Attorney General Ford Cautions Nevadans to Be Aware of Potential Debt Relief Scams, COVID-19 Fraudulent Treatments, Vaccines
Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford warns
Nevadans who received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to be aware
of businesses soliciting services that may promise more than they can deliver
when it comes to loan forgiveness. Additionally, as COVID-19 vaccines begin to
be distributed throughout the country, AG Ford asks Nevadans to stay alert to
avoid fraudulent cures, treatments and vaccines.
Paycheck
Protection Program
While many small businesses qualify for
forgiveness by the U.S. Treasury Department and Small Business Administration,
loan recipients may be contacted by debt relief service companies and others offering
to negotiate with the government and other creditors to settle or reduce
business owners’ repayment obligations. Some of these businesses may be
legitimate, but others are interested only in taking your money while providing
you no relief.
“Illegitimate debt relief companies take
advantage of small business owners who are struggling to make payroll, or pay a
lease or mortgage on top of mountains of bills,” said AG Ford. “Seek assistance from reputable
organizations or businesses to deal with debt or negotiate on your own.”
Scam debt relief companies promise consumers
to pay, settle, or eliminate their debts for an up-front fee. However, over
time, these companies do not pay consumers’ accounts, leaving consumers in
default, with damaged credit scores and potentially facing lawsuits from
creditors.
If you need assistance with your debt, look
for a legitimate resource. You can speak to your creditors directly to
negotiate a modified payment plan or seek credit counseling. Ask those you
trust for a referral for services, and do your research on any service you are
considering using.
If you decide to work with a for-profit debt
relief service, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Consumer
Protection offers the following tips to help you decide:
Be alert if a
company asks you to pay fees up front before it settles your debt or places you
in a debt management plan. A seller or telemarketer who guarantees or
represents a high likelihood of you getting a loan or some other extension of
credit may not ask for — or accept — payment until you get the loan or the
service has been fully performed;
Be on guard if the
company promises to stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits. No one can
guarantee to make your unsecured debt go away, or guarantee that your unsecured
debts can be paid off for pennies on the dollar;
Do not provide your
financial information, such as credit card account numbers and balances, before
you have had a chance to contract with the company and have done your homework
on its legitimacy. Similarly, do not provide such information to anyone over the phone or email if you are not
aware of the source—even if they are claiming to be from a government agency
such as the U.S. Small Business Administration;
Avoid organizations
that try to enroll you in a debt relief program or in a debt management plan
without reviewing your financial situation or teaching you about money
management; and
Remember that
anything that these companies offer to do for a fee, you can do yourself, for
free. Only you can make the decision about whether a legitimate debt relief
company is right for your situation.
If you have encountered a debt relief
company that you believe is legitimate, please file a complaint with our office or with the Federal
Trade Commission.
COVID-19 Cures
and Vaccine Distribution
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
recently approved emergency use for various COVID-19 vaccines. While the
federal and local governments are working together to make these vaccines
available to various members of the public, AG Ford cautions Nevadans to be
aware of fraudulent products and misinformation related to the vaccine, cures,
treatments, or prevention of COVID-19.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) and Interpol have issued warnings about fake vaccine distribution scams
in which scammers are using email and messaging apps promising to deliver shots
within days for a fee. Some of the vaccines are also being offered on the dark
web.
Fraudulent products can come in the form of
dietary supplements, foods, teas, essential oils, or other products claiming to
be tests, drugs, medical devices, or vaccines. Consumers should also be on
alert for black market or fake vaccines.
The Nevada Attorney General’s Office Bureau
of Consumer Protection offers the following tips to identify misleading health
claims:
Receive your
vaccination at a certified vaccination center or by a certified healthcare
provider. No legitimate vaccine is offered online;
Be suspicious, if a
product claims to treat a wide range of diseases;
Evaluate scientific
evidence provided and do not be swayed by personal testimonials that are not
backed up by research or scientific analysis. Stick to credible sources for
information rather than unknown journals, websites, or social media platforms;
Be on alert of any
product advertised as a “quick fix.” Many diseases and conditions take time to
treat;
Consider the source
of information. The FDA takes time to evaluate the efficacy of various
products. You will generally hear about COVID-19 and other health-related
treatments for several months before it becomes widely available to the public;
and
If it seems too good
to be true, it probably is.
For now, vaccines will be administered in
conjunction with local health districts, hospitals and pharmacies. If you have
a question about a treatment or test you found online, your health care
provider or doctor is the best source of information. Speak to your pharmacist
about if you have questions about a medication.
If you have any questions about the safety
or efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, please speak
with your healthcare provider and consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
website.
If you feel you have
encountered a fraudulent COVID-19 cure, treatment, or vaccine, please file a complaint with our office.###