US FTC to check 10 web sites over bogus H1N1

The Federal Trade Commission will revisit web sites whose operators have been warned that claims that their products can prevent, treat or cure  the influenza (A) H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, that they  must be backed by scientific proof, or face law enforcement action.

"Scam artists follow the headlines, trying to make a fast buck with  products that play off the news and prey on concerned people," said  Eileen Harrington, acting director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer  Protection. She added: "we're on-line and telling e-marketers their  sites must comply with the law." The FTC reminds consumers that the  only products recommended for use are the prescription antiviral drugs,  Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).

The federal agency's staff identified 10 Web sites making suspect flu  treatment, prevention or cure claims. Of these, four USA-based web sites  already have complied, the FTC said.