Fake ads are spread on smart watches that are said to be able to measure blood sugar – aimed at people with diabetes.
Now the Swedish Diabetes Association warns of the scam, which can lead to deadly consequences.
– It is sad to use a vulnerable group, says the union’s communicator Wilma Lindquist to TV4 News.
On social media, targeted ads on Chinese smart watches are alleged to be able to measure blood sugar without needles. But according to the Swedish Diabetes Association, it is a scam, and the products can be fatal for people with diabetes.
– If you are medicated from the erroneous values that the clock shows, a person with type 2 diabetes may end up in a life -threatening position. Blood sugar meters are medical technology, there is not today without a needle, says Wilma Lindquist to TV4 News.
In addition, there are advertisements where the Swedish Diabetes Association’s logo is used, which has now been reported to the Swedish Medicines Agency, the Consumer Agency and the Advertising Ombudsman.
– It is like double fraud to sell a product that does not work and then to use our logo as a guarantee and security, she says.
Targeted ads
The Diabetes Association believes that it is important to be source -critical in these situations. They are contacted daily from people who ask about the ads, who have now spread to new types of platforms.
– A year ago it was mostly found on Chinese pages, now you also see the clocks on meta and the targeted ads for the elderly and people with type 2 diabetes, says Wilma Lindquist.
She adds:
– It is sad to use a vulnerable group in society. I understand that you are attracted by the ads, it is difficult to access quality -assured medication and this is a further proof that more people need help from the care.
Was sold in large department store chain
Last year, the union managed to get over 1,000 ads picked up on different websites. The Swedish company Inf imported the watches from China, which was then sold on the department store giant Elgiganten.
When the newspaper Everything about diabetes Talked to Inf’s CEO Niklas Håkansson last year he said they should immediately take back the bells.
“It is unfortunate that the clocks have been passed through our control. We will contact everyone who has bought watches from us with information, ”he told the magazine.