These often come in the form of emails that promote a product as a miraculous cure for various types of medical conditions. They often claim to have ‘the secret that doctors and pharmaceutical companies don’t want you to know’.

They usually claim that the product is available in limited quantities or for only a limited time. They insist on payment in advance, usually with a risk-free money-back guarantee. They may also offer a free trial of the product that you must supply credit card information in order to get.

Their outrageous claims are usually supported by ‘real’ testimonials from satisfied customers or doctors that claim to have seen miraculous results.Although these testimonials may sound convincing, they are seldom genuine.

In spite of what these emails claim, no drug, food or supplement exists that can actually perform ‘miracle cures’ for ailments such as cancer, Alzheimer’s or insomnia. It is also highly unlikely that your doctor is involved in a conspiracy with the world’s pharmaceutical companies to withhold treatment from his patients.

It is good to be sceptical about any products that claim to have unrealistic health benefits. If it is truly beneficial, it is likely that your doctor will have heard about. Doctors are not the inept, bumbling drug-pushers that the miracle cure community would have you believe. Consult your family doctor or NHS Direct before spending money on any fantastic-sounding cure.