AG Nessel Reissues Alert on Scam Calls Claiming to be from State and Local Health Departments

May 21, 2021
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Fraud News

AG Nessel Reissues Alert on Scam Calls Claiming to be from State and Local Health Departments

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert warning Michiganders to beware of scammers claiming to be from state or local health departments as well as vaccination clinics, asking for personal information.

“Bad actors have taken advantage of this pandemic at every turn – this is no different,” Nessel said. “Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from a state or local health department or vaccination clinics. State and local health departments will never call you with threats or unrealistic demands that include asking you to hand over information like your social security number, birthdate or address.”

Attorney General Nessel offers tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Hang up if they claim to be from a government agency or vaccination clinic and:

  • request personal information;
  • make threats;
  • demand you get vaccinated; or
  • ask if you are vaccinated or where you received your vaccination.

The Department of Attorney General provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime. Attorney General Nessel encourages everyone to review the COVID-19 vaccine scam alert for more information.

The latest information on the response to COVID-19 is always available by visiting Michigan’s Coronavirus website or by visiting the CDC’s website.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, if you’re concerned that a call may be scam, write down the name and number of the person who called you, then reach out to your local health department to confirm the legitimacy of the call. Calls from the state contact tracing team will come from 866-806-3447 or MI COVID HELP.

During a legitimate COVID-19 contact tracing or case investigation, health departments will ask about your health and request that you verify your birthdate or address. They will also ask about and/or encourage vaccination, if you are unvaccinated. They will never ask for social security numbers, payment (such as bank or credit card information), or your immigration status.

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.