Executive Summary

This article documents a recurring tactic where some YouTube channels publish phony “review” videos that are actually adverts selling health products, often making misleading claims. The goal is to help viewers, platforms, and regulators recognize the pattern and to provide a ready-to-send complaint template.

What these channels do

Common signs include:

• Videos presented as “honest reviews” but with tracking links that direct viewers to purchase pages.


• Heavy use of stock footage, voiceover-only narration, and no clear reviewer identity.


• Sensationalized results or unverifiable testimonials presented as proof.


• Multiple channels using nearly identical scripts or thumbnails, indicating a coordinated “network” of dark review channels.


• Comment sections turned off or selectively moderated to hide negative feedback.

Why you should care

The main harms are:

• Lead people to choose unverified products instead of seeking qualified medical advice.


• Spread misleading medical claims and create false hope.


• Exploit vulnerable audiences with high-pressure sales tactics.


• Evade platform policies and local consumer-protection laws by appearing as “independent” reviews.

Documenting the deceptive practice

Before filing a report, collect objective evidence:

1. Channel name(s) and direct video URLs.


2. Screenshots of the video page showing the title, uploader, date, and description (especially affiliate or landing-page links).


3. Transcripts or exact timestamps of claims made in the video.


4. Screenshots of the product landing page(s) the video links to (showing product claims, price, and refund policy).


5. Any purchase pages or checkout screens that reveal the product brand, company name, payment processor, or contact details.


6. Evidence of repeated patterns across multiple videos or channels (identical scripts, thumbnails, or disclaimers).

Filing complaints

You can follow these steps:

1. Report the video to YouTube using the platform’s reporting tool (choose “Scam or fraud” or “Misinformation” if available). Include links and a concise description.


2. Send evidence to the advertiser/affiliate networks (if you can identify them) and to the product’s payment processor or merchant.


3. File a complaint with local consumer protection/regulatory agencies. For Brazil, for example, use consumer protection bodies or the public consumer portal—insert the correct local portal if needed.


4. If the content makes medical claims that could harm people, consider notifying public health agencies or professional medical boards.


5. If you or others were financially harmed, keep receipts and request chargebacks from your bank/payment provider.