Jim Bakker Show Warned, Sued Over COVID-19 Silver Claims
March 26, 2020
A southwest Missouri business is one of seven companies that recently received warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for allegedly selling products that may violate federal law by making deceptive or scientifically unsupported claims about their ability to treat the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Jim Bakker Show, which is based in Blue Eye, was asked to stop marketing products labeled to contain silver. The FTC and FDA allege The Jim Bakker Show marketed products that would mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19 in people. The FDA ruled the products were unapproved new drugs and were being sold in violation of federal law.
Soon after the FTC’s and the FDA’s action, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed suit against Bakker and Morningside Church Productions, Inc., for misrepresentations about the effectiveness of “Silver Solution” as a treatment for COVID-19.
The Jim Bakker Show has an “F” rating, the lowest on BBB’s scale. BBB has received a pattern of consumer complaints alleging the business failed to issue refunds, failed to deliver products ordered and provided poor customer service. The business did not respond to a BBB letter regarding what the business is doing to address its pattern of complaints.
“Preying upon the public’s fears of this health crisis is unconscionable,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “We applaud the proactive measures being taken by the FTC, FDA and the Attorney General for their efforts to protect the public.”
The FDA requested that The Jim Bakker Show stop the sale of its silver-based items, including “Silver Sol Liquid.” A case of 12 16-ounce bottles of “Silver Sol Liquid” was listed for sale at jimbakkershow.com for $300 or more.
The FDA said there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent COVID-19.
“There is already a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus,” FTC Chairman Joe Simons said in a news release. “What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam.”
The warning letter included examples of claims made by the business about products it was marketing that was safe or effective for the treatment of COVID-19.
“But this influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective?” read one of the examples. “Well let’s say that it hasn’t been tested on this strain of coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus, and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours, totally eliminate it, kills it, deactivates it.”
“Silver Solution has been proven … to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on … and it can kill any of these known viruses,” read another example of the business’ claims.
In its lawsuit, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office is seeking a restraining order and a permanent injunction ordering Bakker to stop selling “Silver Solution” as a treatment for COVID-19.
BBB reached out to The Jim Bakker Show for comment, but the business did not respond.
BBB tips on how to spot fraudulent health care products:
Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org or by calling 888-996-3887.
Beware of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
Don’t fall for “it’s all natural.” Just because something might be made from natural ingredients, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for you. “All natural” does not mean the same thing as being safe.
Check with your doctor. If you’re tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.
The Jim Bakker Show, which is based in Blue Eye, was asked to stop marketing products labeled to contain silver. The FTC and FDA allege The Jim Bakker Show marketed products that would mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19 in people. The FDA ruled the products were unapproved new drugs and were being sold in violation of federal law.
Soon after the FTC’s and the FDA’s action, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed suit against Bakker and Morningside Church Productions, Inc., for misrepresentations about the effectiveness of “Silver Solution” as a treatment for COVID-19.
The Jim Bakker Show has an “F” rating, the lowest on BBB’s scale. BBB has received a pattern of consumer complaints alleging the business failed to issue refunds, failed to deliver products ordered and provided poor customer service. The business did not respond to a BBB letter regarding what the business is doing to address its pattern of complaints.
“Preying upon the public’s fears of this health crisis is unconscionable,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “We applaud the proactive measures being taken by the FTC, FDA and the Attorney General for their efforts to protect the public.”
The FDA requested that The Jim Bakker Show stop the sale of its silver-based items, including “Silver Sol Liquid.” A case of 12 16-ounce bottles of “Silver Sol Liquid” was listed for sale at jimbakkershow.com for $300 or more.
The FDA said there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent COVID-19.
“There is already a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus,” FTC Chairman Joe Simons said in a news release. “What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam.”
The warning letter included examples of claims made by the business about products it was marketing that was safe or effective for the treatment of COVID-19.
“But this influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective?” read one of the examples. “Well let’s say that it hasn’t been tested on this strain of coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus, and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours, totally eliminate it, kills it, deactivates it.”
“Silver Solution has been proven … to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on … and it can kill any of these known viruses,” read another example of the business’ claims.
In its lawsuit, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office is seeking a restraining order and a permanent injunction ordering Bakker to stop selling “Silver Solution” as a treatment for COVID-19.
BBB reached out to The Jim Bakker Show for comment, but the business did not respond.
BBB tips on how to spot fraudulent health care products:
Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org or by calling 888-996-3887.
Beware of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
Don’t fall for “it’s all natural.” Just because something might be made from natural ingredients, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for you. “All natural” does not mean the same thing as being safe.
Check with your doctor. If you’re tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.