Nessel: 'Bad Actors' Taking Advantage Of COVID-19 Scare

MICHIGAN — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to be wary of COVID-19 scams now that a vaccine for the virus has been approved.

Nessel on Tuesday said residents should beware of fake vaccines, treatments, and clinical trials that scammers are going to be using as ways to potentially scam people. She said any treatment or vaccine people see online should also be flagged.

"The bottom line really is this: Do not buy a treatment or a vaccine online," she said, "and always consult a medical professional and do not respond to text messages, emails or calls that offer you the vaccine."

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Nessel said the state's Consumer Protection Division, as well as her office, have been vigilant throughout the pandemic, but "bad actors" continue to try and exploit the health crisis as a way to scam others.

Earlier this month, Nessel issued a consumer alert warning of potential scams that could come with it. She urged residents to avoid false claims, products, and services that promise to cure, treat, or prevent COVID-19.

The attorney general said residents should avoid false claims and products, which may include herbal teas or treatments that include personal testimonials. If people are offered treatment through a social media message or post they should also be wary, Nessel said.

Michigan has added 7,205 new cases of the coronavirus since Saturday, officials said, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 437,985. Michigan also reported 90 new COVID-19 deaths Monday, growing the coronavirus death toll in the state to 10,752.

On Saturday, Michigan health officials said that 236,369 people in Michigan had recovered from the coronavirus.

Michigan first administered a COVID-19 vaccine to residents on Monday at Michigan Medicine and Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, according to state health officials.