How to Avoid Health and Wellness Scams

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The Sheriff comes to Town: FTC Warnings and Crackdowns

Neways' In Trouble Over BioGevity Claims
Neways International, a multilevel company, has pleaded guilty to a felony count of illegally distributing a product containing human growth hormone. The oral spray, BioGevity, derived from deer antler velvet, was touted as the equivalent of injectable HGH.

Canadian Drugs Illegal, Warns FDA
The popularity of online Canadian pharmacies that sell cheaper drugs has prompted the FDA to warn state and local governments that buying prescription drugs from Canada is illegal.

FTC Operation Cure.All
The Federal Trade Commission is targeting false and unsubstantiated health claims on the Internet through Operation Cure.All - a law enforcement and consumer education campaign. This website offers information for consumers on how to recognize health fraud, guidance for businesses on how to market health products and services truthfully, and information about the FTC's initiatives.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shuts down Seasilver
A Roundup of the news reports on the FTC's crackdown on sellers of the supplement, Seasilver.

Coral Calcium Sellers Face FTC Legal Action
A Roundup of the news reports on the FTC's crackdown on Bob Barefoot and coral calcium sellers.

With Coral Calcium Scam Exposed Is Sea Silver Next? [June 17, 2003]
By Bill Sardi

FTC Files Formal Action Regarding HeartBar [June 12, 2003]
FTC Alleges Maryland Companies Lack Support for Claims That Heartbar Is Effective Against Cardiovascular Diseases

Law Enforcement Posse Tackles Internet Scammers, Deceptive Spammers
Initiative Launched to Prevent Spammers From Concealing Identity and Evading Detection [May 15, 2003]

Public Health Officials Caution Against Ephedra Use
[FDA Consumer magazine; May-June 2003]
Health officials recently cautioned American consumers against using ephedra-containing products, especially if strenuous exercise is involved, or in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine. Because ephedra is an adrenaline-like stimulant, it can have potentially dangerous effects on the nervous system and heart.

Health Quackery and aging
The National Institute on Aging Government study found that 60 percent of all victims of health care fraud are older people. [May 9, 2003]

Inappropriate Advertising of Dietary Supplements
Jeffrey M. Drazen, M.D.; The New England Journal of Medicine

FTC Requires Scientific Evidence for "Snore Formula" Claims [April 15, 2003]
An Arizona-based company, Snore Formula, Inc., its officers, and a distributor have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they failed to have scientific substantiation for the claims made for "Dr. Harris' Original Snore Formula" (Snore Formula) tablets.

SARS Claims: The Internet Is Awash in Ads for Products Promising Cures or Protection
Federal health officials warn consumers to be wary of advertisements on Internet for products claiming to prevent SARS and warn that they will keep a close watch on companies that seem to be playing on fear.

Better Sex in a Bottle?
Article on Sex supplements, aphrodisiacs in the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.

Misbranded Dietary Supplements Destroyed
FDA News; April 30, 2003

GAO: Metabolife Records Report Five Deaths

Action Taken to Reduce Potential Risks of Supplements Containing Ephedra

FTC Chairman Asks Media To Refuse Deceptive Weight-Loss Ads

'Supplement' Containing Viagra Ingredient Recalled

FTC "Operation Cure.All" Wages New Battle in Ongoing War Against Internet Health Fraud
FTC, FDA and other law enforcement agencies move to stop Internet scams for supplements and other products that purport to cure cancer, HIV/AIDS and countless other life-threatening diseases. FTC also warns of risks associated with some supplements, including drug interactions.

"Miracle" Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism

Paunch Lines: Weight Loss Claims are No Joke for Dieters

FTC Sues Nationwide Internet Scam
"Health-Care" Products Sold To Mask Pyramid Operation; Safety of Products Misrepresented

FTC Prohibits Marketers of Herbal Products and the "Zapper" from Making Unsubstantiated Claims