Erie County residents should be warned that with the current baby formula shortages seen around the country, there has been an increase in scams that take advantage of parents in need. Fake websites, scammer profiles on social media, and high-priced resellers are all looking to exploit consumers during this shortage.
The FTC recently released a consumer alert with advice to help avoid a scam and find help:
- Check out the company or product by typing its name in a search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people say about it.
- Consider how you pay. Credit cards often give you the highest level of protection, so you can sometimes get your money back if you ordered something but didn’t get it. But anyone who demands payment by gift card, money transfer, or cryptocurrency is a scammer.
- Know your rights. When you shop online, sellers are supposed to ship your order within the time stated in their ads or within 30 days if the ads don’t give a time. If a seller can’t ship within the promised time, it has to provide you with a revised shipping date, with the chance to either cancel your order for a full refund or accept the new shipping date.
- Search for local resources. Call your pediatrician to see if they have the formula in stock. Pediatricians often get samples of different formulas and may be able to help. If you participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program, contact your local office to find the formula.
If you suspect a scam, let us know about it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your reports help the FTC and our law enforcement partners stop scammers.
The NYS Division of Consumer Protection has also issued guidance to ensure consumers make informed decisions, especially regarding online purchases. Before purchasing any formula, check for any recalls and read the specifications to ensure you buy the right product.
New York’s General Business Law 396-r, the price gouging statute, prohibits merchants from charging excessive prices for essential goods or services during abnormal market disruptions. Last week, the New York Attorney General James warned more than 30 retailers to stop overcharging for baby formula.
It is scary enough to face the potential of running out of formula to feed your little one, but getting scammed can be prevented if you are diligent and informed.
Should you have additional questions, please call our office at 716-858-1987.
