Since the arrival of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., many companies have made attempts to financially benefit from the pandemic by advertising and selling unproven “treatments” and cures. It is very important to be aware of and avoid these scams.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have both warned dozens of companies about unlawful advertising and sales of products that claim to treat, prevent, cure and diagnose coronavirus.
This includes companies marketing the following fraudulent products:
- Bleach (chlorine dioxide products)
- Colloidal silver
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Intravenous vitamin C therapies
- Sound therapies
- Bundles of dietary supplements called “Anti-Virus Kits”
- Silicon face brushes
- “Defend” patches
- Essential oils
- Homeopathic medications
Currently, there are no approved or proven therapies to prevent or cure COVID-19.
Health fraud scams with unproven treatments may:
- Cause serious health problems, including organ damage
- Interact with prescription medications
- Delay sick individuals from receiving proper medical care
- Lead to loss of money on ineffective products
Anyone believing they have been exposed to COVID-19 or showing symptoms can seek guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or from the public health authority in their state.
To view the various warning letters and statements from the FTC and the FDA, visit the following pages:
- The FTC warning letters to companies making unsubstantiated claims
- FDA warning letters
- FDA Health Fraud Scams
- Injunction preventing the sale of bleach
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