By Sally Watson, 25 June 1999 12:21
NEWS The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) yesterday launched a campaign to crack down on online health fraud by charging four Web sites with making bogus health claims. Operation Cure.All is designed to cut down on Web sites making deceptive and unsubstantiated claims concerning 'miracle cures'. The campaign will also aim to use the Web to provide users with quality healthcare information. The four sites, charged by the FTC with making unsubstantiated health claims, have all agreed to settle out of court. One company, Body Systems Technology, offered shark cartilage capsules as a treatment for cancer and arthritis. Another, Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies, promoted magnetic devices for high blood pressure and cancer. The companies claimed their products were backed by accurate scientific studies and documented case histories proving their effectiveness. But according to the FTC the claims could not be proven. Jodie Bernstein, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, admitted that limited resources means it is impossible to keep up with the proliferation of Web sites promoting fraudulent products. The FTC is promoting the US Department of Health's Web site, http://www.healthfinder.com , as an accurate health gateway for consumers.
In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.
Log in or create your silicon.com account below