Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired many businesses to market defective products with false claims. A brand protection software provider found a 272% growth in listings of fake hygiene-related products on e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Wish in the first quarter of 2020. Although websites such as Amazon have cracked down on fraud, there are still defective safety products aimed at fighting COVID-19 being sold online.
There are several reasons why fake or defective products may be available to buy. Amazon has put policies in place, and such items as fake testing kits have been eliminated, but vendors are still selling shoddy products with questionable claims. Some reasons include the following:
Although they are supposed to meet CDC guidelines, many products found online do not. It is in your favor to be skeptical when buying online.
When shopping through online platforms, be on the lookout for defective products that fall in any of the following categories:
When a person purchases a product that they think will protect them and the product then does not, they are putting themselves and others at risk. Your first line of defense against bogus products is your own common sense.
Buying online calls for a bit of detective work. There are questions to ask yourself when reading listings. You should avoid any listings that claim to cure coronavirus. Here are some more tips:
Some listings, to avoid backlash regarding products from Asia, may say “shipped from the USA” or “based in the USA.” However, this misleads many into thinking the product was made in the U.S. Check the seller rating as well as the product reviews. A poor seller rating is a red flag.
New sellers, especially those who usually sell in other categories, should be avoided when buying anti-coronavirus safety products. It is somewhat suspicious when a vendor that usually sells women’s clothing suddenly sells UV lights or vitamins to protect against COVID-19.
Unfortunately, many businesses do a good job of masking their fraudulent items. The office of Gregg Wisotsky has seen too many unsafe products during the COVID-19 crisis. Your Morristown personal injury lawyer wants you to be aware that some people are selling products to take advantage of the pandemic and make a fast buck. Even reasonable use of a harmful or shoddy product can cause safety issues.
If you think you may be the victim of a COVID-19 scam that has affected your health, consider taking legal action. You may be able to recover damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Give us a call at (973) 898-0161. We invite you to more about your Morristown personal injury lawyer, Gregg Wisotsky, and our New Jersey offices. Let’s answer your questions and discuss your case.