BBB Warns of Coronavirus Face Mask Scam

BBB Warns of Coronavirus Face Mask Scam

As coronavirus continues to spread across the country and the world, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning of scams involving counterfeit face masks.

“Scammers love to take advantage of our fears, and the spread of a new disease like coronavirus is downright scary. As you strive to keep yourself and loved ones healthy, be sure to watch out for counterfeit face masks and other scams,” writes the BBB.

According to CNN, the coronavirus has killed more than 3,200 people, most of which are in China. There are now over 92,000 global cases impacting over 70 countries and territories.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

In Rhode Island, there have been three confirmed cases of coronavirus stemming from a trip to Italy through Pawtucket's Saint Raphael Academy, as GoLocalProv reported.

The Scam

According to the BBB, people want to buy a face mask to help protect themselves – or their family – from coronavirus.

But so many other people have the same idea. Masks are sold out in local stores and even from top Amazon sellers. So instead, people resort to buying masks from an online shop they don’t know.

Unfortunately, phony online stores abound – especially when an item is in high demand. Some sites may take money and send low-quality or counterfeit masks. Others may never deliver anything all. In the worst cases, these sites are actually a way to steal personal and credit card information, opening people up to identity theft.

Should people even buy a mask at all? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says no, save them for the medical professionals who really need them.

Face masks may be the first phony product to crop up in the coronavirus outbreak, but it’s likely not the last.

According to BBB, during the Ebola outbreak, the promotion of unapproved and fraudulent remedies was so prevalent that the US government advised consumers to steer clear of these drugs. It’s likely that scammers will use the coronavirus as another chance to market products falsely claiming to cure the disease.

Avoiding the Scam

The BBB offers the following tips:

• Be savvy about product claims. While wearing a face mask may seem like an easy way to stop coronavirus from spreading, the Centers for Disease Control does not actually recommend it for the general public. Be sure to evaluate claims of any medical product before buying. Especially watch out for products claiming to offer a “miracle cure” for a range of ailments.
• Only buy from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust. Check BBB.org to see what other consumers’ experiences have been.
• Be sure the online store has working contact info: If a company seems legitimate but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before offering up your name, address, and credit card information, make sure the company is legitimate. A real street address, a working customer service number, a positive BBB Business Profile… these are just a few of the things to be looking out for to determine if a company is legitimate.
• Check with your doctor before buying: If you’re tempted to buy an unproven health product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.