Case Overview: The FTC is sending refund checks to consumers who purchased certain health products from Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical between 2017 and 2020 that were allegedly marketed with false claims.

Who Qualifies: Consumers who bought Golden Sunrise products between July 2017 and July 2020 that were marketed with unproven health claims

Estimated Payout: Varies by individual purchase; funded by $103,420 settlement

Deadline: No action required - eligible consumers receive checks automatically

FTC Sends Refund Checks to Consumers Who Bought Golden Sunrise Health Products

The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund checks to consumers who purchased certain health products from Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc. between July 2017 and July 2020. The refunds stem from allegations that the company deceptively marketed products with unproven health claims, including a $23,000 COVID-19 treatment plan.

According to the FTC, eligible consumers who bought products during the specified timeframe should receive their checks automatically - no claim form or application is required.

What You Could Receive

The FTC has not disclosed specific refund amounts, but the payments are being funded by a $103,420 settlement with Dr. Stephen Meis, Golden Sunrise's medical director. Individual refund amounts may vary based on the products purchased and amounts spent during the qualifying period.

Eligible consumers should receive their checks directly in the mail from the FTC's payment administrator.

Who Qualifies

You may be eligible for a refund if you purchased certain Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical products between July 2017 and July 2020 that were allegedly marketed with deceptive health claims.

The FTC has not provided a complete list of qualifying products, but the settlement relates to treatments that were allegedly marketed with false or unproven claims about treating serious medical conditions.

Documentation needed: None - the FTC is identifying eligible consumers through its records and sending checks automatically.

What the Case Was About

The FTC's action against Golden Sunrise stems from allegations that the company and its medical director made deceptive health claims about their products and treatment plans.

According to the FTC's 2021 settlement announcement, Dr. Stephen Meis allegedly took part in deceptively advertising a $23,000 treatment plan as a scientifically proven way to treat COVID-19. The FTC also alleged that Meis used false or unproven claims that other treatment plans could cure cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Under the settlement, Meis was barred from making similar unsupported health claims in the future and ordered to pay $103,420, which the FTC is now using to provide refunds to consumers.

In September 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California entered a final judgment that allowed the FTC to proceed with consumer refunds.

Important Information About Your Check

If you receive a check from the FTC related to Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, the agency recommends:

• Cash your check within 60 days of the date on the check
• Contact the FTC if you believe you should have received a check but didn't
• Be aware that scammers may try to take advantage of FTC refund programs

The FTC notes that it will never ask consumers to pay money or provide sensitive financial information to receive a refund check.

FTC Consumer Protection Efforts

This refund program is part of the FTC's ongoing efforts to return money to consumers harmed by deceptive business practices. The agency regularly pursues cases against companies that make unsubstantiated health claims, particularly those targeting serious medical conditions.

The Golden Sunrise case highlights the FTC's focus on companies that make false claims about treatments for serious diseases, especially during health emergencies when consumers may be particularly vulnerable to misleading promises.

Settlement: FTC v. Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc.

Case Number: Not specified

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Settlement Amount: $103,420

Refund Status: Checks being mailed automatically to eligible consumers

More Information: FTC Press Release

Did you purchase Golden Sunrise products during the qualifying period? Share your experience in the comments below.