Pharmaceutical fraud worth $500 million: They sold creams that serve no purpose

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating a $500 million fraud linked to the sale of creams intended to relieve pain, which reportedly have minimal or no medical value, reports the Wall Street Journal, as carried by the Patria news agency.

The greatest damage was inflicted on the health insurance program for veterans, and sales of the cream surged due to a strong marketing campaign. The cream was advertised by Brett Favre, a former NFL star, which particularly drew the attention of older individuals and athletes.

Citing sources close to the investigation, the Wall Street Journal reports that pharmacists allegedly overcharged for the creams or automatically renewed prescriptions without verification.

It is the health insurance program for veterans that is the biggest victim of the fraud. The creams were sold over the phone or online as a way to help injured athletes recover quickly and safely, or to relieve pain and cramps, writes Index.