Scrubbing the internet of counterfeit sellers

The Federal Trade Commission is aiming to clean house on counterfeit websites that allegedly trick consumers into paying for Clorox and Lysol cleaning products that never get delivered.

 

At the FTC’s request, a federal court in Ohio has issued a temporary restraining order against 25 counterfeit websites that since at least July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic that has spurred shortages of disinfectants, have been targeting consumers urgently seeking such products, according to an announcement from the FTC.

 

The FTC’s complaint alleges that none of the defendants’ websites are owned by, affiliated with or authorized by the companies that make Clorox and Lysol.

 

“The FTC is working hard to stop fraudsters who try to scam people with false promises of scarce cleaning supplies during the pandemic,” Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Andrew Smith said in a statement. “If a seller seems to have items that are out of stock everywhere else, do an online search for complaints about the seller or website before you buy.”

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.