The term "quackery" refers to the promotion of a medical remedy that is false or unproven in order to earn a profit. The word derives from the term quacksalver, literally someone who boasts or quacks about his salves. Promoters of quackery, known as quacks, may not deliberately intend to deceive customers. In fact, they may genuinely believe that their products are worthwhile. However, good intentions don't make products effective for the purposes for which they are advertised, and Americans waste billions of dollars annually on false or unproven medical remedies.

Advertising and promotion are key ingredients of quackery. Quack remedies are available for virtually any condition from which a person may suffer, as well as a few that don't even exist. Promoters are expert at tapping into the normal concerns that people have about their health and their appearance. The products they offer range from the useless to...