Herring warns of COVID-19 scams

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is warning state residents to be on the lookout for scams of all types related to the COVID-19 virus. His office has reported hearing about a variety of such scams, including federal stimulus-related scams, cyber scams, telephone and text messaging scams, counterfeit product offers, bogus door-to-door tests and virus-related products and phony charity donation requests.

“The sad truth is that we continue to see bad actors in Virginia and across the country taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and trying to scam money from people,” Herring said. “I again want to urge all Virginians to remain vigilant during this time and use common sense when you encounter seemingly too good to be true offers either online, over the phone or in person. Before purchasing any coronavirus related products or donating to any charities please do your research and make sure that you are giving your money to a legitimate business or organization.”

There have been reports of scammers using the news of federal stimulus checks as an opportunity to try to steal personal information. Phishing scams likely will ask for things like bank account information under the guise of direct depositing money from the stimulus package into your bank account. The government will not ask you to pay any money up front to get a stimulus check, Herring reminded residents in a statement.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, contact Herring’s office at 1-800-552-9963, by e-mail at consumer@oag.state.va.us or by filling out an online complaint form at https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/file-a-complaint