Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an urgent consumer alert to Michigan residents warning them of COVID-19-related scams.
“Scammers are lurking under every rock and behind every corner waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting people,” said Nessel. “It is my job as Michigan’s Attorney General to make sure our residents know what to watch out for so they don’t fall for the clever scams and ploys these bad actors come up with.”
Nessel is urging residents to avoid false claims, products and services that promise to cure, treat or prevent COVID-19. Vaccines, treatments, test kits and clinical trials are all examples of what scammers may be offering.
“We are working with our state, federal and local partners in preparing for distribution of the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “However, Michigan residents should keep in mind that a vaccine has not yet been approved, so they should be extremely wary of anyone who offers them a vaccine now. When the COVID-19 vaccine does become available it will be in limited quantities, and people should look to trusted resources for information such as their local health department or their doctor."
The Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Homeland Security and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have all issued similar warnings. No vaccine has been approved for distribution by the FDA yet, reminded Nessel.
“We all want this devastating virus to go away,” said Nessel, “but until a vaccine is approved for distribution by the FDA, if someone offers you a COVID-19 vaccine, DO NOT TAKE IT!”
To report fraud or make a consumer complaint in Michigan, contact the Attorney General’s connection to consumer protection online or at 517-335-7599.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.