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Posted September 29, 2020

FDA Warns Consumers about Fraudulent Tests, Vaccines, and Treatments for COVID-19

On September 21, 2020, the FDA released a statement warning consumers not to buy or use "questionable products" that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). Since the pandemic began, the FDA and FTC have warned numerous companies for selling unproven and illegally-marketed products that make false claims. These products may be dangerous, especially if consumers use them instead of seeking real medical treatments when needed, and there is a possibility that they can cause adverse effects or interfere with essential medications.

See ConsumerLab's answers to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?

The FDA emphasized that there are no vaccines to prevent COVID-19 or approved at-home test kits for the virus. (See examples of recent warning letters sent to sellers of "at-home" COVID-19 tests kits here and here.)

Also see ConsumerLab's answer to the question: How can I get tested for the coronavirus? Can I get a home-test for COVID-19? Which are the best tests? Are any tests free?

The FDA also provided the following tips on how to avoid unapproved and potentially-dangerous COVID-19 products:

  • Beware of products that claim to treat many illnesses
  • Personal stories are not scientific evidence
  • Be careful of products that claim to be a "quick fix," as most diseases take time to treat
  • If it seems "too good to be true," it likely is
  • Any product that claims to be a "miracle cure" is probably a hoax
  • There are no self-tests for COVID-19

For more information, use the link below.

Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments

See Related Warnings:

FDA Warns Seller of Unapproved "COVID-19 test package"

FDA Warns Seller of Unapproved "Wondfo Novel Coronavirus Antibody Detection Kit"

Seller of "COVID PACK" Warned for Coronavirus Claims

Seller of CBD and NAC Warned for Coronavirus Claims

Colloidal Silver Seller Warned for Coronavirus Claims

Seller of Immune Shot Criminally Charged With Making Coronavirus Claims

FDA Warns Three More Companies Selling Unapproved COVID-19 Tests