HARRISBURG, Pa. — Fake masks and unapproved, potentially dangerous medicines are just some of the bogus coronavirus shipments making their way through the United States and into Pennsylvania.
>>RELATED: Thieves targeting people waiting for stimulus check
Attorney General Josh Shapiro says they are a major concern and he’s waving the red flag on these cases.
He wants you to stop buying faulty and fake products from questionable sellers online. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.
Some of the items U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated since March 23 include 1,200 capsules of an unapproved medicine shipped from Hong Kong to Pennsylvania. The capsules are not approved for use in the United States, but they are being used to treat some patients with coronavirus in China.
Officers also seized more than 1,300 fake COVID-19 test kits and roughly 400 counterfeit N95 respirator masks.
The Better Business Bureau reports online scammers are preying on the most vulnerable, especially as counties begin to shift from the red to yellow phase of reopening.
“Take a look at their about pages as well as their contact section. Scammers are creative but they don’t often have the time to fabricate a full brand history like you would find on a legit company website,” said Caitlin Driscoll, public relations director for the BBB.
Shapiro is urging people to be careful and is asking people to help stop scammers by doing research on a product before buying it.
“There is no miracle drug, no matter what anyone says,” Shapiro said. “By you alerting my office, you're actually helping not just yourself, but others who might fall victim to a scam.”
These dangerous items are being sent from places across the world.
US Customs and Border Control sent Channel 11 the following statement:
“CBP’s highest priority is the health and safety of our workforce and the American people. In February 2020, CBP Field Operations issued guidance to all ports to increase vigilance for possible counterfeit, improperly imported or unauthorized merchandise, especially in the international mail and express consignment cargo environments. CBP continues to work extremely hard, in coordination with our FDA, EPA and other interagency partners to ensure that personal protective equipment, medical devices and pharmaceuticals related to the COVID-19 response are cleared for entry as expeditiously as possible while verifying that they are authorized and safe for use.”
This browser does not support the video element.