(Phoenix, Ariz. — Oct. 29, 2009) Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizonans to be wary of products sold online that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 flu virus. Goddard urges consumers to purchase only FDA-approved items and talk with their physician when they consider purchasing any drugs, nutritional supplements or other products claiming to protect against the flu.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently purchased and analyzed several products marketed online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), one of two drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of the H1N1 flu. Of the five products the FDA tested, one contained none of the active ingredients in Tamiflu. The other four contained varying levels of the drug that were not approved for use in the U.S. and could potentially harm patients.

Goddard said federal officials have sent warning letters to more than 140 promoters of sham products. The products include phony prescription drugs, “sterilizers,” fake food supplements, magic shampoos, facemasks, a “silver spray” claiming to protect against the flu virus and a phony “photon” machine marketed with the false claim that it boosts the immune system.

Additional guidelines regarding the H1N1 flu and other helpful information for consumers is available on the FDA Web site, www.fda.gov.

If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763, in Tucson at 520.628.6504, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431.  Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.  To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site.