AEGiS-WSJ: Marketing & Media: Internet Ad for HIV Cure Draws Restraining Order Wall Street JournalImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Marketing & Media: Internet Ad for HIV Cure Draws Restraining Order

The Wall Street Journal - 4 April 1996

DEDHAM, Mass. -- A Brockton woman who placed an advertisement on the World Wide Web urging callers to dial a 900-number to learn of a quick cure for HIV infection by a "Dr. Clark" has removed the ad after a judge issued a temporary restraining order.

The human immune deficiency virus causes AIDS.

Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, in his first action to combat the growing problem of misleading advertising on the Internet, said the case should "serve as a stern warning to other cyber-snake-oil salesmen." In a lawsuit filed in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, the state seeks to obtain a permanent injunction against the advertisement and restitution and penalties from Brockton resident Marjorie Phillips, who placed the ad.

Ms. Phillips expressed surprise that the state had targeted her for touting the remedy, which she said involves a mix of three herbs. "If I didn't believe it was a cure, I wouldn't have put it out there," she said. A hearing will be held on the case April 11.

Keywords: HIV; CAUSES AIDS

KWDhiv;causesaids
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