When disaster strikes, consumers scramble for basic necessities, and this virus pandemic is no different. As individuals strive to keep themselves and loved ones healthy, there are individuals positioned to profit off of people’s fears and anxiety. As the pandemic continues, scam websites surface, claiming to provide much-needed, in short supply items.
The cost? Defraud and harm. Inferior products at inflated prices.
Be wary of phony e-commerce sites, which are now flourishing. While most of us are providing support and care to those in need, deceptive merchants are looking to price-gouge unsuspecting consumers.
Platforms, such as Amazon and Facebook, have taken action. Amazon removed over 1 million fake and overpriced coronavirus products from its online marketplace, including surgical masks, respirators, fake vitamin C cures, and sanitizing gels. Facebook is cracking down on ads that make misleading claims to create a sense of urgency by implying products are in limited supply. There is now a counterfeit coronavirus home test kit.
To help you avoid fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other scams, proceed accordingly:
- Be sure to evaluate the claims of any medical product before buying. These scams can do more than take your money but can cause serious damage. Beware of claims of “miracle cure.”
- Only buy from reputable stores and websites.
- Be sure the online store has working contact information. Before offering your name, address and credit card information, make sure the company is legitimate (a real street address, a working customer service number).
To learn more about the coronavirus, the CDC has created this FAQ about the coronavirus.
If you are interested in learning about how cyber insurance can protect your business from scammers and hackers, call us at 1-888-275-3224 or contact us.