Website scams desperate Ozempic buyers: ‘I am so embarrassed’
Two women reached out to Wendy Knowler after being scammed by a company claiming to sell the diabetes drug, often used to lose weight.
Photo: Unsplash/Sweet Life (cropped)
Pippa Hudson speaks with Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist.
Listen below.
Ozempic was created to manage type 2 diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels.
However, it is frequently used by non-diabetics to help with weight loss. This has led to medication shortages resulting in dodgy online sellers using this as an opportunity to scam customers.
Danita placed an order for Ozempic online from a company called Juice Heaven.
She paid R3,200, but when her delivery arrived, it was the wrong medication.
Instead of Ozempic, she received Clenbuterol, which is also used off-label to encourage weight loss, but its primary application is for treating asthma.
She attempted to return the package for a refund but claims the company has ignored her requests.
Another woman, Laura, shared a similar experience trying to obtain Ozempic from the same company to manage her diabetes.
She could not find medication stock at her local pharmacies, so she ordered online.
“I am so ashamed and embarrassed, but I am happy to share so it does not happen to anyone else.”
- Laura
Like Danita, Laura also received Clenbuterol but refused to accept the delivery.
When she reached out to the company, they allegedly mocked her and refused to issue a refund
“I told him I would report him to Wendy Knowler… he came back in writing saying ‘ha ha, we are selling illegal drugs. See how far you get with that.’”
– Laura
Knowler attempted to contact the company to no avail.
She claims the company was illegally selling, or at the least falsely advertising this product and has reported the website to SAHPRA.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.
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