Medical disinformation report highlights rise in online pseudomedical scams

A report titled ‘Wojna o zaufanie. Biały fartuch jako broń dezinformacji zdrowotnej’ has highlighted the rising prevalence of pseudomedical product advertisements online. The study, which won first place in the DISINFOHACK 2026 competition organized by the NASK Disinformation Analysis Center, examines how scammers use trust-building techniques and fear to sell ineffective products.

Marcin Merchel, the report's author, notes that while these deceptive practices have existed for decades in television and print, the internet has become the primary tool for reaching consumers. While seniors remain a frequent target, data shows increasing interest from 30- and 40-year-olds who actively use the internet to manage health concerns.