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Fighting Respirator Fraud and Counterfeiting

At 3M, we are committed to help combat fraudulent activity in connection with 3M products and the COVID-19 pandemic.

3M’s actions to date

  • 3M is fighting respiratory protection fraud, globally, every day. As of July 7, 2020, 3M has investigated more than 4,300 cases globally, filed 17 lawsuits, and has been granted 5 temporary restraining orders and 5 preliminary injunctions. Over 30 law firms in 3M’s Preferred Counsel Network have offered to help bring cases forward. In addition, 10,000+ false or deceptive social media posts have been removed, 7,000+ fraudulent e-commerce offerings have been removed, and 140+ deceptive internet addresses have been removed.


3M Enforcement Activities

  • To help combat COVID-19 related fraud, 3M has established new 3M 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. 3M has not, and will not, raise prices for its respiratory protection products as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have also filed lawsuits in courts across the country against wrongdoers, terminated 3M distributors for violating 3M policy, and collaborated with law enforcement and technology companies to combat fraud.

See the actions 3M has taken to fight fraud and counterfeiting tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay current on 3M's enforcement efforts.

Get the Facts

Stop Fraudulent Offers and Counterfeit Products

To help identify fraud and counterfeiting in connection with 3M's Respiratory Protection products, review these resources to get the facts on 3M's practices, products, and prices.

  • View information on how to identify fraudulent offers
    Fraudulent Offers

    To help identify fraudulent offers, review this list of common schemes that do not match 3M's practices.

  • View information on how to identify counterfeit 3M products
    Counterfeit Products

    To 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.

Additional Resources


Infographic data

  • 3M is fighting respiratory protection fraud, globally, every day. As of July 7, 2020, 3M has investigated more than 4,300 cases globally, filed 17 lawsuits, and has been granted 5 temporary restraining orders and 5 preliminary injunctions. Over 30 law firms in 3M’s Preferred Counsel Network have offered to help bring cases forward. In addition, 10,000+ false or deceptive social media posts have been removed, 7,000+ fraudulent e-commerce offerings have been removed, and 140+ deceptive internet addresses have been removed.