BBB says beware of flu fraud

BBB says beware of flu fraud
November 07, 2009 15:03 PM

DENVER - Crooks will take advantage of any situation in order to take your money and that includes the H1N1 flu virus.

The number of people contracting H1N1 is going up and many of those who have not caught it will do just about anything to keep it that way.

Unfortunately scam artists know that and want to take advantage. On Friday morning, 9NEWS spoke with Dale Mingilton, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau to learn what people need to watch out for.

Mingilton says the scams are Web sites or e-mails, that offer products or a service that simply are not real. His advice, be skeptical of anyone that promotes flu prevention products.

"A lot of the Web sites don't even list the company," Mingilton said. "Make sure you know what product you're buying, understand the warranties."

The BBB has received many complaints about these scams, the majority of complaints have been that a customer sent off money but never received a product. Mingilton says what is worse than losing your money is using a product that is harmful to your health.

"The best thing is that it (the product) doesn't do anything. The worst thing is that it's dangerous. We always try to tell folks, make sure you consult those experts like your doctor, those are the folks that know you best," he said.

Many people trust those "personal testimonies" they see, Mingilton says don't.

p. 1/2

> Next Page

- Getting your exercise while finding a new home
- More Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving