I just kind of chewed out a relative.

[Archae]

She bought a "magnet bracelet" for arthritis.

I told her she got screwed.

Sent her some real information about this con job.

[Betsy Ross]

1. While I might agree with you,

I might have let her enjoy her purchase in hopes the placebo effect/affect? might help. Faith can be very powerful, particularly with pain.

[TwoBears]

2. I'm my family

that would be simple conversation. I've chewed out relatives and things have come close to blows and blood!

However, I agree with you on the magnet thingy. My dad bought one of those and was just so sure it was going to work....it didn't.

[pipi_k]

3. Got sort of mixed feelings

about this sort of thing.

Like someone above me said, the placebo effect might help, and there's no harm if the items people buy aren't real expensive (and they don't buy stuff by the truckload).

OTOH, people can get caught up with buying a lot of useless crap in the never ending search for relief, so you have to watch them.

Unfortunately, people often don't have computer access, or don't think to check on the claims before buying something. I always check stuff out before buying it. Even if I don't buy it on Amazon, there are usually lots of customer reviews on products there. Saves on aggravation and being cheated.