LANSING, MICHIGAN - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has been reminding Michigan buyers to be informed about online coronavirus scams selling counterfeit products related to COVID-19 tests and treatment. These scams continue to soar as the number of positive coronavirus cases rise and easily deceive users by introducing fictional research. Con artists gather potential consumers' data for fake products by registering an advertisement on a trustworthy site. Once the user clicks on the banner, it will lead to a site where false merchandising will be present, such as getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Once personal information is on the site, it will be stolen.

Another scam that could be misleading for online users is advertisements for masks. False advertisements are being displayed on trustworthy websites to convince consumers to purchase masks that will not be delivered. While online scams are increasing, online bullying is also intensifying.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an immense increase in kids and teens utilizing online platforms. While in the past, technology usage was primarily for personal reasons, the pandemic has made educational use stronger.

According to the American Adolescent Psychiatric Association, "stress and mental health conditions may be exacerbated by cyberbullying, particularly among those who have experienced emotional abuse."

While cyberbullying is nothing new, now that websites like Zoom, Google, and other educational sites are in use more frequently, the opportunity to cyberbully is presented more often. The coronavirus pandemic has made online scams and cyberbullying occur more often than usual.

To find more information on cyberbullying during COVID-19, you can visit stompoutbullying.org.
For more information on how you can safely find COVID-19 information, visit Michigan's Coronavirus website or the CDC'S website. To report a scam, file a complaint, or find extra information, contact the Consumer Protection team at:

Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517.335.7599
Fax: 517.241.3771
Toll-free: 877.765.8388