Agencies Team Up in War Against Internet Health Fraud
…cures Alzheimer's and HIV/AIDS
…proven effective in treating over 650 infectious diseases
…recognized in scientific journals to be a revolutionary breakthrough in treating arthritis
These health product claims found on the Internet can provide hope for those who are suffering from painful or debilitating diseases. But they are false claims, leading to false hopes. They are also fraudulent, illegal, and the cause of government enforcement actions against the companies that made them.
In the ongoing war against Internet health fraud, federal and state government organizations have united, in an effort dubbed Operation Cure.All, to crack down on unscrupulous marketers who use the Internet to prey on the sickest and most vulnerable consumers.
Operation Cure.All
Operation Cure.All, a partnership of the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada (the Canadian federal health department), and various state attorneys general and state health departments, combines a law enforcement effort with a consumer education campaign.
More than 100 million adults in the United States use the Internet to find health-related information, according to a poll conducted by the market research firm Harris Interactive. "The Internet provides many benefits. But, its unique qualities – including its broad reach, relative anonymity, and ease of creating new Web sites or removing old ones – pose new enforcement challenges," says Bernard A. Schwetz, DVM, PhD, with the FDA. "FDA and the FTC are working together to protect the public from those who try to take advantage of consumers through this new technology."
Unsubstantiated and Dangerous Claims
Through Operation Cure.All's efforts, many companies were found to be fraudulently marketing health products on the Internet. These companies were forced to remove all unsubstantiated claims for products, add warnings about potential dangerous interactions with some prescription drugs, send a notice to purchasers with an offer for a full refund, and agree to pay fines for consumer redress. Among the many false and unsubstantiated claims were promises that:
- People could cancel their surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy in favor of herbal cures that cost hundreds of dollars;
- A device that delivered mild electric current would kill the parasites that cause such serious diseases as cancer and Alzheimer's; and
- Those with HIV or AIDS could use St. John's wort as a safe treatment for the disease. (The FDA and FTC warn that St. John's wort might have potentially dangerous interactions with other medications, including some proven HIV/AIDS medications.)
Since the launch of Operation Cure.All, the FDA and FTC have won a number of battles against Internet health fraud. The FDA's efforts to curtail online marketing of unapproved drugs have resulted in at least 12 product seizures, 11 product recalls, 43 arrests, and 22 convictions.
The FDA continues to investigate more than 80 incidences of Internet health fraud and unapproved drug products.
"Consumers should avoid Web sites that promise quick and dramatic cures for serious diseases," says Howard Beales, former director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "And they should always consult a physician or other health-care professional before using any product or treatment."
How to Report Suspicious Claims
The FTC and FDA encourage people to report suspicious health claims. To file a complaint regarding a possible fraudulent, deceptive, or unfair business practice, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov.
If you find a Web site you think is illegally selling human drugs, animal drugs, medical devices, biological products, foods, dietary supplements, or cosmetics over the Internet, use the complaint form at www.fda.gov/ oc/buyonline/ buyonlineform.htm.
Be Suspicious. If It Sounds Too Good to Be True …
The FTC and FDA advise consumers to be suspicious of:
- Claims that the product is "natural" or "non-toxic," suggesting it does not have side effects. "Natural" or "non-toxic" does not necessarily mean safe. Some "natural" supplements contain potent stimulants; others can result in negative interactions with medicines.
- Testimonials from people who claim amazing results. Testimonials often are undocumented and are not a substitute for scientific proof.
- Claims that a product is a "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy."
- Claims that the product is an effective cure for a wide range of ailments.
- Claims that use impressive-sounding medical terms.
- Claims that the product is available from only one source, and payment is required in advance.
- Claims of a "money-back" guarantee.
- Web sites that fail to list the company's name, physical address, phone number or other contact information.
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