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The best way to avoid being fooled by illegitimate organization and pseudo-masters is to stay away from them; however, quackery is not sold with a warning label. Moreover, the dividing line between what is quackery and what is not is by no means sharp. Pseudo-masters who use ineffective techniques may also use some effective ones. The power of pseudo-masters lies in the promise, not the product. Always be skeptical of things that do not seem right. When a pseudo-master proposes something that opposes nature, common belief, or scientific thought, then the proposal is probably bogus. Here are ten strategies to avoid being fooled by pseudo-masters:

• Remember that pseudo-masters do not always look outlandish. Pseudo-masters often use scientific terms and quote (or misquote) from scientific references. Some actually have reputable scientific training but have gone astray.

• Ignore any "master" who says that most diseases are caused by faulty nutrition or can be remedied by taking his or her supplements. Although some diseases are related to diet, most are not. Moreover, in most cases where diet actually is a factor in a person's health problem, the solution is not to take vitamins but to alter the diet.

• Be wary of anecdotes and testimonials. If someone claims to have been helped by a pseudo-master, ask yourself and possibly your doctor whether there might be another explanation. Most single episodes of disease or injury heal with the passage of time, and even the most chronic ailments have symptom-free periods. Also, some testimonials are complete fabrications.

• Do not fall for paranoid accusations. Pseudo-masters often claim that the medical profession, drug companies, and the government are conspiring to suppress their ideas, although no evidence to support such a theory is ever presented. It also flies in the face of logic to believe that large numbers of people would oppose the something that might someday help themselves or their loved ones.

• Forget about "secret techniques." Pseudo-masters probably keep their methods secret to prevent others from demonstrating that they do not work. When it comes to the human body, there are no secrets anymore.

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