US cracks down on 'bio-terror' scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sent out 71 emails warning website operators to stop making unproven claims about devices for bio-terrorism protection, such as air filters, gas masks, protective clothing and ultraviolet light mechanisms.

The FTC warned that websites making claims which cannot be supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence must be stopped.

It did not name the sites involved, but said that 60 of the 71 warnings involve devices such as gas masks and protective suits advertised to protect against the effects of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.

"This recent round of emails demonstrates our continuing concern about questionable claims for bio-terrorism protection products," said FTC consumer protection bureau director J Howard Beales.

"We, along with other participants in the surf, are prepared to follow up with legal action if the recipients of these and our earlier letters do not come into compliance," he added.

The action comes a month after the FTC sent out 50 warnings to promoters of purported medicinal cures or treatments for anthrax and other potential bio-terrorism agents.

According to the FTC, half of the 50 sites have dropped their claims and the rest could be prosecuted if they fail to do so.

The FTC also said that the US government is concerned about used and imported masks that might have out of date filter cartridges. He said consumers should look for such signs as certification by the Department of Defense or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The internet search turned up more than 200 sites marketing bio-terrorism related products.

Penalties for making misleading or deceptive claims can include injunctions or fines of up to $11,000 per violation, the FTC said. Sellers also could be ordered to make consumer refunds.