Nobody likes germs. With words like “super-germ” and pandemic floating around these days, it’s easy to see how many of us will leap at a promising new germ killer technology…of course, sometimes the promised performance is far more than the actual.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently went after two companies who promoted their ultraviolet light (UV) germ killer devices with claims that their solutions killed nearly all nasty viruses and bacteria.
According to Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, “The defendants said their devices’ UV rays would kill dangerous microorganisms, but they didn’t have scientific evidence to back that up.”
The germ killer products
Angel Sales marketed a device called shUVee, which it claimed took less than an hour to destroy more than 95% of viruses, bacteria, and fungus in a pair of shoes.
Zadro Health Solutions marketed a Nano-UV disinfectant device it claimed would disinfect anything. Yes, anything. They said it could kill germs in public toilets, bedding, and food. Supposedly, the germs killed included E. Coli, Salmonella, Staph infection, swine flu, fungus, and bed bug eggs. All this in 10 seconds.
In both cases, the products were sold not only on the company websites, but also on Amazon.com, Skymall.com, and in retail stores.
In both cases, the products were sold not only on the company websites, but also on Amazon.com, Skymall.com, and in retail stores. Customers paid from $60-$140 for the products. Consumers may receive compensation based on the judgments against the companies, but the compensation will fall short of what the products sold for.
The bottom line is not only must we watch out for scams via mail, phone, and email, but also with trusted retailers. The next time you’re looking at a product whose manufacturer claims is breaking new ground, recognize you’re on the bleeding edge of technology. The product may work. It may not.
Tips to avoid germ killer scams
Tip 1: If you feel the risk of buying something that doesn’t do what it claims is worth the potential reward, go for it. You could be wasting your money, but you might also be in on a germ killer destined to save us all.
Tip 2: Buy from a reputable retailer and find out if their refund policy will allow you to return your germ killer product if you feel it doesn’t work.
Tip 3: Do online research about the claims being made by the company. I’ve pointed out previously how companies use affiliate marketers to bolster their claims with “independent reviews.” These reviews may be far from independent and actually come from someone who is being paid by the company making the germ killer product.
