelievable claims like "100% safe" or "miracle cures" with no credible evidence.

The risks of fake health products

Taking a chance on miracle pills may lead to death.

Taking a chance on miracle pills may lead to death.jfif

Contact lenses bought online from dubious websites could lead to permanent damage to your eyes, including blindness.

Contact lenses bought online from dubious websites could lead to permanent damage to your eyes, including blindness.jfif

Over 50% of medicines sold online from illegal sites are counterfeit or substandard.

Over 50% of medicines sold online from illegal sites are counterfeit or substandard.jfif

Consuming sexual enhancement drugs from dubious sources could be fatal.

Consuming sexual enhancement drugs from dubious sources could be fatal.jfif

 

Learn more about the fake and illegal health products that HSA found in recent years.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Your health should never be compromised for the sake of convenience or price. Here are some tips to ensure that the health product you are buying is safe and legitimate:

  • Buy health products and medicines only from licensed clinics, pharmacies, and well-established retail stores.
  • If you are ever uncertain about a product, consult your doctor or dentist before making a purchase.
  • Don’t be fooled by cheap health products that seem too good to be true, especially those sold online or by unlicensed vendors.
  • For safety-related articles on health products, please visit the Consumer Safety page on the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) website.

What to do when problems arise?

  • If you develop any side effects after using a health product, stop using it immediately and consult your regular doctor or dentist.
  • If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a product or service, always seek professional advice before buying.

Help us combat fake and illegal health products and services by checking out the relevant information below.

Health Products: 

For concerns on health products such as drugs and medical devices, please write to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) here. 

Other Issues: 

If you are aware of serious cases involving alleged criminal conduct (e.g. fraud, theft and impersonation), please lodge a report with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). 

If you feel that you have been subjected to unfair and unethical trade practices and wish to seek refund or compensation from a person or institution (e.g. aggressive sale tactics and issues around pre-payment for packages) for a service or product, please lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). 

For all other enquiries: 

  • For general enquiries: 6325 9220
  • For service-related matters: 1800 225 4122* 

*Operating hours are from Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), 8.30am - 6.00pm.