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Ohio Attorney General warns of coronavirus scams

"COVID-19 is not the only thing we have to protect ourselves against." Dave Yost warns that thieves are taking advantage of, "fear and uncertainty."

OHIO, USA — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is warning Ohioans about the potential for online and in-person scams taking advantage of coronavirus fears. 

“COVID-19 is not the only thing we have to protect ourselves against,” Yost said in a press release, referring to the rise in scams as an "outbreak" itself. 

Yost offered a list of tips to help Ohians stay on their toes to avoid scammers.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself:

  • Ignore online advertisements for cures or vaccinations. The Federal Trade Commission reports that there aren't any treatments or cures for the coronavirus yet.
  • Be wary of emails claiming to offer advice from the Centers of Disease Control. They have a full set of resources on their website.
  • Some emails may even try to ask for your personal information. If the emails claim to be from a bank or lender, call the organization.
  • If you find someone going door to door offering treatment or temperature readings in exchange for personal info, call the police
  • And, as always, avoid and suspicious pop-ups, downloads, links or email attachments.

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