An Arlington spa was warned to stop promoting its Vitamin C intravenous infusions as a way to treat or prevent COVID-19, according to letters from the Texas attorney general’s office and the Federal Trade Commission.
After reviewing claims the business made on social media, the attorney general’s office determined the spa was likely violating the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act. It sent a letter instructing the business to stop or else face up to $260,000 in fines.
“My office is working diligently to stop deceptive claims and false cures,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a news release. “I will not allow anyone or any business to take advantage of Texans during this national health crisis.”
The Federal Trade Commission also contacted the spa and demanded immediate action.
Resurgence Wellness promoted its $99 Vitamin C IV infusions on social media and claimed it could help prevent the virus, reduce symptoms and treat it.
There are currently no FDA-approved COVID-19 treatments, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each violation under Texas law could result in a $10,000 fine. And under Texas’ laws to protect seniors against deceptive practices, the spa could have also faced a penalty of $250,000.
After being notified of the violation, the spa said it removed all of its claims related to the coronavirus from its social media.
“We were in no way trying to harm or scam anyone in regards to our advertising regarding IV vitamin infusions and COVID 19,” a post on the spa’s Facebook read. “Our primary concern has always been and remains to be the health and wellness of our community.”
The FTC and Food and Drug Administration has sent 26 similar letters since March 6 to companies that allegedly sold unapproved products making unsupported claims concerning the coronavirus.
“It’s shameful to take advantage of people by claiming that a product prevents, treats, or cures COVID-19,” Andrew Smith, the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection director, said in a news release. “We’re seeing these false claims for all sorts of products, but anyone who makes them simply has no proof and is likely just after your money.”
Texans who believe they have encountered deceptive trade practices can call the Office of the Attorney General’s complaint line at 800-621-0508 or file a complaint online.
