05/07/2009
Relying on reports from online security experts, the Better Business Bureau
of the Southwest (BBBSW) is warning consumers to be on the lookout for
fraudulent e-mails and websites trying to take advantage of the current swine
flu outbreak.
"Scammers read newspapers, watch TV and surf the Internet and they know that
by using a hook from the day's top headlines, that they'll be able to catch
lots of fish," said Jerry Shipman, BBBSW President. "Right now, issues
associated with swine flu and a potential pandemic are of global interest and
that means scammers have a very large pond to go phishing in."
According to McAfee Avert Labs, an online security company, spammers began
pumping out e-mails as soon as the first accounts of swine flu were being
reported in the news, accounting for two percent of all spam messages. The
messages include such subject lines as, "Madonna caught swine flu!" and "Swine
flu in Hollywood!" The company reports that the e-mails do not contain malware
but often link to online pharmacies.
According to another online security company, more than 250 websites
with the term "swine flu" have been registered within the first few days
following the announcement of the outbreak and predict that the scam artists
are preparing to use such websites in a variety of different online scams.
BBBSW offers the following advice to avoid swine flu scams:
1. Avoid opening e-mail from an unknown source and do not click on any
links in the body of the e-mail or open any attachments. Instead, delete the
e-mail or report it to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding the e-mail to
spam@uce.gov.
2. Don't believe online offers for vaccinations against swine flu because
a vaccine does not exist. For more information on swine flu and updates on
progress in fighting the outbreak, go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu
3. Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up to date and
all operating system security patches have been installed. If your computer
becomes infected as the result of a spam e-mail about swine flu, you can report
it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Other Resources and Information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are also
alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for
products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1
influenza virus, also known as swine flu.
"Consumers who purchase products to treat the novel 2009 H1N1 virus that are
not approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention
of influenza risk their health and the health of their families," said Michael
Chappell, acting FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. "In
conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA has developed an
aggressive strategy to identify, investigate, and take regulatory or criminal
action against individuals or businesses that wrongfully promote purported 2009
H1N1 influenza products in an attempt to take advantage of the current flu
public health emergency."
Products that are offered for sale to the public with claims to diagnose,
prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure infections caused by the H1N1 influenza virus
that have not been proven to be safe and effective for these uses must be
carefully evaluated. Many of these deceptive products are being sold over the
Internet via illegitimate websites. The operators of these websites take
advantage of the public's concerns about H1N1 influenza and their desire to
protect themselves and their families. These fraudulent products come in all
varieties and could include dietary supplements or other food products, or
products purporting to be drugs, devices or vaccines. Such fraudulent products
will not prevent the transmission of the virus or offer effective treatments
against infections caused by the H1N1 influenza virus.
"The last thing any consumer needs right now is to be conned by someone
selling fraudulent flu remedies," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "The FTC
will act swiftly against companies that resort to deceptive advertising."
Consumers are urged to contact their health care providers or legitimate
medical supply services if they have questions or concerns about medical
products or personal protective equipment. Consumers are also urged to visit
the FDA and Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention websites for more information about this
emergency, and to determine which products the FDA has approved, cleared or
authorized for use to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure infections
caused by H1N1 influenza virus. To
check the Reliability Report of a company or website visit the Better Business
Bureau's website at www.bbb.org.
Consumers are urged to report any suspected fraudulent products or criminal
activity relating to FDA regulated products associated with H1N1 Flu Virus
(Swine Flu), including the names of websites that may be offering these
products for sale, to the FDA by visiting: http://www.fda.gov/oci/flucontact.html
Consumers who wish to file a complaint against a company that they believe
may be deceptively advertising swine flu products are urged to call
(877) 382-4357 or visit https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
BBBSW Offers Tips on What You Can Do
to Stay Healthy
- Stay
informed.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to person through coughing or sneezing of
infected people; therefore, take
everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash
your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay
home if you get sick. You should stay home from work or school and limit
contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Finally, follow
public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other
social distancing measures.
For more information call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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