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It was only a matter of time before someone would try to cash in on consumer concerns regarding the H1N1 virus061227_outlook_spam otherwise known as the swine flu. In the past two weeks, the Federal Drug Administration has issued warnings to consumers in an attempt to reduce the number of people who may fall victim to unscrupulous con artists. The FDA is concerned over the safety of products that are available for purchase that claim to treat, prevent, diagnose or act in any capacity in regards to the H1N1 virus. Specific actions taken include:

  • Warning consumers to use caution when dealing with any business on the Internet that sells products that can deal with the swine flu on any level. This includes the treatment, prevention, diagnosis or curing of the virus.
  •  Get the word out regarding deceptive products and provide information for people to report potentially fraudulent activity.
  •  Working in partnership with the FTC to remove a website that is selling a product that allegedly prevents the spreading of the virus.

These actions are the most recent yet not the first attempt made by the FDA to protect consumers. Starting in May of this year, the FDA has issued warnings to over 70 websites marketing fraudulent products- to stop the sale of these items or face legal consequences.

 

Sadly it is not unusual for this type of activity to occur at a time when consumers are most vulnerable. Scams and rip-offs traditionally target individuals who have an emotional investment in whatever it is they are selling. Whether it is a “get out of debt” strategy for people drowning in unpaid bills or “drop 10 pounds overnight” for those struggling to lose weight- most scams rely on an emotional reaction, in this case fear. Unfortunately purchasing fraudulent H1N1 products can have serious consequences beyond losing the money invested. Consumers who believe they have protection against or a cure for the swine flu are actually at a higher risk due to their false sense of security. Anyone taking drugs that are not approved by the FDA might actually be subjecting themselves to serious or even fatal events as a result of taking an unknown drug.

 

To avoid these negative consequences, all consumers are urged to only purchase and use drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment and prevention of the H1N1 virus. The con artists are creative in the products they are peddling. Items proven to be fraudulent include: shampoo, dietary supplement (for infants and young children), a spray that kills the virus and tests that claim to diagnose the disease which do not. This is not a complete list of products being marketed to those who have or fear contracting this virus, however it shows that con artists can be very creative in their scams. The same rule of thumb that applies to many areas of life is true here as well, “if it sounds too good to be true,  it probably is”. If your doctor cannot offer the product, it is better left on the Internet.