​​​​​​​​Stills from two different ads, seen on Instagram, promoting fraudulent health products. ​

Fraudulent videos that appear to show University Health Network (UHN) physicians and nurses promoting health products, including weight loss patches, are circulating on social media. 

AI-generated videos are using UHN’s brand and logo to sell products that make false health claims. 

These products are unregulated and potentially dangerous, or don’t exist. 

Only information posted on official UHN social media channels and our website is considered official. 

If you see ads for products claiming to be endorsed by UHN, consider these tips before clicking any links or purchasing a product. 

How​ to spot a fraudulent health product ad 

Check UHN.ca or official UHN social media channels 

If an advertised product seems suspicious, check the account posting the video. 

Search the name of the product, physician or story on our website or verified social media channels. 

If you can’t find the product, physician or story on UHN’s official channels, do not click the ad or purchase the product. 

Official channels include:

Have concerns about an ad using UHN's brand? You can email UHN Communications and Brand Strategy. If possible, include details about the ad, including where it appeared​ and a screenshot.

Tip: Fraudulent accounts may include “UHN,” “University Health Network” or the UHN logo in their name, handle, profile image or post. Our verified channels can be found at the bottom of this page. ​

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is 

Many fraudulent advertisements promise products with fast solutions for your health, such as rapid weight loss.  

If a product sounds too good to be true, be cautious. 

Watch out for ads that promise quick fixes, dramatic results or miracle cures. 

These ads may also ask for personal or payment information, use urgent-sounding language or share unfamiliar links. 

Report ads that appear suspect

If you see an ad fraudulently representing UHN, help us get it removed by reporting it on the social media platform where it appears. 

What should I do if I paid money for a fake product? 

Contact your financial institution as soon as possible and report the transaction. 

You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre​ or the Competition Bureau for further information and guidance. ​

Sample of an ad that appeared on Facebook. Fraudulent ads often make promises for quick fixes. 


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