⁠"I don't take drugs" Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary reveals opinion on dealing with fraud

In a candid response to the growing problem of AI-generated scam advertisements, Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary didn't mince words about fraudsters using his image to sell dubious health products.

"I don't take weight-loss pills and I don't take drugs and don't use marijuana creams and all this stuff," the 69-year-old Canadian businessman stated firmly.

Scammers have capitalized on O'Leary's recent 80-pound weight loss, creating before-and-after comparisons suggesting his transformation came from supplements rather than lifestyle changes.

"Of course there's pictures of fat Kevin and skinny Kevin up there and [the implication is], 'he did it with these gummies.' I don't touch products like that," O'Leary explained.

The popular ABC show Shark Tank, which launches its 16th season this October, features wealthy investors like O'Leary, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and others evaluating entrepreneurial pitches. The program has launched million-dollar success stories like Bombas socks and Scrub Daddy cleaning products.

This reputation for turning pitches into gold has made the sharks prime targets for scammers who falsely claim their products received the coveted Shark Tank seal of approval.

Shark Tank stars comment on the evolution of fraud

Fraudsters have created increasingly sophisticated fake advertisements showing Shark Tank investors supposedly endorsing weight-loss supplements, particularly "keto gummies." Executive producer Clay Newbill clarified:

"I can tell you, we don't put keto diet pills on our show. There's never been a keto diet pill on our show, and there never will be."

Some ads border on ridiculous, including doctored images showing the sharks' heads placed on underwear-clad athletic bodies. However, many consumers fall victim to these scams, purchasing products they believe have celebrity backing.

Mark Cuban reports,

“I’ve gotten probably hundreds of emails over the years asking me why the keto gummies they ordered don’t work. Or why they keep on charging them. Or sending and charging for product they didn't order."

He describes the situation as "heartbreaking" and "truly sad that nothing has changed."

The rise of artificial intelligence tools has elevated these scams to a disturbing new level. Cuban noted:

"Just recently they have started to use AI to recreate my voice to sell crazy products. It actually sounds a lot like me, but you can tell it's not because the lips don't match my mouth."

Newbill expressed similar alarm about videos featuring Lori Greiner and singer Kelly Clarkson seemingly promoting weight-loss products:

"With the recent improvements in AI, it looks like the scams are going to go to another level [where we're] actually seeing the person talking about the product."

The problem extends beyond the Shark Tank cast. Celebrities like Dolly Parton and Oprah Winfrey have also had their likenesses misappropriated for weight-loss product advertisements.

Fighting back against fraudsters

For scam victims, the fallout isn’t just about getting stuck with an ineffective product—it can turn into an ongoing financial nightmare. Many only realize they've been caught in a scam when they notice unauthorized charges on their credit cards, often leading to a frustrating battle with their banks to dispute the payments. Unfortunately, this process can be lengthy, stressful, and sometimes unsuccessful.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline regularly hears from victims of these Shark Tank-related scams, many of whom are charged far more than expected or unknowingly enrolled in shady subscription services.

The show’s investors have repeatedly spoken out against these deceptive ads, calling out platforms that continue to host them. Mark Cuban has been vocal about his frustration, noting that despite reports, little action has been taken to prevent consumers from getting ripped off.

There is some hope on the horizon—Google recently announced that, starting in March, it will ban ads featuring fake celebrity endorsements. Kevin O’Leary sees this as a step in the right direction but stresses that consumer education is the real key to preventing scams.

For anyone unsure whether a product actually appeared on Shark Tank, a quick check on ABC’s official website is the best way to verify. The Federal Trade Commission has a clear stance: if it sounds too good to be true, it definitely is.

---

Watch Shark Tank on ABC Fridays at 8/7c and stream next day on Hulu.