It’s impossible to miss the media hype around this little insect. Cimex lectularius, better known by the common name bedbug, is in the spotlight. More regular infestations, an increased presence in metropolises: all the stars are aligned so that Internet crooks can take advantage of the situation.
To slightly temper what may be read elsewhere, bed bugs are not a new thing. We can see the Web and the media getting excited about them lately, but the fact is that this resurgence in bedbug populations is not new. Since the 1990s, these blood-sucking hemipterans have made a comeback in developed countries, helped by several factors.
For infected people, the risk of developing anxiety is significant. It can then be tempting to find quick solutions on the Internet, which represents a real gold mine for scammers of all stripes. The important thing is to know how to distinguish real offers from fake ones.
“Miracle” products that are not
If you use platforms to buy or resell second-hand clothing, our short guide to protecting yourself from the risk of bedbugs might interest you. Even without this, zero risk does not exist, and it is, among other things, on this principle that these scams are based, the aim of which is to sell you THE miraculous product to get rid of these nasty creatures for good.
In the midst of despair, some people may happily turn to supposedly miraculous solutions, letting down their guard in the process. These are exceptional products, offered by unscrupulous sellers. Generally, these substances sold online do not work at all, but can also be toxic to humans. UFC-Que Choisir reports that this phenomenon tends to increase in this anxiety-provoking context. So stay as wary as possible, always check the legitimacy of the products you wish to buy using customer reviews or user feedback on forums.
The other scam: fake professionals
In addition to the multiplication of sales of more than dubious insecticides, another threat hangs over people infested by bedbugs: fake professionals. The very ones who promise effective and rapid eradication. Very often, their methodology is inappropriate and sometimes completely counterproductive.
In this case, how can you ensure the legitimacy of a professional? Fortunately, we are not without effective tools for this. The CS3D (Chambre Syndicale 3D) is a partner union of the Ministry of Cities and Housing. A site specializing in bedbugs was opened by him (see the link at the bottom of the article) and lists serious professionals.
Faced with the pressure that a bedbug infestation can represent, you must know how to keep a calm mind and not act in haste. Being informed correctly is the priority. However, if you feel that you have been the victim of a scam, you should report it as quickly as possible on the SignalConso website.
Sources: The Independent, What to choose, CS3D
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