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Warning! Fake solar glasses

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#1 JimB1

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 04:43 AM

I just received a warning from Amazon about one of the eclipse glasses that I ordered being potentially fake. The American Astronomical Society has issued a warning about fake solar glasses being sold as iso certified specifically under the brand “American Paper Optics” which is a real brand and verified as a good eclipse glasses company but there are fakes using their name and likeness.

 

https://aas.org/pres...eclipse-glasses

 

Just putting this out there out of an abundance of caution to make sure everyone is aware and can check their glasses before use. 
 

I just put in an order for new ones with same day delivery just in case…

 

Happy Viewing everyone, hoping for clear skies!

-Jim


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#2 mikepier

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 04:48 AM

There was a segment last night on Inside Edition about fake eclipse glasses. One guy was selling them on the street in NYC, then he ran when the news crew confronted him.

 

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=9zHJLF40lp4


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#3 Diana N

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 07:56 AM

And this is why I always tell people to buy eclipse glasses directly from a reliable source. When you buy directly from American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, or Thousand Oaks you know you are not buying a fake. NEVER use Amazon (not even what appears to be a link to a reputable source), eBay, or street vendors. Purchases from reputable vendors of astronomy equipment or from major retailers like Walmart or Target are generally OK as well, but it is safest to go directly to a reliable source.

I would really like to see serious legal action taken against the vendors of the fake stuff. Unfortunately, I doubt it will happen.


Edited by Diana N, 05 April 2024 - 09:01 AM.

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#4 WadeH237

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 08:19 AM

I would really like to see serious, legal action, taking against the vendors of the fake stuff. Unfortunately, I doubt it will happen.

I am with you on this.

 

I see no difference whatsoever between someone knowingly selling fake eclipse glasses, and someone intentionally lacing someone's drink with a toxin.  It should be a felony, with a separate count per set of glasses sold.

 

My wife, who is staying home for the eclipse, wanted to buy some glasses for viewing the partial eclipse back home.  She needed 10 of them to hand out to friends and family.  She was going to buy from Amazon, but I sent her to a reputable astronomy shop (who took good care of her).


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#5 Diana N

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 08:32 AM

I agree 100%. I feel particularly bad when the fakes are sold/handed out by well-meeting but astronomically naïve organizations like local public libraries. You should not have to be an experienced astronomer to know where to buy safe solar glasses, because the fakes simply should not be on the market!

#6 Jim4321

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Posted 05 April 2024 - 10:10 AM

I got the same email, about a different brand.  The werte stamped with the CE and ISO approval, but nothing from the AAS.  I hope Amazon takes legal action, and that it pur a stop to this kind of thing.

 

Jim H.


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#7 Jim4321

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Posted 07 April 2024 - 05:15 PM

Amazon made up for it, in my opinion.  My credit card was refunded by this morning, no return asked for. My replacement order of eclipse glasses arrived in the early afternoon, along with something else unrelated I'd ordered.

 

 

Jim H.


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