Trading Standards warn of misleading face mask adverts

Residents in North Yorkshire are being warned by Trading Standards to be cautious when buying face masks.

North Yorkshire County Coucnil’s Trading Standards team say since the Government issued advice that masks should be worn in enclosed public places, such as on public transport and in supermarkets, there has been an increase in online adverts for face masks.

While many advertised products are suitable for use in this way, some are wrongly described and claim that they offer more protection than they do.

There have also been cases of fraudulent adverts, meaning masks are paid for but never received.

Face masks can protect other people by reducing the spread of the disease, but do not prevent the virus, as is claimed in some adverts, so it is vital that people continue regular handwashing and social distancing.

North Yorkshire Trading Standards advise consumers to check seller’s details and feedback before buying, avoid sellers outside the EU as there is no guarantee of safety, use a payment method with payment protection and ignore claims such as ‘100% effective at preventing the virus’.

Those needing advice or wanting to report concerns should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1144.