COVID-19 Scammers Sell Fake Tests, Target Stimulus Checks

Michigan’s Attorney General’s office says to watch out for scammers selling fake COVID-19 testing and immunity kits and others trying to steal federal stimulus money.

One scam involves companies selling fake COVID-19 testing kits online.

“We issued cease and desist notices to these companies and we’re going to insure that anybody who purchased these products can be reimbursed.” — Attorney General Dane Nessel

Officials says those kits are not approved by the Center for Disease Control, adding that there is no testing available for consumers to purchase on the Internet. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says her office is taking action against two entities selling fake tests.

“We issued cease and desist notices to these companies and we’re going to insure that anybody who purchased these products can be reimbursed,” Nessel said. 

Another online scam involves selling so-called “defender patches” that claim to offer protection against the virus. Nessel says those patches do not work and there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

Stealing Checks

Scammers are also looking to cash in on stimulus checks that will be sent to residents as result of the federal CARES Act.

Con-artists are trying to obtain victims’ credit card information through phone call, text message and email, pretending to be with the Internal Revenue Service. Nessel says residents should not trust anyone reaching out to them about stimulus checks.

“A stimulus check will automatically come to you at wherever you filed your last tax return, and for people who haven’t filed a tax return in the last couple years they can go right to the IRS and apply for it.”

According to the Nessel’s office, consumers can file a complaint online or by calling the Consumer Protection tip line at 877-765-8388, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.