Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Urges Consumers To Shun H1N1 Flu Scams

October 23, 2009

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today urged consumers to shun the growing number of H1N1 flu scams, including bogus antibiotics and anti-viral drugs, as well sham devices and sprays that falsely claim to shield users from the virus.

Blumenthal said that federal officials have sent warning letters to more than 140 promoters of sham products. They include phony prescription drugs, "sterilizers," fake food supplements, magic shampoos, facemasks, a "silver spray" claiming to protect against the virus and a phony "photon" machine that promoters falsely assert boosts your immune system, he said.

Blumenthal also warned consumers to avoid Internet offers of the powerful prescription antibiotic Tamiflu, used to treat severe cases of H1N1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently purchased on the Internet and tested five samples of supposed Tamiflu, finding one contained powdered talc and generic Tylenol, according to press reports. Others contained some of the drug, but were not approved for sale in the U.S., Blumenthal said.

"Any pitch for products supposedly protecting against swine flu is almost certainly a scam -- and should be shunned," Blumenthal said. "These swine flu cure-alls are high-tech versions of snake oil. Fake remedies are an epidemic -- spreading nationwide.

"These products -- phony photon machines, specious sprays and shampoos, fake food supplements and especially drugs on the Internet -- are untested and unapproved and could well injure and sicken, or even kill. Shameless scammers are seeking to prey on legitimate consumer concerns about swine flu, hawking sham medications and medical devices.

"Even some ads for mainstream products -- soaps and detergents -- may be misleadingly hyped.

"Especially concerning are sites selling Tamiflu or other prescription drugs, which can be contaminated and counterfeit. Consumers worried about H1N1 should talk to their doctors about how to protect themselves. Steps include washing hands frequently and receiving the H1N1 vaccine if appropriate. Consumers should follow sound medical advice, shunning potentially dangerous products and counterfeit medications.

"I urge consumers solicited by H1N1 scammers to contact my office."

For accurate information on the swine flu, consumers should call the state Department of Public Health (DPH) swine flu hotline at 1-800-830-9426 or visit its H1N1 website.

Anyone wishing to report a suspected H1N1 scam should call the Attorney General's Office at (860) 808-5420.