CORPUS CHRISTI — 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 stay alert!
Whether it be people trying to sell you face masks they claim will keep you safe, or promoting unapproved and fraudulent remedies, it is likely that scammers will use the Coronavirus as another chance to market products that cannot do what they claim.
The Better Business Bureau advises keeping the following in mind when it comes to keeping yourself healthy:
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 www.BBB.org to see what experience other consumers have had.
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 the real deal. A real street address, a working customer service number, and a positive BBB Business Profile 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.
