WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging all Kansas parents to be cautious when shopping for and purchasing baby formula in the midst of extreme shortages occurring across the nation.
Kansans are facing shortages of baby formula following pandemic-related disruptions in the global supply chain and a recall of significant amounts of baby formula by the Food and Drug Administration due to bacteria concerns.
“Any time there is a shortage of an essential product, like baby formula, scammers will try to take advantage of Kansans in need,” Schmidt said. “It is important that consumers keep their guard up and use caution to avoid falling victim to scams.”
Most baby formula scams being reported to the attorney general’s office are occurring online, through non-traditional retail platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and through direct messaging on social media platforms.
“Scammers are posting bogus online offers to lure in desperate parents and trick them into turning over cash or credit card information,” Schmidt said “Meanwhile, the formula the scammers are advertising is either nonexistent, counterfeit, expired or recalled.”
The attorney general’s office offers the following guidance to help parents make informed decisions:
Stick with trusted vendors. When purchasing formula, stick with trusted vendors that are well known and well established. This reduces your chances of falling for a scam, and gives you a real…
