“Shield” Yourself from a Cell Phone Radiation Scam

Scammersare always looking to make a quick buck, and with consumers concerned aboutharmful exposure to cell phone emissions, many scammers are looking to promote“shields” that can protect from the cancer causing waves. Better BusinessBureau (BBB), along with the FederalTrade Commission (FTC) are warning consumers to be on the lookout for theseso-called “shields” and advising consumers to turn to free options whenlimiting exposure to cell phone electromagnetic emissions.

Likemany other too good to be true products, there is no scientific proof thatthese shields are actually effective. While it is always good to protectyourself from potentially harmful emissions, there are other ways to do it besidesinvesting in a shield for your cell phone. The FTC even notes that theseso-called “shields” may even interfere with your cell phone’s reception.

“Leaveit to scammers to jump on the latest scientific frenzy,” said Robert Shomphe,President/CEO. “It’s important for consumers to do their research beforeinvesting in any too good to be true technology. More times than not, victimswill end up with a faulty product that, in many cases, doesn’t actually do anygood.”

BBB and the FTC adviseconsumers to consider these free options for limiting cell phoneelectromagnetic emissions:

Go hands free. When chatting onthe phone for long periods of time consider using a hands-free device, like anearpiece, or using the speakerphone feature. For the short conversations, youmay even want to consider just texting the message, which allows for a quickresponse and keeps the phone away from your head.  

Wait for a goodsignal. Whenyou have a weak signal, your phone works harder, emitting more radiation.Phones also give off more radiation when transmitting than when receiving, sotilt the phone away from your head when you’re talking, and bring it back toyour ear when you’re listening.

Shop around. When looking for a newcell phone, consider investing in one that has a low specific absorption rate(SAR) before you buy. Measured in watts per kilogram of tissue, the SAR revealshow much radiation the body absorbs while using the mobile device. The FCC hasrecord of this information for phones that were made in the last two years. Youcan find the FCC ID number on the inside of your cell phone’s case. Legally, inthe US,a phone can’t emit more than 1.6 watts per kilogram.