The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund checks totaling more than $40,700 to 578 consumers who purchased deceptively marketed health treatment plans from Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc. between July 2017 and July 2020.
The refunds stem from FTC enforcement action against the company and its medical director, Dr. Stephen Meis, who made false claims about treatments for serious diseases including COVID-19, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. In June 2021, the FTC announced a settlement order with Meis over allegations that he participated in deceptively advertising a $23,000 treatment plan as a scientifically proven way to treat COVID-19.
The case represents part of the FTC's broader effort to combat health fraud, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when consumers were vulnerable to false promises of cures and treatments. Golden Sunrise marketed several treatment plans with unsubstantiated health claims, including the Primary Plan of Care, Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care, Metabolic Plan of Care, and Cancer Plan of Care.
Under the 2021 settlement, Meis was permanently barred from making similar unsupported health claims in the future and ordered to pay $103,420. The FTC is using these funds to compensate affected consumers who purchased the fraudulently marketed products.
The enforcement action did not end with Meis. In September 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California issued a summary decision in the FTC's favor against the remaining defendants in the case: Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Golden Sunrise Pharmaceutical, and Huu Tieu. The court also permanently barred these defendants from making unsupported health claims in the future.
The refund process began in January 2025 when the FTC sent claim forms to consumers who had purchased the deceptively marketed treatment plans during the relevant time period. Eligible consumers who submitted valid claims are receiving full refunds of their purchases. Those who did not submit claims but are still eligible are receiving checks for $20.
Consumers have 90 days to cash their refund checks, as indicated on each check. The FTC is also mailing claim identification numbers to eligible consumers who have not yet submitted claims. These consumers can still file claims online at www.ftc.gov/GoldenSunrise for additional payments. The deadline to submit a claim is May 12, 2026.
The refund distribution illustrates the FTC's commitment to returning money to consumers harmed by deceptive marketing practices. When companies make false health claims, particularly about treatments for serious diseases, they not only violate federal law but also exploit consumers' health concerns and financial resources.
Consumers who have questions about their payments or the claims process should contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 844-804-3922 or by email at info@goldensunriserefund.com. The FTC emphasizes that the agency never requires people to pay money or provide account information to receive a refund payment.
The Golden Sunrise case highlights several red flags that consumers should watch for when evaluating health products and treatments. Companies that claim their products can cure serious diseases like cancer or Parkinson's disease, or that market treatments as scientifically proven without proper evidence, are likely engaging in deceptive practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic created particular opportunities for health fraud as consumers sought protection and treatments. The FTC has been vigilant in pursuing companies that exploit pandemic fears with false claims about COVID-19 treatments and cures.
This enforcement action serves as a warning to other companies that the FTC will pursue legal action against businesses that make unsubstantiated health claims. The agency has authority to seek monetary relief for consumers and obtain permanent injunctions against deceptive practices.
For consumers, the case demonstrates the importance of being skeptical of extraordinary health claims and consulting with healthcare professionals before purchasing expensive treatment plans. The FTC encourages consumers to report suspected health fraud to help protect others from similar schemes.
The refund process will continue through May 2026, giving eligible consumers ample time to submit claims for additional compensation. The FTC's successful prosecution of this case and the resulting consumer refunds demonstrate the agency's effectiveness in holding companies accountable for deceptive health marketing practices.