If you do an Amazon search for “ coronavirus , ” you get a ton of ego - published guides on how to beat it , a smelly - mouthed food color book , some sanitizing products , and of course , face mask . But in recent weeks , Amazon has banned more than 1 million products for incorrectly claim that they can cure or protect against COVID-19,Reutersreports .
This follows news from before this week that the online retail merchant waswarning third - company sellersagainst hiking prices for facial expression masks . Reuters also report that this week , Amazon launched a probe into price - gouging in Italy for sanitizing gels and masks follow news show of the outbreak there , with casesspiking up this week to 650 aggregate with 17 death .
In its account , Reuters noted it had found one merchant selling a 10 - pack of N95 mask for $ 128 — a significant markup count the average seller ’s price for the ware was $ 41.24 . Searching for “ N95 mask ” on the platform , Gizmodo discover at least one debut for a5 - pack priced at $ 175from a third - party merchandiser . That ’s considerably higher than a 10 - pack of 3 M N95 masks priced at about $ 30 via Leontyne Price - tracking sitecamelcamelcamel.com . ( Though , if you look at the prices for the 3 M 10 - ingroup , it seems to have top out at $ 245 from a third - company seller in the last day or so . )
Photo: (Getty)
Gizmodo reached out to Amazon for further clarity on what counts as “ inaccurate ” claims and at what breaker point a ware is take to be shamed of price - gouging but we did n’t immediately receive a response . That said , an Amazon voice told Reuters that the company can move out offers when the price is “ importantly high than late prices provide on or off Amazon . ” It also note that Amazon monitor for gouging and false claims via both automated and manual reappraisal .
“ We are thwarted that bad player are undertake to artificially raise cost on canonic need products during a global wellness crisis and , in credit line with our long - stand insurance , have recently obstruct or take away tens of thousands of offers , ” an Amazon spokesperson told Gizmodo in an e-mail . As for what variety of penalties face vendors find in violation , Amazon noted it was taking activity by suspending or take selling privileges .
However , it ’s not precisely clear if the “ off-key title ” edict also applies to the many self - published e - account book cashing in on the coronavirus news cycle . A cursory search on Amazon showed dozens of titles , with many claiming to allow precise information about how good to protect oneself or a syndicate . While most ostensibly cat promptly available data , at least one bizarrely claimsthat COVID-19 is “ Satan ’s Bug . ”There ’s also a phone number of vitamin supplements that show up in coronavirus searches , which have not been shew to cure colds let alone a new , contagious virus .
A screenshot of what pops up when you search for N95 masks.Screenshot: Victoria Song
All this to say , if at all possible , perhaps do n’t buy your coronavirus supplies from Amazon . Or , report outrageous price you do see . Also , a healthy dose of uncouth sense and skepticism is always welcome . The Center for Disease Control ’s guidelines are promptly availablehere , and no , it does not advocate wear nerve masque unless you ’re already showing symptoms .
Update , 2025-03-29 , 3 pm : Added commentary from Amazon
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