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Scammers trying to make a buck may try to prey on people who are excited about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, but Virginia’s top prosecutor wants you to be cautious and skeptical.

“I want to urge everyone to be wary of any too-good-to-be-true COVID-19 vaccine offers,” Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring .

“Once distribution begins, there will be strict protocols for receiving it. I want to urge all Virginians to remain vigilant and make sure you do your research before giving your money to anyone purporting to be selling a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment,” he said.

Fraudulent claims might include the sale of medicine claiming to treat, cure or prevent the coronavirus.

To avoid becoming the victim of a COVID-19 vaccine-related scam, Virginia’s Consumer Protection section recommends:

• Only get the COVID-19 vaccine or treatment after consulting a medical professional or a doctor.
• Never go through an online pharmacy or use the internet to buy any kind of COVID-19 vaccine or treatment.
• Make sure that your doctor or health care provider is approved to administer the vaccine or any treatment for COVID-19.
• Ignore too-good-to-be true or any unsolicited offer for vaccines, miracle cures or treatments.
• Be skeptical of any digital advertising touting COVID-19 vaccines or treatments on social media.
• Do not respond to any unsolicited emails, text messages or calls offering any kind of COVID-19 vaccine or treatment.
• Always talk with your doctor or health care provider before trying any product claiming to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19.
• Only reference trusted sources, such as the or your state health department for information related to the coronavirus.

Virginians can file complaints on the , by calling 800-552-9963 or emailing consumer@oag.state.va.us.

You can reach Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division to .

The D.C. Office of the Attorney General is responding to

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Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: | |