More Firms Caught Selling Fraudulent COVID-19 Products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned four more companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world, various companies have showed up online selling products that claim to treat, prevent or cure COVID-19.

The FDA, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has been sending warning letters to these companies for violating the law and putting patients' health at risk by selling unapproved, misbranded or fraudulent COVID-19 products.

In the most recent round of warning letters, the FDA and FTC warned the following companies:

• Indigenous Products
• Heavenly Natural Products
• Health & Wellness Center International One, L.L.C. dba Hotze Vitamins
• iThrive.Health

iThrive.Health was not cited for selling fraudulent products but was warned for being a firm that "promotes and participates in the sale of such products," according to the FDA.

Here is the problem with these companies and the products they sell: The FDA has not reviewed their products and the claims surrounding them for safety or effectiveness. That means these products could be fake, ineffective or even harmful for users. Even if these fraudulent products do not cause any active harm to users, they may keep people from seeking approved, appropriate treatments. Delaying treatment can lead to worse outcomes, including death.

A few things the FDA wants the public to know when trying to judge whether a product is legitimate:

• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• “Miracle cures” that claim a scientific breakthrough or contain a secret ingredient are likely a scam.

Never take a new supplement or medication without speaking to your doctor about it first. If you are concerned about COVID-19, speak with your health care provider.