H1N1, Swine Flu Prevention Affiliate Marketing Scams
I couldn’t decide whether to title this post “Swine Flu H1N1 Marketing Scams” or “Don’t Take Advice you Read on Some Affiliate Marketing Blogs Seriously.” 
I read an affiliate blog over the weekend that suggested a marketing ploy that is dangerous and unethical. It suggested affiliates try to sell various herbal products by saying they will ‘prevent’ the swine flu.
Not only would that be unethical, but it could also get you in trouble the FDA or FTC for making false medical claims. They are massively cracking down on H1N1 (Swine Flu) marketing scams and are even offering a widget to enable the general public to report offenders.
Here’s an example of an ad this affiliate was running.
Protect Yourself From Getting Sick
With The (Product Name) Vitamin!
He does say it’s a sensitive topic and some may want to stay away from this niche, but doesn’t come out and admit that it’s unethical to infer any vitamin can protect you from getting H1N1 and that the FTC would frown on anyone claiming that it can.
Here are some FDA and FTC resources and news stories warning about H1N1 (Swine Flu) marketing scams.
FDA, FTC Issue Joint Warning Letter to Web Site Offering Fraudulent H1N1 Flu Supplements “The FDA continues to consider the sale and promotion of fraudulent H1N1 influenza products to be a possible threat to the public health and in violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act,” said Michael Chappell, acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA has an aggressive surveillance program to detect fraudulent H1N1-related products and will take prompt action to stop the marketing of fraudulent H1N1 influenza products and will hold those who are responsible for doing so accountable.”
FTC – Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List The FTC is maintaining a list of fraudulent web sites who make illegal H1N1 product claims.
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#1 Eric wrote on Monday, November 2nd, 2009:
Where there are opportunities, there are scammers. I am sure that these ‘folks’ are tired of the Nigerian scam tactics and looking to capitalized on something new. Unfortunately, those who are desperate or not that tech savvy will fall prey to these people.
#2 samuels wrote on Monday, November 2nd, 2009:
Actually the medical science indicates that Vitamin D does prevent the flu, and also prevents cancer -that is not against FTC, or FDA rules because its backed up by science.
I often refer to both on my sites and there are literally millions of sites that have this content and do discuss it with their readers.
What is this country becoming – a State Run government -people need to speak out and not cow tail to the pharmas. Heck their drugs kill more people than the piggy flu ever will.
Secondly there are herbs that will kill the swine flu –heck even eating garlic will -so have a caesar salad and keep the flu away. We marketers have to have the balls to do whats right. By the way Vitamin D sales are way up…