KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The recent baby formula shortage is impacting families across the country, and some scammers are looking to take advantage of parents.
According to The Federal Trade Commission, scammers are targeting families online trying to purchase formula for babies.
KSHB 41 News reached out to local technology consultant Burton Kelso, for tips on how to protect yourself from being scammed.
“Anytime there is a crisis, cyber criminals are always looking at ways that they can make money,” Kelso said.
Kelso adds this type of scam is an easy success for online criminals.
“It doesn’t take much to take photos of baby formula, and then post them online, in order to lure people and trick them out of their money,” Kelso said.
With store shelves empty, families are desperate, so Kelso provided some specific tips to prevent yourself from getting scammed.
First, Kelso says research before you Google search and find the first available formula for sale.
“Criminals will take ads out on Google search, because those ads will actually appear before a legitimate source on Google,” he said.
Kelso also suggested checking reviews of the company.
“For instance, if they find an online retail, make sure you take a look at the reviews to see if people have been scammed,” Kelso said. “If people are dissatisfied with the product, they are definitely going to leave a negative review.”
Checking the company’s history online can also be useful in deciding if the company is legit.
“Make…
