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3M Enforcement Activities
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Since March 2020, 3M has been working to combat COVID-19 related fraud and counterfeiting. 3M established hotlines in the U.S. and around the world to help end-users and purchasers of 3M products identify authentic 3M respirators and ensure products are from 3M authorized distributors. We filed lawsuits in courts across the country against wrongdoers, terminated 3M distributors for engaging in price gouging or violating 3M policy and collaborated with law enforcement and technology companies to combat fraud. We continue this work still today, because ensuring the authenticity of 3M products remains as important as ever.
Stay current on 3M's enforcement efforts
Watch this interview with 3M Director, Assistant General Counsel, Personal Safety Division, Dan O'Connor as he explains more about 3M's actions to fight fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introducing the 3M™ Verify App for 3M™ Disposable Respirators- Download Now!
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(SPEECH) Let's (DESCRIPTION) Text, How it works. A smartphone with an app screen. Text, 3M Verify. (SPEECH) look at how it works. (DESCRIPTION) Scan a barcode button at the bottom of the smartphone screen. (SPEECH) Press the Scan A Barcode button, and rotate your device horizontally. Step one, scan bar code. Then, follow instructions on the screen. Retry scan if first scans results are potential counterfeit or not recognized. (DESCRIPTION) The phone spins to an upright position. New smartphone screen. Text, Genuine Product Package. Button at the bottom, Scan another barcode. (SPEECH) Step two, get your results in real time. Step three, if product is verified, no further action needed. [MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION) Logo, 3M, Science Applied to Life. Copyright 3M, 2022, All rights reserved.
Ensure you get the protection you expect with the 3M™ Verify App. Utilizing advanced technology to uniquely identify a bar code and authenticate if a 3M™ Disposable Respirator package is genuine, the 3M™ Verify app helps customers avoid counterfeits that pose serious risks.
The 3M™ Verify app is designed to authenticate specific 3M disposable respirator models and each carton’s “Use By: MM/YYYY” date can be used to help ensure your carton is acceptable. The dates are typically printed on a sticker. See the list below for list of SKUs.
Counterfeit Alerts
Read the latest information regarding counterfeit N95 respirators.
Read the latest information regarding counterfeit FFP3 respirators.
Don’t assume you can tell how well a respirator works by looking at it, or that a counterfeit respirator could substitute. 3M respirators are designed to be easy to use but the science and quality manufacturing that makes them effective are not so easy. Don’t endanger yourself or others by making the mistake of thinking that fake respirators look ok so they must work ok.
- Counterfeit respirators are made by criminals trying to deceive customers. These counterfeits do not come from 3M and are not made using 3M’s robust quality controls.
- Counterfeit respirators are not tested and approved like authentic 3M respirators. Instead, counterfeit respirators are made by unknown fraudsters, using unknown processes and materials, with unknown or nonexistent quality controls.
- As a result, counterfeit respirators cannot be trusted and should not be purchased or used.
The best way to avoid counterfeit respirators is to purchase 3M respirators from 3M authorized distributors. Do not rely on 3M authorized distributor certificates, which are often falsified. If you have any question whether respirators you’ve purchased or are thinking about purchasing are authentic, 3M is here to help.
Get the Facts
Spot Fraudulent Offers, Counterfeit Products and Price Gouging
To help identify fraud, counterfeiting, and price gouging in connection with 3M's Respiratory Protection products, review these resources to get the facts on 3M's practices, products, and prices.
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Fraudulent OffersTo help identify fraudulent offers, review this list of common schemes that do not match 3M's practices.
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Counterfeit ProductsTo help avoid counterfeit products, review this list of suggestions and 3M product indications.
Report a Concern
For help detecting fraud or avoiding counterfeit products, please contact your local fraud hotline.
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North and South America
The United States
1 (800) 426-8688Canada (English):
1 (800) 426-8688Canada (French)
1 (800) 426-8688Brazil
0800 878-2808Mexico
+525546319926Latin America
(with the exception of Brazil and Mexico)The United States
1 (800) 426-8688Canada (English):
1 (800) 426-8688Canada (French)
1 (800) 426-8688Latin America
(with the exception of Brazil and Mexico)
Additional Resources
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Current Myths and Misconceptions
- 3M does not maintain or endorse a “blacklist” for 3M respiratory protection products.
- 3M does not cobrand disposable nitrile gloves with any other company, including Cardinal Health. 3M does not sell disposable nitrile gloves in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, or many other countries.
- 3M does not use the email address noreply@mmm.com.
For more information on fraud, counterfeiting, and price-gouging of 3M respirators, consult the resources linked above or contact the 3M Fraud Hotline.
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Expectations of 3M Authorized Distributors
Read a communication to all 3M Authorized Safety and Industrial Distributors highlighting 3M’s requirements for sales of 3M respiratory protection products.
Distributor letter (January 2022) (PDF, 78.4 KB)
Distributor letter (December 2020) (PDF, 55.4 KB)
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Personal Protective Equipment
Proper selection and use are key to utilizing respirators to help reduce exposure to airborne contaminants. Find Technical Bulletins, How to Videos, Fit Testing Resources and more information to help you protect your employees and yourself.
Infographic data
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3M is fighting respiratory protection fraud, globally, every day. 3M has investigated more than 18,600 cases globally, filed 41 lawsuits, and has been granted 22 temporary restraining orders and 20 preliminary injunctions. 3M, in partnership with multiple international law enforcement agencies, has also seized over 59 million counterfeit respirators. In addition, 36,700+ false or deceptive social media posts have been removed, 49,600+ fraudulent e-commerce offerings have been removed, and 455+ deceptive internet addresses or content have been removed.
