LA authorities warn of sellers raising prices and promising a cure for this disease; report them
Since the authorities announced that additional measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the scams have not been expected in some Angeline stores but especially on the Internet.
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and County Attorney Jackie Lacey announced Friday that there are people using the COVID-19 pandemic to profit from vulnerable people who are only looking to stock up on certain basic necessities.
"(So far) there are no approved drugs, no drugs or supplements that can prevent the coronavirus," Feuer warned at a press conference referring to articles that promise to protect you from the disease.
He also added that it is illegal to manipulate the prices of basic necessities. This in English is known as "price gauging".
Under California law, the price of products, such as food or medical supplies, cannot be raised to more than 10% of what it cost the day before when a state of emergency declaration is filed.
"We are fighting to protect an anxious public from the price scam, online scams and disinformation," said Feuer.
“My office is investigating traditional stores and online retailers. We are unmasking unsubstantiated advertising claims about the alleged prevention, treatment, and cures for the coronavirus. ”
This includes researching the safety of certain products such as masks, which may not work as advertised by the seller but are offered at outrageous prices.
Promoting these items is not only illegal but it also increases panic by causing all concerned people to turn to stores thinking that there are no essential items.
They keep track
The city attorney said they have already encountered these online scammers, who primarily use the Amazon site, to offer their products.
Feuer said investigators in his office purchased a half-gallon of bleach for more than $ 100 a few days ago and two bottles of hand sanitizer, each one liter, at $ 149 for both bottles.
"We have contacted Amazon and alerted them to the existence of these elements on their platform," said the prosecutor.
"By receiving these items, we can determine the identity of a third-party vendor offering them," he added, and was blunt in ensuring that appropriate legal action will be taken.
They promise a cure
His office also claimed to be following in the footsteps of two companies that claim to have solutions to get rid of the coronavirus.
Lawyers for Feuer's Office said they discovered the alleged false advertising of a company in Los Angeles that, through its website, offers vitamin C supplements that can protect you against the coronavirus.
The entity has also sent letters to companies claiming that their products can prevent and / or treat coronavirus exposure.
Among the products that the prosecutor's office has requested evidence, as indicated, is "Silver Solution", where televangelist Jim Bakker claims to kill coronavirus strains; ModernBeyond.com, which sells face masks and whose company indicates that they can reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus by 95.99%, was also mentioned.
"As prosecutors, we see first-hand how consumer fraud can violate our sense of security, break our trust and jeopardize our well-being," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.
“The consequences of today's scams are more than just financial. These frauds can affect our health and the health of those around us. Unfortunately, each of us is at risk of being cheated by one of these scams. ”
The Federal Trade Commission has warned that thieves continue to create websites to sell bogus remedies.
Scams include emails, text messages, and fake advertising on social media with the aim of stealing your information and money.
It was advised not to open links sent by strangers as they could download a virus to your electronic devices.
Don't believe in coronavirus vaccines or cures because they don't exist and make sure that people asking for money for coronavirus victims are real and not a scam.
If they send you emails claiming to be from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make sure it's the right page or visit directly: cdc.gov/Spanish.
If you are sent emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make sure it is the right page or visit www.cdc.gov/Spanish directly.
Anyone who is a victim of a price increase or a coronavirus consumer scam can file a complaint with the City Attorney's Office by calling (213) 978-8340 or online: https://www.lacityattorney.org/ price-gouging
