Medical quackery refers to the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices that lack a scientifically plausible rationale. It is often synonymous with health fraud and is an ongoing problem that can be found in any culture and in every medical tradition. Medical quacks profit when they convince people that their products are an easy path to better health and personal attractiveness. Medical quackery can be dangerous as it can keep people from getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from their own health care professional. Here are some signs of medical quackery:

• The person suggests they have skills or insights that qualify them as experts or have special knowledge that others dont have.
• The person claims to have a cure for a disease or condition that is not recognized by the medical community.
• The person claims to have a cure for a disease or condition that has no cure.
• The person claims to have a cure for a disease or condition that is not treatable by conventional medicine.
• The person claims to have a cure for a disease or condition that is not supported by scientific evidence.

It is important to be skeptical of claims of immediate, dramatic weight loss or recaptured youth or sexual function, and not to buy any product based on the sellers claim that the purchase will be covered by Medicare or other insurance. Always discuss medical problems with a primary health care provider and be cautious of medical devices, bracelets, or other products without first consulting a doctor or other appropriate health professional.