Reports of Otsego County Residents Targeted by Scammers

Purporting to be from CDC Seeking Funds for Fake Coronavirus Test

OTSEGO COUNTY – In light of recent reports that individuals are knocking on doors purporting to be representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and offering tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for a fee, Attorney General James released the following statement to alert people in the region of this scam:

“We must remain vigilant against any scam designed to exploit people’s anxiety, especially during a global pandemic. New Yorkers should know that no one from the CDC, or any other health agency, is knocking on doors to provide tests for the coronavirus for a fee. My office remains committed to enforcing the law and will hold accountable those that violate it. I encourage anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam or predatory action to contact my office and file a complaint.”

The Office of Attorney General (OAG) continues to warn New Yorkers that scammers commonly exploit real public health concerns and use heightened public fear to prey on consumers and profit from frauds related to those health fears. In an effort to support New Yorkers in the fight against the coronavirus and crackdown on these scams, Attorney General James has sent multiple cease and desist letters to individuals and companies selling and marketing certain products as treatments or cures for the coronavirus, including Alex Jones, The Silver Edge company, Dr. Sherill Sellman, and televangelist Jim Bakker.

There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine to prevent the disease or treatment to cure it, and the World Health Organization has also said that there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the coronavirus. For all up-to-date information pertaining to the COVID-19 virus and testing sites in New York, please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.

Additionally, Attorney General James has issued cease and desist notifications to multiple businesses in New York for charging excessive prices for hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, and rubbing alcohol — a violation of New York’s price gouging statute. That statute prohibits the sale of goods and services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers at unconscionably excessive prices during any abnormal disruption of the market.

The OAG continues to surveil and monitor businesses across the state for potential scams and price gouging schemes designed to exploit public concern related to the spread of the coronavirus. Scammers commonly exploit real public health concerns and use heightened public fear to prey on consumers and profit from frauds related to those health fears. If a consumer believes they have been the victim of a scam or have witnessed potential price gouging, they can report these incidents to the OAG.