Salt Lake City— Better Business Bureau concluded an investigation on the business practices of the online retailer Remark Green. Remark Green claims to make specialty face masks, but consumers have reported the company isn’t fulfilling orders.

During the investigation, BBB concluded that 39 consumers from multiple states collectively lost a total of $3,869.24 from Remark Green. 

A resident in Alpine ordered a filtered mask from Remark Green’s website, and has spent over a month trying to contact the company and either get his product or a refund.

“I was hoping to have a mask with a filter since I work in law enforcement,” he said to BBB. “I spent $40 and have not received my product.”

Though they claim to operate out of New Mexico, BBB could not find a legitimate phone number or physical location. Consumers report their bank statements showing addresses in Hong Kong.

“So-called companies like Remark Green make money by playing off current events and crises like COVID-19. They offer a product that doesn’t exist—or if it does, may only come after a long, disappointing wait with a subpar product,” said Jane Rupp, President and CEO of BBB Serving Northern Nevada and Utah.

Since the start of protective measures against COVID-19, scammers have found their victims by dangling offers for masks, cleaning supplies, and more with deals too-good-to-be-true. The heightened sense of concern among the public can sometimes cause consumers to buy things that would normally set off alarm bells.

To help protect against scams like these, BBB recommends that consumers research the business and competitors online by visiting trusted websites like BBB.org, and to always pay with a credit card.