FDA, FTC warn of fake Coronavirus scams like Jim Bakker

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings to at least seven companies so far telling them to stop selling fraudulent coronavirus drugs.

FDA and FTC Warnings Over Fake Coronavirus Drugs

One of the seven companies on the receiving end of these official warnings is “The Jim Bakker Show”. The show is an hour-long daily broadcast hosted by renowned televangelist Jim Bakker.

The New York attorney general’s office sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bakker last week warning the televangelist and his show to stop promoting the “Silver Solution” as effective against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The six other companies that received the same warning have been identified by USA Today as:

  • Vital Silver of Melbourne, Florida
  • Quinessence Aromatherapy of the U.K
  • GuruNanda of Buena Park, California (essential oils)
  • Xephyr, doing business as N-Ergetics (silver) of Atoka, Oklahoma
  • Vivify Holistic Clinic of Canada (drugs)
  • Herbal Amy of Nampa, Idaho (herbs, tinctures)

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FDA And FTC Release A Statement

The FDA and FTC released a statement on Monday stating that the products are “unapproved drugs that pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law.” The agencies added that the companies now have 48 hours to respond to the FDA and FTC about “specific steps they have taken to correct the violations.”

“The FDA considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent COVID-19 products to be a threat to the public health,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn. “We have an aggressive surveillance program that routinely monitors online sources for health fraud products, especially during a significant public health issue such as this one.”

This marks the first time that the government has issued warnings about coronavirus claims.

It comes after the FDA launched a cross-agency task force to watch out for fraudulent coronavirus products on social media and in online marketplaces.

“There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus,” explained FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam.”

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“Last Week Tonight” Includes Jim Bakker Coronavirus Clip

A week ago, the HBO comedy show “Last Week Tonight” included a clip of a segment on coronavirus that Bakker did on his program. In the clip, natural health expert Sherrill Sellman told Bakker that Silver Solution “hasn’t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours.”

The FDA has long warned that “colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition.”

Given the level panic surrounding coronavirus right now, it’s sad that someone would try to take advantage of the public. Especially the elderly who are more at risk with this virus. It’s unforgivable to market and sell fake drugs as some miracle cure for this epidemic.

Now Jim Bakker and these other companies owe the American people an apology for endangering lives. It’s shameful.

Please make sure your friends and family are aware of the risks. Share this message and don’t fall for scams.

Americans should rely on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the most accurate information. You can find the CDC’s official FAQs on coronavirus (COVID-19) here.

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