- OVERVIEW
- PRODUCTS
- Fall Protection
- Head and Face Protection
- Hearing Protection
- Protective Apparel
- Protective Communications
- Protective Eyewear
- Respiratory Protection
- Welding Safety
- All Products
- PROTECTING YOUR WORKERS
- Health & Safety Hazards
- Industry Solutions
- Respiratory Protection Solutions
- Hearing Conservation Solutions
- Fall Protection Solutions
- Eye Protection Solutions
- RESOURCES
- SUPPORT
3M Enforcement Activities
-
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.
Introducing the 3M™ Verify App for 3M™ Disposable Respirators- Download Now!
-
(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.
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.
Report a Concern
For help detecting fraud or avoiding counterfeit products, please contact your local fraud hotline.
Infographic data
-
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.
