The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending checks to consumers who bought certain products from Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc. between July 2017 and July 2020. This action follows a settlement regarding deceptive marketing practices that misrepresented treatment plans for serious health conditions.

In June 2021, the FTC announced a settlement with Dr. Stephen Meis, the medical director of Golden Sunrise, who was accused of promoting a $23,000 treatment plan as a scientifically proven method to treat COVID-19. He also made false claims about other treatment plans curing cancer and Parkinson’s disease. As part of the settlement, Meis was barred from making unsupported health claims and ordered to pay $103,420, which is being used for consumer refunds.

In September 2025, a U.S. District Court ruled in favor of the FTC against Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Golden Sunrise Pharmaceutical, and Huu Tieu, prohibiting them from making unsupported health claims in the future.

The FTC is distributing over $40,700 to 578 consumers who submitted valid claims for the misleading treatment plans, including the Primary Plan of Care and Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care. Consumers who did not submit a claim will receive a check for $20. Checks must be cashed within 90 days.

Additionally, the FTC is mailing claim IDs to eligible consumers who have not yet filed a claim, allowing them to submit claims online for further payments. The deadline for claims submission is May 12, 2026. Consumers with questions can contact the refund administrator, Simpluris.