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March 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 033 – March 17, 2020
Contact: Ryan Jarvi
Jarvir2@michigan.gov
517-335-7666
LANSING, MICH. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today issued a consumer alert reminding Michigan residents to be aware of online coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) scams selling bogus products and providing false information on tests and treatments.
Scams related to COVID-19 are climbing with the continued confirmations of positive COVID-19 cases in the United States. These attempts to obtain the personal information of consumers include online posts pitching unreliable products, advice, fake tests and cures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, online offers are selling masks – that reportedly are not being delivered – to consumers while using misleading language to convince them to purchase. The CDC has repeatedly warned that wearing a mask does not protect people who do not have the virus from getting COVID-19.
Nessel also warns Michigan residents that misinformation about COVID-19 symptoms and treatment falsely attributed to a “Stanford Hospital board member” is being widely circulated on social media.
We encourage consumers to file complaints with our office and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection webpage is always available as a resource for consumers to turn to.
If you believe you are the target of a scam, hang up the phone and verify the identity of the caller independently. Do not give out any personal information unless you have first confirmed who you are talking to is actually who they claim to be.
Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available by visiting Michigan’s Coronavirus website or via the CDC’s website.
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