The Department is aware that there is an uptick of coronavirus scams on social media, emails, texts and websites. Specifically, scammers are impersonating the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) through various channels of communication. There are also fraudulent health products and medical treatments to “cure” the virus being marketed to consumers. At this time there is currently no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent the virus.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have issued alerts to warn consumers and investors of misbranded products alleging to help stop the coronavirus outbreak. The Department urges consumers and industry to be on high alert for potential scams and promotions.
Stay informed by visiting the official websites of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
https://www.ftc.gov/U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
https://www.health.ny.gov/Dept of Financial Services website’s coronavirus information page.
https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/coronavirusTo file a complaint about a scam involving a financial product or service, use the Department’s
Consumer Complaint Form https://www.dfs.ny.gov/complaintor Contact our
Consumer Hotline at
(800) 342-3736.
