Ledger DC Journal - News, Politics & Crime

Swine flu scams? Fake Tamiflu? Online some are already trying to cash in on the fear many have of contracting H1N1 or their children catching the flu from classmates at school and some are desperate enough to try less than conventional means of combating the illness.

Swine Flu Scams? H1N1 Drug Treatment for Flu Symptoms Warning from FDA

Many of these products make unbelievable claims that could never be checked out. "It's harmful, disappointing, frustrating to see folks take advantage of the public like this," said Dr. John Santa, who evaluates health claims for Consumer Reports.


Added Alyson Saben, head of a swine flu consumer fraud team formed by the Food and Drug Administration, "We have no idea of the conditions under which they were manufactured. They could contain contaminated, counterfeit, impure or subpotent or superpotent ingredients."

The key is to be diligent and a prepared consumer. The Associated Press has more of the fake products here. They note fake medicine (which may not even be any real medicine at all) is being placed in the marketplace online and could do more harm than good.