If It Seems To Be Too Good To Be True, Google It

(C) 2017 Luke T. Bush

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY - 01/25/17


"Did you read that article about a new drug that has the drug companies worried?"

Article?  I didn't see an article; I spotted something else.  I picked up a copy of the January 24 edition of the Press-Republican to verify what I had seen.  Yup, there it was on page A3, running down the length of the right hand side: "Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure."  Headline, byline, pull quotes -- but it ain't any news article.

With breathless hyperbole the ad proclaims: "Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a crimp in 'Big Pharma' profits."  Really.  Please name two independent analysts.

But that's not all!  "Doctors call it 'The greatest health discovery in decades!'" 

Bullshit.

I spoke to the person who had mentioned this "article" to me, explaining it was really an advertisement formatted to look like a news story.  I pointed to the tiny print at the top of the ad, just below the date and page number: PAID ADVERTISEMENT.  Another scam.

Scam is a strong word.  But once again like previous pseudo-articles the PR has published for other shady companies there's more fine print at the bottom:  "THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.  THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.  ALOECURE IS NOT A DRUG."

Standard disclaimer.  Carpe diem.  You're on your own.

Among its various uses AloeCure is touted as a better way to soothe intestinal discomfort without the nasty side effects of Big Pharma drugs like Prilosec that can result in bone and health damage from overuse.  And there's also another great AloeCure benefit.  By eating fatty foods your brain can get clogged up just like a drain when grease and fat are poured down it.   But have no fear!  "The acemanan used in AloeCure actually makes sure gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster, and with a larger capacity for memory."

Because I already think better without ingesting AloeCure I decided to do some Googling and see what the real story was.

AloeCure is also hawked on TV.  The Infomercial Scams website says that AloeCure is marketed as a dietary supplement thus avoiding FDA oversight.  AloeCure is basically rebranded Aloe Vera juice that can be bought for a lot cheaper at a GNC store.

And there's more fine print: "Shipping and processing fees are non-refundable. After the 30 day guarantee period is over all sales are final. Returns may be subject to a re-stocking fee. Returned packages require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number to ensure accurate processing."

According to the Infomercial Scams site there have been numerous complaints about AloeCure customer service treating callers rudely, AloeCure billing unsatisfied customers after they canceled their orders, and the company refusing refund requests despite its risk free trial offer.  More complaints can be found at other sites like here.

There are some customers who say AloeCure works for them and are satisfied with the product. That aside there problems like the lousy customer service, overbilling and fighting for a refund.  Here's an excerpt from one critical comment at the Infomercial Scams site:

"In this case, where my brother was terminally ill, he was certainly not looking for continual shipments. He simply wanted to try one case, and the taped conversation about his intentions was very clear. But they have ignored our request for a full credit in spite of all common sense pointing to the obvious."

How many readers take the time to personally evaluated dubious ads published in the Press-Republican?  Many probably don't because they think:  "If it's in the newspaper it must be true."  Especially if they assume what they read is an article.

For shame, Press-Republican.  Like a manure spreader your paper is a scam spreader.

Shouldn't you be investigating scams instead of promoting them?