As the solar eclipse approaches, state officials in Pennsylvania are warning consumers about counterfeit glasses being sold to view the event. The state's Attorney General, Michelle Henry, has alerted residents to be cautious of scammers selling glasses that may not provide adequate protection for viewing the solar eclipse.
The only safe way to look directly at the eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters such as "eclipse glasses" or handheld solar viewers. Legitimate solar-viewing glasses have special filters to protect your eyes from the intense energy of the sun. Fake glasses, however, do not have these filters.
To ensure your glasses are legitimate, check for an international safety standard certification number on the glasses' frame. The number should read ISO 123-12-2. If you believe someone sold you a fake pair of solar eclipse glasses, you can report it to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
"This is a fun and exciting global event, and that widespread anticipation has attracted scammers looking to make a buck without consideration of potential harm," Attorney General Henry said. "Do your research to make sure the glasses you buy will thoroughly protect your eyes and allow you to safely view the solar eclipse."
Pennsylvanians in Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Warren counties are in the direct path of the solar eclipse and should see a 100% total solar eclipse. The remainder of the Commonwealth will experience a partial eclipse ranging from 88 to 99% of coverage of the sun.
Scammers have been capitalizing on the growing consumer demand to buy glasses to view the eclipse. According to the American Astronomical Society, fake glasses have flooded the market. Be cautious when purchasing from random sellers and online marketplaces, even if they claim their products are approved by the AAS.