COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- FTC and FDA Warn 7 Companies of Misleading Claims

Over the past week or so we have been experiencing information overload on COVID-19. Scammers take advantage of situations like this to exploit fear, apprehension, and concern to make false claims and take our money.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) “…have sent warning letters to seven companies allegedly selling unapproved products that may violate federal law by making deceptive or scientifically unsupported claims about their ability to treat coronavirus (COVID-19).”

The companies advertise teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver claiming that they can treat or prevent coronavirus. The FDA points out that there are currently no approved vaccines, drugs, or other products that can treat or prevent the virus.

The agencies sent letters to the following companies:

·         Vital Silver

·         Quinessence Aromatherapy

·         Negetics

·         GuruNanda, LLC

·         Vivify Holistic Clinic

·         The Jim Bakker Show

The warning letters show that both the FTC and FDA are closely watching the situation and will take action if they see any individuals or companies taking advantage of consumers during this COVID-19 crisis. The most likely next step, if the companies continue with their misleading advertising, is civil action in court against them. Any potential criminal action would be referred to the U.S. Justice Department.

While the FTC and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office have warned of scammers taking advantage of the crisis this is the first instance of any federal or state government agency taking any action against potential scammers related to COVID-19. Also, while neither local media outlets nor any local governments have yet to report similar scams in Washington State it is important for you to be on guard against such scammers.

You can protect yourself by ignoring any advertisements via email, on the web, or other media outlets for vaccinations, treatments/cures, or prevention products related to COVID-19

For more information, check out the following links,



Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/03/ftc-fda-send-warning-letters-seven-companies-about-unsupported



Washington State Attorney General’s Office:

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-covid-19-scams