Beware of Counterfeit Tamiflu Vaccines

Beware of criminal gangs that are trying to take advantage of the H1N1 flu pandemic by selling fake swine flu vaccines over the internet. Sophos, a software security firm, has intercepted hundreds of millions of SPAM email advertising counterfeit drugs like Tamiflu to worried consumers.

Tamiflu AKA oseltamivir, an antiviral marketed by Switzerland's Roche Holding is recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization) to treat the symptoms of the flu.

Many of the criminal gang's websites are Russian-based and countries purchasing fake Tamiflu over the internet include the United States, Germany, Britain, Canada and France. With fears of vaccine shortages reported worldwide, many customers are panicking and looking to the internet for sources of Tamiflu.

Sophos spokesman Graham Cluley said a "worrying trend" towards stockpiling Tamiflu had already been seen in Britain — Europe's worst-hit country in the H1N1 pandemic so far.

"As more and more cases of swine flu....come to light, it is essential that we all resist the panic-induced temptation to purchase Tamiflu online," says Sophos spokesman Graham Cluley. "The criminal gangs working behind the scenes at fake internet pharmacies are putting their customers' health, personal information and credit card details at risk."

The H1N1 pandemic flu has spread to 206 countries worldwide since March. To date, more than 6,250 deaths have been reported according to the WHO. For more information on H1N1, please visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1