12 tips for buying masks online

The masks are a basic necessity, almost, and more these days, that's why we want to give someadvice for buying them online , but be careful! Not all sites that offer masks are real and trustworthy websites, nor are they the masks that everyone needs.

Throughout the lines that make up this article we are going to give a series of basic and simple tips for buying masks online, as well as tips to detect hoaxesand call into question the credibility of certain websites and messages sent by SMS, email and WhatsApp that promise to have a shipment of masks ready for sale.

Hoaxes hurt, and even more so in these difficult times. Some hoaxes have even caused deaths. It would be better to become aware and know that everything that comes to us via WhatsApp with an alarmist message is not real.

On our website we have dismantled hundreds of hoaxes, and we will continue. For example, the last one was about the calls were going to be recorded, another quite serious hoax was about an audio from a supposed surgeon, also another from Dr. Lidia Rota, and thus an endless number of hoaxes and false news that, more than promoting good information, what they do is create conflicts and misinformation

Hoaxes also include cases of phishing, that is, identity theft. And criminals can't think of anything else but supplanting the Ministry of He alth in the midst of a he alth crisis due to the coronavirus.

Do not buy through links on social networks

In these moments of scarcity of masks, it is common to see that, on social networks and messaging apps, there are alleged websites that offer this precious commodity. You have to be careful and always opt for the option of distrust.

This type of message is accompanied by websites of dubious origin that have a clear objective: to steal personal and bank data.

Phishing attack

Phishing is a despicable act that basically consists of impersonating the identity of a company or brand. In this situation where masks are necessary, there are many cases of phishing that promise delivery in 24/48 hours and they pretend to be pharmacies.

Payment methods and banking information

Be very careful when entering payment methods on websites that are not trusted, that do not have security seals, that we have never used, that the browser tells us "It is not safe", that the link is not reliable, that the images on said website are blurry, that they ask us for unusual data when placing an order, etc.

These are just a few tips to detect scams, it doesn't matter if they arrive by email, SMS, or in a WhatsApp message. We must keep our eyes wide open to avoid falling into traps.

Approval of masks

This is very important information when buying masks. Since it depends on whether we are he alth personnel, coronavirus patients, people with respiratory conditions, immunosuppressed people, caregivers of patients, etc. This will determine what type of mask we will need.

A clear and common clue is that the masks must cover the mouth, nose and a large part of the chin, so that in case of coughing or sneezing, the virus does not escape.

For the rest of the recommendations, visit the WHO website and the official recommendations.

Buy on the official website of a pharmacy

It is true that not all pharmacies have a website, but the vast majority do, so we can place an order and have it brought home.

Be aware of rising prices

With the arrival of the coronavirus and compulsive and large-scale purchases, the price of certain essential elements in our daily lives during the quarantine has tripled, such as the price of alcohol, hydroalcoholic gels, disinfectant wipes, gloves, masks, etc.

So you should be aware that a mask can cost us more money than we might have thought we would spend.

Buy the right and necessary amount

We must avoid panicking and buying in large quantities. It is true that some online stores offer packs of masks that include several units.

This can be a good opportunity if we want to deliver these masks to our family, friends or neighbors (as long as the safety distance is respected), or if we live at home with several people.

But we must not exceed the number of masks, taking into account that the masks are disposable, that is, single-use. In addition, as advised by the WHO, Priority must be given to toilets, since the general population is not obliged to use them except in case of emergency care sick, infected with coronavirus, immunosuppressed people, etc.

Customer Support

A good website worth its s alt must have a contact section and must be quick when it comes to answering customer questions.

Opinions of other buyers

Whether the online store is, there are always some reviews from other buyers. Either reviews from the seller or the product itself, or both, in the best case.

We can be guided by these evaluations, to know if what we are going to ask corresponds to what they offer, if other buyers have found the purchase useful, if it is worth paying "x" amount for that product, etc.

Return Policy

When buying online it is very important to be clear about the return conditions. That is, if we pay for the shipment, if they refund the amount or give us a gift voucher for the value of the purchase, if they bring a courier to pick them up the package, or we must take it to the courier office, etc.

Delivery time

It is clear that we want the masks for now, and for the duration of the quarantine, not for 3 months from now. So delivery times are also crucial when buying this precious commodity online.

Shop at a store near you

If we do not want to buy online, and near where we live there is a pharmacy, logistics center with a point of sale, department store, specialized store or something similar, where we believe there may be masks, we cancall by phone to find out if we can buy masks there and let us know that at "x" hour we will be there to pick up the order.

For some bad ones, we can manufacture our own masks, since the most professional masks are only for sanitary use and for people with respiratory conditions, who are already infected with coronavirus, care for the sick, are immunosuppressed patients, etc.