FDA Warns Against Scammers Selling Fake Ebola Treatments

News of the Ebola virus so close to home has many people on edge. But we're already hearing that scammers are trying to take advantage of the news.

Wednesday, October 1st 2014, 10:17 am

By: News 9


News of the Ebola virus so close to home has many people on edge. But we're already hearing that scammers are trying to take advantage of the news.

With thousands of cases in West Africa, and now one in the United States, many of you may be trying to find ways to protect yourself.

10/1/2014 Related Story: Ebola In The U.S.: What You Need To Know Now

Now, scam artists are trying to take advantage of our fears. Do a quick search online, and you can find a number of products claiming to treat or prevent the Ebola virus.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it's received several complaints of products like dietary supplement powder, which claims to fight the virus. However, all of these products are fake and none have FDA approval, which poses a major concern for health officials.

"Please check with your physician if you see a product claiming to treat Ebola or anything else. There're lots of fraud out there on the internet, so you've got to protect yourself and part of that is seeking medical care,” said Casie Stoughton with the Amarillo Public Health Department.

Stoughton said if your doctor doesn't recommend it, then it's probably not a valid option.

These scammers aren't just selling fake treatments, but fake Ebola prevention kits as well. That's why the FDA said it's monitoring the products, and will take the appropriate action to protect consumers.

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