Finland’s medicines authority, Fimea, has issued a public alert over a sharp increase in deceptive online advertisements for health products falsely claiming official approval.
These ads, found on websites and social media platforms, often misuse Fimea’s name or logo to appear legitimate. Many falsely imply endorsement from medical experts or regulatory agencies.
“Scammers are exploiting our name to make unauthorized products seem credible,” said Sami Paaskoski, Fimea’s senior pharmacist. “They frequently advertise unapproved medicines or devices as officially sanctioned.”
Fimea clarified that it does not issue certificates for products. Only medications with valid marketing authorization from Fimea or the European Medicines Agency are legally sold, and these are listed in Fimea’s public database and available only through licensed pharmacies.
The agency emphasized that legitimate pharmaceutical advertising never uses regulatory authority names as a marketing tactic, warning consumers to be skeptical of such claims.
In Europe, medical devices are not pre-approved by authorities; instead, manufacturers must meet regulatory standards. A CE marking shows compliance, but claims of government approval on packaging or in ads are typically false, said Jari Knuuttila, Fimea’s lead specialist.
A current wave of fraudulent promotions targets GLP-1 weight loss products, which are falsely advertised as Fimea-approved. “We have not reviewed or approved these products, nor do we have any information about their safety,” said Noora Lindgren of Fimea’s market surveillance team.
Fimea urged consumers to watch for red flags in online health product ads:
Vague or missing contact details
Overpromised results like “lose weight fast”
Before-and-after photos to evoke emotional responses
Unauthorized use of regulatory names
Fake urgency with countdowns or “last chance” offers
The agency advises consumers to verify medicines through its database, buy only from licensed pharmacies, and avoid unsecure websites. Ensuring safe purchases and guarding personal information is essential when ordering health products online.