Mercury was the Roman god of shopkeepers, thieves, tricksters and transporters of goods.

We're not sure how all those centuries ago they knew what was going to be happening during the summer of 2016, but the Food and Drug Administration has caught thieves and tricksters illegally importing and selling goods (in this case various types of creams, soaps, and lotions) laced with mercury.

They're marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments to remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles.

They sneak in from around the globe, targeting Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern communities. They're also promoted online.

Often, the products have no ingredients listed — not even a label. That should tell you something right there.

But some labels actually list mercury! Look for these words: mercurous chloride, mercuric, mercurio, or just plain mercury.

The danger is that you'll absorb mercury through your skin, and what accumulates can take decades to get rid of. That can trigger heart and neurological problems.

If you're nursing and use these products, you can pass mercury through your breastmilk. The mercury can quickly damage a baby's developing brain and nervous system.

Those skin products also produce mercury vapors, or you may leave residue on a towel and can make family members ill, too.