A notorious scam website, infamous for peddling medical misinformation to deceive people, has resurfaced, this time under the guise of a shocking headline involving celebrity TV host Boy Abunda and TikToker/Doctor Alvin Francisco.

The deceptive website, healthnation-asia.com, mimics CNN Philippines by displaying the CNN franchise logo but with an entirely different URL.

The headline of the fake news article boldly proclaims, “Sensation! Professor Alvin Francisco has found a way to cure hypertension (Get rid of blood pressure problems) once and for all in two weeks!”

It even includes a byline attributed to Radina Gigova and Amarachi Orie, CNN, falsely implying that the article was published by CNN. The article’s publication date is indicated as “01.10.2023, 6:44:47 AM.”

Unsuspecting readers may be easily fooled by this article as it prominently features images of talk show host Boy Abunda and Alvin Francisco, creating the illusion of an authentic interview setting.

The lead paragraph of the article declares, “Alvin Francisco, the most famous scientist-doctor in the Philippines, has found a way to get rid of blood pressure problems once and for all without poisonous pills! It can be done at home and in just 14 days!”

However, a quick Google search would reveal that while Dr. Francisco is indeed a radiologist, he has never referred to himself as a “scientist-doctor,” as claimed in the fake news article.

The article goes on to weave a tale that combines elements of a news report and an interview format.

It alleges that Dr. Francisco leads a team of scientists from various countries, including Germany, who have developed a revolutionary medicine capable of treating blood vessels and restoring blood pressure at any age, all from the comfort of one’s home.

What’s truly diabolical about this elaborate ruse, which spans over 2,200 words, is its intent to deceive netizens into purchasing an unregistered product called DiaNorm.

This scam article preys on unsuspecting individuals grappling with hypertension, diabetes, and related conditions.

Its convincing presentation, using the branding of CNN Philippines, as well as featuring Boy Abunda and Alvin Francisco, adds a veneer of authenticity.

Moreover, it employs emotional appeals by claiming that Dr. Francisco was driven to make this discovery due to his mother’s struggle with severe hypertension and personal tragedy, even alleging that he turned down a $120,000 offer from a global pharmaceutical company.

Furthermore, the comment section of the fake news article also features questionable reviews from several individuals who claim to have tried the supplement and now recommend it to others.

However, several glaring reasons expose healthnation-asia.com as a source of fake news:

1. A simple Google search reveals that Boy Abunda has never interviewed TikTok doctor Alvin Francisco.
2. Anyone using search terms like “Dr. Alvin Francisco DiaNorm” or “Boy Abunda+Alvin Francisco+DiaNorm” can easily uncover the deception.
3. It’s essential to note that Dr. Francisco, a radiologist by profession, does not typically treat heart-related or hypertension illnesses directly.
4. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against purchasing and consuming unregistered food supplements, including “DIANORM Blood Sugar regulator.” According to FDA Advisory No. 2023-1058, these supplements lack proper authorization and have not undergone the FDA’s evaluation process, raising concerns about their safety and quality.

In a world filled with misinformation, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify sources before falling prey to scams that exploit trusted names and emotions. Stay vigilant, and remember that a quick search can save you from falling for such traps.