Two-Thirds of Indians Encounter Health and Wellness Scams: Insights from McAfee Research 2026
In the age of digital information, health and wellness have become integral topics dominating online conversations, especially in India. However, this surge in digital health engagement has unfortunately been accompanied by an alarming rise in health and wellness scams, as revealed by new research from McAfee in 2026.
Prevalence of Health & Wellness Scams in India
McAfee’s recent study highlights a concerning reality: approximately 66% of Indians have encountered some form of health or wellness scam. Young adults are particularly targeted, with 71% of them experiencing attempts to exploit their trust and urgency related to health concerns.
These scams are not only becoming more widespread but also increasingly sophisticated. From fake pharmacies and fraudulent supplements to misleading medical treatments, scammers use various deceptive tactics to lure consumers, often making it difficult for them to discern authenticity.
Common Tactics and Scam Types
Scammers often employ urgency and trust manipulation, pushing victims to:
- Visit fraudulent websites promoted through ads (31%)
- Click suspicious links shared on social media or messaging apps (31%)
- Download malicious apps or files (26%)
- Scan deceptive QR codes (23%)
The types of scams range broadly, including:
- Fake weight-loss or fitness products (23%)
- Misleading disease or medical product information (20%)
- Counterfeit supplements or vitamins (18%)
- Fraudulent medical cures or treatments (18%)
- Impersonation scams involving healthcare providers or pharmacies (13%)
- Fraudulent use of government health agency identities (10%)
Role of Social Media and Influencers in Propagating Scams
Social media has emerged as the main platform where health advice and scams proliferate. The McAfee research found that:
- 64% of Indians encounter health or wellness advice on social media weekly.
- 34% see such health content daily or multiple times per day.
- 53% reported encountering health scams primarily through social media channels.
Influencers and celebrities play a huge role in shaping health perceptions. More than half of Indians (55%) admitted that endorsements from celebrities or public figures influence their trust in health advice. However, this trust is sometimes exploited, as 54% reported encountering celebrity-endorsed content that was later identified as misleading or fake.
Leading platforms where fake health endorsements were noted include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other social networks, making it crucial for consumers to remain vigilant.
Protecting Yourself from Health & Wellness Scams
With scams becoming more convincing and AI technologies aiding scam creation, protection requires awareness and smart digital practices. McAfee recommends the following tips to stay safe:
- Protect Your Privacy: Be cautious about the personal data you share online.
- Automate Safety: Use AI-powered scam protection tools to identify and block threats.
- Keep Funds Secure: Avoid sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to unknown contacts.
- Flag Red Flags: Be wary of sudden requests involving QR codes, instant payments, or quick verification prompts.
Conclusion
The rise in health and wellness content online is a double-edged sword—while information is more accessible, so is misinformation and fraud. Indians must be cautious and verify all health-related information through trusted sources, especially when influenced by social media trends or celebrity endorsements.
By adopting prudent online behaviors and using advanced security tools like those from McAfee, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these sophisticated health and wellness scams.
About the McAfee Research
This research was based on a global online survey conducted in January 2026, involving 7,000 adults worldwide, including 1,000 adults from India aged 18 and above. The findings shed light on the evolving digital health scam landscape and its impact on Indian consumers.
