Crackdown on Hoodia and Anti-Aging "Spam" E-Mails

Spammers have been ordered to stop sending unwanted and illegal e-mail "spam" messages related to hoodia weight-loss products and human growth hormone (HGH) anti-aging products, according to an announcement from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is alleging that "the international enterprise, with defendants in the United States, Canada, and Australia, used spammers to drive traffic to Web sites" which sold products including purported weight-loss aids "HoodiaLife" and "HoodiaPlus," and "HGHLife" and "HGHPlus" (which are marketed as capable of reversing the aging process). The FTC has determined that claims related to the products are false and unsubstantiated. The action is the first to use the U.S. SAFE WEB Act to share information with foreign partners.

• FTC Announcement on Spam Action
• Spam E-Mail (FTC)
• Summary of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act (FTC) [PDF file]
• You've Got Spam (FindLaw)