Total solar eclipse 2024: Beware of these fake glass scammers

In just eight days, North Americans will be witnessing their first total solar eclipse of 2024.

Unfortunately, where there are events there are opportunists looking to take advantage of the situation. 

The Pennsylvanian Attorney General's Office has issued an alert, warning spectators to watch out for fake scammers selling fake glasses, CBS News reported.

The American Astronomical Society had earlier, issued a notice suggesting people wear protective glasses if they plan on seeing the sun.

Using this to their advantage, scammers have begun selling fake glasses.

Caitlin Driscoll, with the Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania, said, “Rare events like this where there's a lot of excitement, where people are looking to make specific purchases and spend money always have a tendency to bring out scammers who capitalise on people's excitement.”

She has notified people not to fall for these scams, but instead to do proper research before buying any glasses. She suggested buying glasses from sellers who are endorsed by the American Astronomical Society’s list.

It's recommended by the American Astronomical Society to test eclipse glasses before buying to ensure they are safe to use. Fake glasses won't allow you to see anything except bright lights, which will appear very faint.