Retailers Continue to Promote Questionable Antiviral Supplements on Amazon

In an attempt to prey on fears about the coronavirus pandemic, some retailers are selling antiviral supplements touted to protect against viruses, a dangerous claim during the height of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

Fraudulent Antiviral Supplements and Fake COVID-19 Cures

According to NPR, scam artists may be using Amazon Marketplace to peddle mislabeled antiviral supplements as cures or preventatives for viruses. These products are offered by third-party sellers who use Amazon’s online marketplace in exchange for giving the company a percentage of its profits.

Although these products are sold by third-party retailers, it is often difficult to determine whether a product is being sold by Amazon or a third party. This may lead consumers to believe that the product they are purchasing has been endorsed by the e-commerce site.

At least 100 products marketed as antiviral supplements were identified on the marketplace in an NPR investigation in July. Included were products sold by a company that has already faced a lawsuit from the Department of Justice over COVID-19 fraud allegations.

Since 2014, online retailer My Doctor Suggests LLC has been accused of marketing silver as a treatment for conditions including pneumonia, influenza, diabetes, and arthritis. This year, the company also began to market its silver products as a treatment and preventative for the novel coronavirus.

According to the DOJ’s lawsuit, My Doctor Suggests has made fraudulent claims about the viability of silver supplements or topical ointments as health products. The company has allegedly made claims that having silver in the bloodstream will destroy all viruses, including the coronavirus. These claims have not been scientifically proven, the DOJ says.

In addition to My Doctor Suggests, dozens of other retailers have been sent warning letters by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ordering them to cease making false claims about antiviral supplements and other alleged treatments for coronavirus. Products that have been flagged as potentially fraudulent or misleading include a CD of musical frequencies that can supposedly resist the virus, UV light therapy, high doses of vitamin C, acupuncture and chiropractic products, Chinese herbs, ozone therapy, and air purifiers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also cited coronavirus-related products as fraudulent, including home test kits, home antibody kits, CBD products, vitamin D supplements, non-alcohol hand sanitizer, essential oils, salt therapies, and elderberry tinctures.

Are Mislabeled Antiviral Supplements Against the Law?

Under federal law, companies are generally prohibited from claiming that supplements can prevent or treat specific viruses or other conditions. Amazon’s own policies also prohibit retailers from making false claims about products sold on the site.

However, according to NPR, Amazon failed to take action against these products for several weeks after being alerted of their existence. The investigation into questionable coronavirus treatments sold on Amazon has led some public health experts to speak out against the company’s failure to remove these products from the marketplace in a timely fashion.

Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, tells NPR that in addition to not curing the virus, these fraudulent antiviral supplements may actually do damage.

“These products may harm consumers if they decide to opt for a supplement in favor of the things we know that actually help, like hand washing, maintaining social distance, wearing personal protective equipment or seeking real medical treatment when sick,” Dr. Lurie told NPR.

In addition to potentially giving consumers false hope that they are protected from COVID-19, what they are putting into their bodies may leave them vulnerable to potential harm.

Additionally, many antiviral supplements or fake cures are expensive. Consumers likely would not have paid top dollar for these supplements if they knew what they were really getting. If you have purchased a coronavirus antiviral supplement or other alleged preventative or cure for the virus, you may have a legal claim. Speaking with a qualified attorney about your case may give you a full view of your potential legal options. Some consumers who have purchased mislabeled supplements may be eligible to join or file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers or retailers of these products.

Join a Free California Supplements Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you live in California and purchased a dietary supplement with a label that touted health claims you believe may be false and misleading within the last four years, you may have a legal claim.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.