Weight loss injection and supplement scams soar by 143% as fraudsters exploit people's insecurities

30/10/2025 10:08 CEST

Between Q1 and Q3 2025, the value of weight loss and health product scams increased by 417% and volume of these scams, by 286%.

Between July and September, the average weight loss scam cost Santander customers £120, with almost £4,000 being stolen in this period.

Santander is urging Brits to stay alert when shopping online by following three simple steps

New data from Santander reveals scams involving weight loss injections, pens, tablets and fat-dissolving products have risen sharply, with £3,742 stolen by fraudsters in Q3 this year – more than double (143% increase) the amount reported in the previous quarter.

Scams relating to supplements, pills and medicines have also more than doubled in value, climbing 105% from £6,339 in Q2 to £13,030 in Q3.

We saw a record number of fake weight loss jabs seized in the UK earlier this week, and this is mirrored in the types of scams that we’re seeing day in day out. Fraudsters are actively exploiting people’s insecurities and health concerns, with scams involving weight loss products, supplements and medicines soaring in recent months.

Michelle Pilsworth, Head of Fraud and Customer Experience at Santander UK

The findings reveal that both men (45%) and women (55%) are being targeted, with the average scam costing customers £120. The total volume of weight loss and health product scams has increased by a huge 286% between Q1 and Q3 of this year, with the total value of the scams increasing by 417%.

We have seen a worrying rise in scam cases linked to slimming injections, pens and fat-dissolving products, with those involving pills and medicines more than doubling quarter-on-quarter. These scams affect both men and women, and almost all cases are taking place through social media and messaging apps. Our message is clear: if it sounds too good to be true, it probaby is, and buying from unverified sellers online can come at a serious financial, health-related and emotional cost.

Michelle Pilsworth, Head of Fraud and Customer Experience at Santander UK

Santander is encouraging people to stay alert when shopping online by following these three simple steps:

Check the Source: Look closely at the account posting the ad. Scammers often create profiles that mimic real brands but have subtle differences in spelling or logos.
Assess the risk: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scams often use phrases like “limited-time offer,” “exclusive deal,” or “free giveaway” to create urgency.
Follow platform guidelines: If you’re using common online selling sites, stick to their recommended payment channels.

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