In 2023, UK-based Reddit user “pacacinnoscafe” wrote that they endured chemical burns after reordering their usual sunscreen from Amazon. Chemical burns cause symptoms that are similar to those of a first-degree burn: red, swollen, and painful skin that may develop blisters. Although the product appeared legitimate, it turned out to be a fake. Pacacinnoscafe was wondering what recourse they had, if any, given their excruciating pain.
Fake products have become a feature of digital environments. In 2017, twenty Toronto police officers gathered $2.5 million worth of fake goods: makeup that caused rashes, fake Thomas the Tank Engine toys, a Bluetooth headset that overheated, and a Magic Bullet blender that smoked when turned on. When shopping online, sometimes you just get ripped off, but other times, your skin might get seared.
