Northfield Police Department Issues Alert About Coronavirus Scams

From the City of Northfield:

March 4, 2020

The Northfield Police Department is asking citizens to be wary of potential scams and misinformation circulating regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Scammers love to take advantage of our fears, and the spread of a new disease like COVID-19 can be downright scary. As you strive to keep yourself and loved ones healthy, be sure to watch out for scams.

How to spot a coronavirus con!

Watch for these red flags:

• Don’t panic. Do your research: Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and don’t rush into buying anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true. Always double check information you see online with official news sources.
• Be wary of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims: Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
• It’s "all natural." Just because it’s natural does not mean it’s good for you. All natural does not mean the same thing as safe.
• Check with your doctor: If you’re tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.

Additional information on scams

Additional information on scams can be found on the following websites:

Better Business Bureau

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Additional information on the coronavirus

For the most accurate and up to date information on COVID-19, please refer to these websites:

Minnesota Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This press release was produced by the City of Northfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.