FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 18, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg reminds South Dakotans to be on the lookout for scam artists taking advantage of the current Coronavirus emergency to find new victims.

The Division of Consumer Protection warns that other states have already seen scams using the Coronavirus, including a report of a scam involving a supposed automatic credit or bank charge for a Coronavirus test kit which can only be cancelled and refunded if the unsuspecting victim will “verify” their account information and mailing address.

“Sadly, with every national emergency or disaster con artists will be trying to take advantage of people during this time of need,” said Ravnsborg. “Please verify anyone soliciting you while claiming to represent a charity or aid organization.  When in doubt request extra verification, ask more questions, and contact our Division of Consumer Protection.”

Ravnsborg provided the following tips to help South Dakota citizens avoid scams:

1.         Be alert to “phishing” emails – ones that appear to come from legitimate government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control, especially if the email encourages you to click on a link for more information. Simply delete them without response.

2.         Ignore phone calls, emails, advertising or mail items offering a miracle cure for, or protection against, Coronavirus. These are scams. There currently is no vaccine or cure. When one is available, residents can be sure that the appropriate government agencies will promptly provide information to the public.  When receiving these calls do not press a number to be removed from the calling list.

3.         Don’t be fooled by calls or text messages claiming that you are required to pay for testing or to provide personal information as part of a government response to the Coronavirus. These are scams.  Be vigilant about not giving out your personal information via phone or any other means – you do not know who you may be giving this information to.

4.         Businesses should be aware that the Google scam is prevalent at this time.  The recorded message asks you to verify your Google account and that failure to do so will result in your business name being dropped from Google.  This is a scam, do not press any key to talk to someone or to be removed from the calling list.

5.         Beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities or solicitations. Bogus charities will try to solicit donations during these emergencies. Do not donate any funds without doing your homework by visiting Charitynavigator.org  Please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986, or email consumerhelp@state.sd.us if you have concerns or suspect fraud.  You can also visit the website at www.consumer.sd.gov.

To stay informed on the latest developments related to Coronavirus please visit coronavirus.gov or covid.sd.gov

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the State of South Dakota and provides legal advice to agencies, boards, and commissions of the State as well as representing the State in state and federal court.  The Office of Attorney General also handles prosecutions, felony criminal appeals, civil matters, consumer protection issues, and issues formal opinions interpreting statutes for agencies of the state.  Visit www.atg.sd.gov to learn more.

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CONTACT: Tim Bormann, Chief of Staff, (605) 773-3215