The expansion of the pandemic goes hand in hand with the spread of unfair trade practices. Despite the delicate moment that Italy is facing, there are those who try to take advantage of the emotional and psychological instability of Italian citizens. In this scenario, the Antitrust continues to initiate proceedings against many online platforms, from the largest to the smallest.
Among detergents, cosmetics, supplements, fundraisers, "miracle" drugs, there are an increasing number of attempts to extort money from consumers, leveraging the anxiety and fear associated with the Covid-19 contagion. Let's see some scams that have made it necessary for the Authority to intervene.
The site "Carlita Shop" offers a series of products with unfounded antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic capabilities and strengthening the immune system, protecting the respiratory tract, and so on. Furthermore, they boast disinfectant properties and the ability to counteract contagion. None of these statements is confirmed in the scientific literature and none of these products is a medical-surgical aid. For this reason, the AGCM has deemed the methods of promotion "misleading and aggressive", as the ability to evaluate consumers is altered.
Given the alarm for the ever-increasing number of infections and deaths, there is no shortage anti-canvas drugs. A few days ago, the Antitrust had initiated proceedings against the "generic Kaletra" drug, with a price of more than 600 euros, although there is still no effective cure to combat the virus. Also in this case the advertising was deemed "misleading and aggressive" by the Authority, which proceeded with the blackout of the website. Given that the online sale of similar drugs is prohibited in Italy, as they are subject to medical prescription only.
As it regards instead fundraising for charitable purposes, the way it is advertised has been discussed. In fact, the Antitrus intervened to "interrupt the spread of an extremely serious practice", according to which many of the donations, in favor of hospitals and hospital wards in the most affected areas, are sold "free of charge and at no cost". In reality, there are costs associated with debit and credit card transactions.
Even the giants of the web, Amazon and Ebay, found themselves at the center of the storm. At the end of February, the sale of products, such as sanitizers and surgical masks, had reached exaggerated prices, up to 10 times their value.
Then there are also medical devices “capable of diagnosing the virus” comfortably at home. This is the "Rapid Test COVID-19", which allows people to self-diagnose themselves, quickly and easily, of any contagion, at the price of 24,86 euros. The information provided by the professional is confusing and ambiguous, as well as misleading, especially on the alleged difficulties in the procurement of swabs by public health facilities. The AGCM, availing itself of the collaboration of the Guardia di Finanza, has initiated a preliminary investigation and, at the same time, the precautionary shutdown of the website.
These are just a few examples of the online scams that are invading the web. For this reason, the Competition and Market Authority continues to closely monitor the market: for every site that is closed, others are opened.
