New York Warns Against Ebola Scams And Solicitations
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York's attorney general is warning consumers about scammers preying on Ebola fears with fundraising scams claiming to benefit victims and dubious offers of so-called preparedness kits that claim to contain preventive medicines.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said scammers are "shamefully exploiting'' heightened concerns since a few cases have been documented in the U.S. following an outbreak earlier this year in Africa.
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"New Yorkers should beware of fundraising solicitations and offers of goods and services related to Ebola," stated Schneiderman. "Scammers are shamefully exploiting this moment of heightened concern about public health to defraud good people. These frauds detract from the positive work of the brave medical professionals fighting this disease and the charitable spirit of New Yorkers looking to help out."
Schneiderman said New Yorkers should know the facts and stay informed about the disease to avoid becoming a victim of a potential scam.
There is no approved vaccine to prevent or treat Ebola, so Schneiderman said people should be wary of offers promising otherwise.
There have also been reports of fraudulent charitable solicitations claiming to raise funds Ebola victims. If you receive a charitable solicitation, Schneiderman suggests going to www.give.org to make sure the charity is legitimate.
Ebola isn't contagious until symptoms appear and isn't spread through the air, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. People get it from direct contact with a sick person's bodily fluids.
Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a scam is asked to report the sale of bogus medical products to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. To report suspicious charitable solicitations email or call Schneiderman's Charities Bureau at charities.Bureau@ag.ny.gov or (212) 416-8402.
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