NY Attorney General Warns Against Corona Scams

New York’s Attorney General says residents don’t only have to guard against exposure to the rapidly-spreading coronavirus but also against coronavirus health scams. 

Letitia James says her office is actively monitoring retailers for potential incidents of price gouging of necessary goods and selling bogus medical treatments.  At least one entity marketing a product for treatment of coronavirus was issued a cease and desist order this week.  Currently there is no treatment or vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent or treat the coronavirus.

The best defense is information with James advising residents to stay informed by visiting the websites of the U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov and the New York State Department of Health at www.health.ny.gov or calling the special COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

Residents can report retailers that appear to take unfair advantage of the situation by selling vital goods for an unconscionably high price to the Office of the Attorney General and use caution when making charitable donations.

The Attorney General’s regional office in Binghamton can be reached by calling (607) 251-2770.