The FTC and BBB shared tips to avoid being scammed and what to do if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam.
SEATTLE — As families in Washington state and across the country battle another week of baby formula shortages, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning new parents of the potential threat of online scammers.
Scammers trying to take advantage of desperate parents will post and message consumers online, usually through social media, offering baby formula for high prices that often never arrive, according to the FTC consumer warning.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said scammers also pay attention to the news and know what’s going on. They will set up fake websites and profiles, often with images of well-known brands, to make them look more official.
The formula shortage has been ongoing since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but has gotten worse in recent weeks due to labor shortages and a major label recall in Michigan. The shortage has left new parents desperate enough to send money through apps like Venmo or Paypal, which experts advise not doing.
In addition, the FTC offers other ways to protect yourself from online…
