Page 20 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - June 2020 - 27-06

Page 20 Senior Times - June 2020
AVOID CORONAVIRUS SCAMS
From The Office Of Michigan Attorney General
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reminds Michigan consumers to be aware of online coronavirus scams selling bogus products and providing false information on COVID-19 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 unre- liable products, advice, fake tests, and cures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Additional warnings on how to avoid purchasing non-existent personal protective equipment (PPE) and other coronavirus-re- lated products are available from the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Trade Commission.
turn to. Start at https://michigan.gov/ag. Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is
changing rapidly. The latest information is avail- able by visiting Michigan’s Coronavirus website or by visiting the CDC’s website.
Nessel also warns Michigan residents that misinformation about COVID-19 symptoms
and treatment falsely attributed to a ‘Stanford Hospital board member’ is being widely circulat- ed on social media. The post falsely claims that people may not show symptoms for several days, but can ‘test’ whether they have coronavirus simply by holding their breath for more than 10 seconds — and if you can comfortably hold your breath without coughing, you probably don’t have the virus. The post further recommends sipping water every 15 minutes to wash the virus into your stomach, where stomach acid kills it, to prevent the virus from entering your windpipe and lungs. Stanford University warns that this email did not come from Stanford Medicine and contains inaccurate information.
To report a scam, file a complaint, or get additional information, contact the Consumer Protection team:
Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 30213 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 335-7599
Fax: (517) 241-3771 Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online offers are selling masks and other per- sonal protective equipment – that reportedly are not being delivered – to consumers while using misleading language to convince them to pur- chase.
An online complaint form can be found at https://Michigan.gov/agcomplaint.
Attorney General Nessel wants all Michiganders to be on high alert – especially
at this time – for retailers looking to capitalize on fear and rob consumers of their hard-earned funds. If you come across OKHomeOnline or similar websites, do not fall for it. Be sure to do your research first.
You can take steps to educate and protect yourself. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
for the company in a search engine with terms
reload card, gift card).
Remember, the Attorney General’s Consumer
Scammers have one goal: to get your per- sonal – especially financial – information.
Before ordering from a new or unfamiliar online store, consumers should consider doing the following:
• See if the company has reviews online. Search
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.
The Attorney General’s office is reviewing a high volume of consumer complaints and calls related to price-gouging and scams centering around COVID-19. We encourage consumers
to continue filing complaints with our office so that the reports can be investigated and we can follow up accordingly. Additionally, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection webpage is always available as a resource for consumers to
Scams will always include one or more of the following tactics:
• Urgent or secret requests;
• Believable stories or connections;
• Emotional appeal;
• Financial requests;
• Unusual payment type (wire transfer, cash
like “review,” “complaints,” or “scam.”
• Pay by credit card. If there are any issues with
Protection webpage is always available as a resource for consumers to turn to.
the purchase, you may be able to dispute the purchase with your credit card company, and may have protections available under federal law.
The Consumer Protection team helps protect Michigan residents from bad actors who have one primary goal: to trick us out of our hard- earned money. As technology advances, they get more creative with their approach. They prey on anyone vulnerable – especially seniors.
• Review AG Nessel’s Online Shopping Tips consumer alert and more alerts under the Shopping for Products and Services category.
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