Buyer Beware – Products Falsely Offer Cures for Corona Virus
The world is officially in a state of emergency. The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control have named the Corona virus (also known as COVID-19) a pandemic. Individuals are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, avoid large crowds, and practice safe techniques for dealing with a normal cold like covering the mouth when coughing or the nose when sneezing. Despite all of this, the virus is spreading faster than anticipated and people are in a state of panic. It’s during this time, the worst of the worst try to make a buck off of the fear.
Recently Televangelist Jim Bakker was named in a lawsuit by the state of Missouri for falsely advertising his silver potions could cure the Corona Virus. Not only was he selling the solution on his website, but he was advertising on television with a specialist that encouraged consumers to buy the product for its healing power. Radio host Alex Jones was issued a cease and desist letter from the Attorney General of New York for telling listeners the products from his radio show, including toothpastes and dietary supplements, could prevent or cure the virus. The FDA is very concerned with false and misleading information about products in the market that could offer a cure. Not only is it false, it could be more dangerous. The FDA has issued warnings to 6 other companies for falsely implying their product provides a cure.
Online shops and forums like Facebook, Amazon and Ebay have also restricted selling products or advertising any product that offers a cure or prevention.
So, buyers beware. The information received by the CDC and WHO are the most reliable and will provide timely updates. No cure or vaccine exists as of now so do not purchase a product that tells you they offer the answer. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.