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Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses: An Outrage (+AUDIO)

Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses: An Outrage – AUDIO – IPPIBlog.com

Tomorrow, millions of people around the world will get ready to watch the solar eclipse. How many of those will leave the experience with damaged eyes or blind because (unbeknownst to them) they used “fake” glasses that do not contain the necessary filters to protect the eyes?

We have had countless examples of fake medications created by these criminals that can either directly harm consumers with the outrageous ingredients included, or, have no healing agents at all; or counterfeit pesticides that put farmers and consumers at risk; or bogus auto parts that fall apart after minimal use; or fake Christmas lights that explode when you turn them on, but now to learn that these criminals have created counterfeit “Solar Eclipse” glasses that can cause “…serious eye damage and permanent blindness” as reported in the attached Washington Post article, written by Abha Bhattaral, is just an outrage.

“Across the country, consumers and retailers have been struggling to identify fraudulent eclipse glasses, viewers and filters, which could cause irreversible damage to users’ eyes. NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS) have assembled a list of reputable manufacturers, but they said it has been difficult to guard against copycats, especially on third-party websites. As a result, many say unsafe products abound online ahead of Monday’s widely publicized solar eclipse.”

“The market has been overrun with counterfeits and fakes, and many of them were being sold on Amazon,” said Richard Fienberg, a spokesman for the American Astronomical Society (AAS.) “It’s become a complete freaking mess.”

He added, “If you don’t have proper glasses, the infrared radiation can literally cook your retina.”

Can there be any doubt about the heartlessness of counterfeiters?

Washington Post, August 18, 2017, Scientists warn fake eclipse glasses ‘can literally cook your retina’

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Ron Alvarez is an IP investigations and protection consultant and writer in New York City. He is a former NYPD lieutenant where he investigated robbery, narcotics, internal affairs, and fine art theft cases. Ron has since coordinated the private investigation of international fraud and money laundering cases, as well as IP-related investigations and research involving the four pillars of IP: copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Ron is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and earned a B.A. in Government and Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. He has written a number of articles for various investigative publications, as well as published "The World of Intellectual Property (IP) Protection and Investigations" in November 2021.

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