JoAnne Bassett’s ‘Corona Virus Oil’

Corona Virus Oil https://t.co/sMRzuz60Az

— JoAnne Bassett (@joannebassett) March 2, 2020

If you’re going to exploit coronavirus fears, at least get the spelling of the virus right. And perhaps don’t be so obvious about your intentions to capitalize on people’s anxiety. This is Scamming 101.

On Monday, self-proclaimed aromatherapist and French royal JoAnne Bassett published a post on her website saying she was bringing back an essential oil, Healer Synergy, to help people avoid getting the coronavirus. She said the essential oil was a best seller when she had a shop in Washington state, which has been hit hard by the virus with all nine coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. at this time happening in the Seattle area.

“I have decided to sell it again for this pandemic with the Corona Virus and any other flu virus that is going rampant,” Bassett said in the post, adding: “You can use Healer Synergy in a diffuser to clear and clean the air of germs.”

On her website Bassett sells a 15ml bottle of Healer Synergy for $50 and a 30ml bottle for $100.

Bassett did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TINA.org was alerted to Bassett’s “Corona Virus Oil” via a tip on Twitter.

According to the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. What can you do? A number of things, including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds several times a day.

Find more of our coverage on the coronavirus here.