Consumer protection advocate says beware of coronavirus scams (Audio)

BISMARCK, N.D.–Over the next several days, weeks and possibly months, consumers should be on high alert for scams related to COVID-19.

Parrell Grossman works in the Consumer Protection Division of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office. He says scammers will no doubt capitalize on this rapidly changing situation, and the scam variations will be endless.

Grossman says to be aware of counterfeit products of all kinds – such as teas, essential oils and even coronaviris test kits. Phishing emails that appear to be from medical organizations will also show up in email inboxes. Grossman says not to trust anyone asking for personal information, or promising vaccines or other treatments. He also says to be careful about scammers impersonating charitable organizations.

Grossman says to ignore all these scam attempts.