Illinois Attorney General (AG) Kwame Raoul is urging Illinois residents to be on their guard for possible email and social media scams tied to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

AG Raoul cautions consumers about products that claim to be a cure for or complete preventative against the coronavirus. Products such as chlorine dioxide, hydroxycholroquine, essential oils, silver, elderberry and garlic are being advertised as “cures” for COVID-19. AG Raoul urges residents not to purchase any products seen online, on social media or in emails that claim to be cures or preventatives for the illness.

“According to the CDC, there is currently no known treatment for COVID-19. People should be aware that any email or website offering a ‘cure’ is a scam that should be avoided,” Raoul said. “I encourage Illinois residents to delete any email offer, and do not pay for any alleged COVID-19 ‘cure’ or ‘treatment.’ People should instead follow the guidance of expert agencies such as the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization, and report COVID-19 scams to the Attorney General’s office.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is posting regular updates regarding the federal government’s response to the outbreak, including tips to help minimize the risk of infection. Information about COVID-19 is also available on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website.

To see the complete press release from the Illinois Attorney General’s office CLICK HERE.

By: Buck Stevens