If you are struggling to conceive, you certainly are not alone. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 10% of American women have trouble getting pregnant or carrying babies to term. Unfortunately, fertility scams are all too common in the U.S. and around the globe.
Like most other successful scams, fertility scams target victims when they are exceedingly vulnerable. Indeed, if a couple is trying to have a baby, they might be willing to do just about anything to turn their dreams into reality. How do you spot a fertility scam, though?
Research the research
Many fertility scams have links to scientific studies to make the scams seem legitimate and serious. Links, though, tell you nothing about the efficacy of a product or service. Therefore, it is important to research the cited research to see if it is valid. Specifically, in addition to determining whether the research is in a peer-reviewed publication, you should look into who paid for it.
Question any guarantees
Scams often have a problem with overpromising and underdelivering. Put simply, if a product or service offers too many guarantees or seems too good to be true, you are probably looking at a scam. This is true even if the product or service has a money-back guarantee.
Think about the price
Because fertility is such a common issue, you would probably hear about any miracle solution. You also would expect to pay a considerable price for the chance to have the baby you want. Accordingly, if someone is promising you excellent results for a nominal price, you might be on the verge of falling victim to a scam.
Ultimately, even though infertility can be heartwrenching, you do not want to add insult to injury by going along with someone who is trying to scam you.