As more Americans look to purchase masks the Better Business Bureau in Nebraska is tracking a number of scams involving online orders. Spokesman Josh Planos tells KLIN News one Omaha woman ordered a ten pack of the KN95 masks for $7.95.
“And unfortunately, she found additional charges on her credit card for everything from shipping and delivery to a membership that she didn’t intentionally sign up for, and no masks,” Planos says.
Planos says mask scams are popping up more frequently on look alike websites. “It’s really difficult I think these days to find authentic vendors online, so it’s best to go with government agencies or at least companies with proven track records.”
What to watch for:
When you do an online search or respond to an ad regarding free tests or face masks, you could find yourself directed to a website that looks official. Scammers may have duplicated the look—complete with graphics and logos—of a real government website. There will be a link that you are urged to click on to request your own test or face mask.
Clicking on the link could take you to a form that requests a Social Security number or Medicare ID. It may also want you to submit a credit card number to “pay for shipping.” The real page, however, will not ask for such information. This is a sign of a scam.
Here are BBB’s tips for checking the legitimacy of a website:
- Domain name—Scammers choose domain names as close to the real thing as possible. They may swap two letters or use a slight misspelling. So read carefully for the exact, correct spelling.
- Tricky subdomains—Look at the spelling of the subdomain name. A favorite trick of scammers is to use a different one (from the legitimate one) in hopes you will not notice.
- Only your name and address are requested by the real websites. The government program is free and requires no payment from you, even for shipping. No insurance details or Social Security numbers are required.
Planos says take advantage of the new free test and mask programs from the government but be smart about the process. Don’t fall into the traps that are certainly going to be set by scammers trying to rip you off. For more answers to questions, you may about the free test and mask initiatives, call BBB at (800) 856-2417 or visit our website at BBB.org. To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.
(Photo Better Business Bureau)