WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission said some online retailers may be trying to take advantage of consumer concerns about the Zika virus.
The companies are selling wristbands, patches, and stickers that marketers claim can repel the mosquitoes that carry Zika or otherwise protect users from the virus.
The FTC sent a letter to 10 companies warning that false or misleading claims may violate the FTC Act, which prevents deceptive acts. The letter said "it is against the law to make health claims without adequate scientific support, or to exaggerate the benefits of products you are promoting." It also warns that the FTC could bring legal action or fines against the companies.
"We don't want anyone unnecessarily infected because they thought they were protected when they weren't," said Richard Cleland, with the FTC.
On Friday, the FTC gave the companies a 48-hour deadline to provide scientific and factual proof of their claims, or remove the advertising.
"If the past is any indication, some of these companies will just disappear," said Cleland.
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