Illustration health/India

The internet has become an open door for modern snake oil salesmen trying to profit on the public’s fear of the H1N1 flu.

In the last five months, the Food and Drug Administration has warned operators of more than 75 Web sites to stop the sale of more than 135 products with fraudulent H1N1 influenza virus claims.

Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Dr. Margaret  Hamburg, says the phony products can make matters worse by providing consumers with a false sense of protection.

The unauthorized sellers claim their products can diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the H1N1 virus.

“Unless these products are proven to be safe and effective for the claims that are made, it is not known whether they will prevent the transmission of the virus or offer effective remedies against infection,” said the commissioner.

Last week, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission issued its first joint warning letter to a Web site marketing fraudulent H1N1 supplements that claim to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Some investigators within the FDA say the agency was “far, far too slow” in cracking down on the alleged pharmaceutical charlatans that may have made millions already by selling bogus potions to people terrified of becoming sick.

Still, FDA says it considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent H1N1 products to be a possible threat to the public health and in violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.

FDA has an aggressive surveillance program to detect fraudulent H1N1-related products and will take prompt action to stop the marketing of fraudulent products and will hold those who are responsible for doing so accountable,” Michael Chappell, acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, said Monday.

The FDA and the FTC remind consumers to be cautious of promotions or Internet sites offering products for sale that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the H1N1 flu virus.

The bogus goods come in many varieties, including dietary supplements, as well as products purporting to be drugs, medical devices or vaccines.

If you are a webmaster, or want to be one, FDA is offering an “H1N1 Flu Fraud Widget,” which will offer the latest warnings to the public about potentially deceptive H1N1 products and to report suspected criminal activity.

Here is a link to the widget and instructions on how it’s installed.