The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has created an environment that con-artists are seizing on, from peddling medical masks and vaccines that don't exist. The fact that many of us are worried, isolated, facing a disease that is a threat to all of us, and that this is happening on a global scale has created a breeding ground for fraud. COVID-19 is not the only thing we have to protect ourselves against, thieves and crooks prey on fear and uncertainty.
We have seen hundreds of newly created websites that claim to sell medical masks, hand sanitizers, and personal protective equipment(PPE). If visitors to these websites order, there will be charged but they will never receive the items they have purchased.
The BBB in Cleveland reported a company called "Juicy Trends" claiming to sell Safe Breath 95 protective masks. The website was registered from the Bahamas. The company says it’s based in Scotland. It was selling three face masks for $195.
Consumers should always research online stores before making purchases on them. And, if they have already tricked by an online store, they should open a dispute with their banks to have their money refunded.