AI‑Created Fake Doctors Fuel Health Supplement Scam

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for the dietary supplement industry, has called for a crackdown on deceptive advertisements that use artificial intelligence to fabricate doctor personas and influencer profiles. These AI‑generated figures promote weight‑loss, energy‑boosting, and skin‑care supplements, exploiting consumers' trust in medical authority. A recent investigation by the New York Times highlighted how such ads can appear credible, with fabricated experts like “Dr. Emily Roberts” presenting false claims.

Research shows that trust in clinicians reduces susceptibility to false health claims, but AI‑generated doctors and familiar‑style influencers can create a false sense of expertise. Parasocial relationships—one‑sided bonds formed with media figures—further increase the persuasive power of these bogus endorsements. The spread of such misinformation threatens consumer safety and erodes confidence in legitimate health information.