Bogus Sars 'doctors' warned

People at risk of Sars are told to ignore bogus treatment claims

"Scam" websites have been ordered to stop promoting bogus treatments for the deadly Sars virus or risk being shut down.

US and Canadian regulators said they had already identified 48 sites illegally claiming to be able to prevent or treat the illness - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

Some firms are offering various herbal supplements, while others are selling Sars "protection kits" that include purifiers, gloves, masks and alcohol wipes.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said there was no scientific basis for any of the claims.

Internet 'sweep'

"Scam artists follow the headlines, trying to make a fast buck with products that play off of the news," said Howard Beales, Director of FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

He added: "At the same time, our message to consumers is 'hold on to your money.' No products have been found effective in preventing, treating, or curing Sars."

The operation is being run by the FDC, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Ontario's Consumer and Business Service Agency.

Tim Hudak, Minister of Consumer and Business Services in Ontario, Canada, said that a 48-hour "sweep" of the internet by seven investigators had turned the misleading websites.

Bogus products... do no good and can make matters worse by providing a false sense of protection

Mark McClellan of FDA

Seven promotions for Sars products were even sent to the FTC's spam database.

The agencies have sent warnings to the operators saying it is against the law to make such claims without rigorous scientific backing.

They said any firm that does not change or delete its claims could be subject to legal action.

"Doctors and health care experts around the world are working hard to find treatments for Sars. Until they succeed, there are common sense actions people can take to protect themselves from Sars and other respiratory infections," said Mark McClellan, Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

"Bogus products from questionable websites do no good, and can actually make matters worse by providing a false sense of protection."