US Government Warns of SARS Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have cautioned consumers to beware of Web sites, and email promotions featuring products claiming to protect against, treat, or even cure Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

In an investigative "surf," FDA officials found 48 Web sites offering SARS treatment or prevention products. In addition, the FTC received seven promotions for SARS products from its email spam database. The two agencies sent warnings to Web site operators, and email solicitors, cautioning that it is against the law to make claims about SARS protection or treatment, or any other health benefit, without rigorous scientific support.

Items offered by the bogus Web sites and email solicitors include personal air purifiers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, respirator masks, latex gloves, dietary supplements like colloidal silver and oregano oil, and SARS "prevention kits" that package various items together, such as gloves, masks and wipes.

No Products Found Effective on SARS
"Scam artists follow the headlines, trying to make a fast buck with products that play off the news," said Howard Beales, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. "Our message to e marketers making deceptive claims is ‘change your site to comply with the law.’ At the same time, our message to consumers is ‘hold on to your money.’ No products have been found effective in preventing, treating or curing SARS."

"Doctors and health care experts around the world are working hard to find treatments for SARS. Until they succeed, there are common sense actions people can take to protect themselves from SARS and other respiratory infections," said Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "Bogus products from questionable Web sites do no good, and can actually make matters worse by providing a false sense of protection. FDA will continue to work with the FTC and other consumer protection agencies to protect the public from SARS related scams."

If You See a Scam
For consumers who visit Web sites or receive emails claiming to sell products to prevent or treat SARS, the FTC recommends:

Be skeptical of claims that pills can treat or cure SARS or that air purifiers or other products will kill or eliminate the virus. If and when consumers see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for SARS, they should ask themselves: if a medical breakthrough involving SARS has occurred, would they be hearing about it for the first time through an ad or sales pitch?

Be a savvy Internet shopper. For additional information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/frdheal.htm and http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/cybrspce/index.html

The Facts About SARS
The FTC issued a Consumer Alert entitled "Rx For Products That Claim To Prevent SARS? A Healthy Dose of Skepticism," produced in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA. The Alert advises consumers to:

Know the facts: SARS appears to spread most readily by cough or sneeze allowing droplets containing infectious virus to reach the respiratory tract of persons in close proximity. SARS also may be spread by touching contaminated objects and then touching your eye, nose or mouth.

Keep your hands clean: Public health authorities advise that basic personal hygiene is the best protection against the infection. Thorough hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol based hand sanitizers are recommended.

Check travel advisories for affected areas: To lower your risk of infection, the CDC suggests avoiding travel to affected regions.

Seek medical attention: If you think you may have SARS symptoms, or you have been in direct contact with someone with SARS, consult a health care professional immediately.

Stay informed: For more information from the federal government about SARS, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars or the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/sars/.