Those seeking a cure for Ebola are likely being duped, says the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB said Thursday that a number of unscrupulous scammers are trying to cash in on people’s fear of the deadly virus – from offering stock tips to seeking charitable donations for phony organizations.
“It’s the fear of the unknown that can cause consumers to act almost irrationally, buying untested products that will give them no more protection than if they’d done nothing. Those are the kind of products you will find offered on the internet,” said Steve Bernas of the BBB. “Health officials maintain that Ebola is not spread through casual contact and the risk of contracting the virus in the United States is very low.”
There are no FDA-approved vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat Ebola, the BBB said. The organization also warns scammers are soliciting donations for fake Ebola-related charities, and recommends consumers not make donations using cash and to ask where the money is going.
Those seeking information about Ebola should visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.
