Virginians Warned Of Scams Related To New Coronavirus

VIRGINIA — With cases of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, reported in Virginia and other U.S. states, scammers may look to play on the fears of the public. Virginia's Attorney General Mark Herring is urging residents to watch out for potential coronavirus-related scams.

Herring says examples of scams could include soliciting donations for victims of the new coronavirus, selling products claiming to prevent the coronavirus and spreading misinformation about the virus.

"Unfortunately, scammers oftentimes take advantage of natural disasters or public health fears like the coronavirus to make a buck," said Herring in a statement. "It is so important that Virginians stay vigilant and do their research before giving their money to anyone purporting to sell preventative medications or raising funds for victims."

Federal authorities are investigating sellers claiming to treat or cure the new coronavirus. Seven sellers received warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration for unapproved and misbranded products claiming a cure or treatment. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils and colloidal silver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no vaccine to protect yourself against COVID-19 and no medications approved for treatment. The worldwide public health response is focused on containing the spread of the new coronavirus and mitigating the impact. In the U.S., the response aims to detect the new coronavirus and minimize the spread.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: VA Officials Work To Limit Spread From First Cases

To avoid misinformation about the new coronavirus, residents should follow official sources like the CDC, Virginia Department of Health or their local health department.

Here are other tips from Herring to avoid coronavirus-related scams:

• Look out for emails that claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying that they have information about the coronavirus. For the most updated information you can visit the CDC and the World Health Organization websites.
• Do not click on any links from unknown sources. This could lead to downloading a virus on your computer or phone.
• Ignore any offers, online or otherwise, for a coronavirus vaccine. If you see any advertisements for prevention, treatment or cures ask the question: if there had been a cure for the disease would you be hearing about that through an advertisement or sales pitch?
• Thoroughly research any organizations or charities purporting to be raising funds for victims of the coronavirus.
• Look out for "investment opportunities" surrounding the coronavirus. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission there are online promotions claiming the products or services of certain publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure the disease and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase because of that.

Virginians with questions and concerns about potential scams can contact the attorney general's Consumer Protection Section.