Colorado Springs health experts warn of potentially deadly COVID-19 scams

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs health experts are warning about potentially deadly deceit. The warnings come after fraudsters began offering miracle cures and other COVID-19 treatments.

The chief of staff of Penrose Hospital tells KRDO scammers are targeting the vulnerable, trying to lure them into buying fake tests or drugs that make them immune to COVID-19. Officials say buying and using those items can lead to overdose and risky behavior due to a false sense of security amid the pandemic.

"There is no true FDA approved therapy for COVID-19," Dr. Michael Roshon said. "There just isn't anything yet. It's too new."

It's a claim the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado is tracking.

"We've really been trying to educate on and prevent on as it relates to phony claims around a cure for the coronavirus and products that so call treat or prevent the disease," Southern Colorado BBB Vice President, Development & Operations Adah Rodriguez said. "Right now we know there is no cure and so it's always important to do your research on that."

The Federal Trade Commission reports that more than 400 Coloradans filed COVID-19 related scam complaints within the last month. The FTC data shows that more than $23 million has been lost to coronavirus scams.

"Scammers like to take advantage of vulnerable people and vulnerable situations," said Rodriguez.

Medical professionals urge you to only take medicine prescribed by your doctor.

"Ordering something off of Instagram or off of Facebook it really doesn't make any sense. That could be potentially really dangerous," Dr. Michael Roshon said.

The Penrose Hospital chief of staff said he's talked to patients who were considering buying these coronavirus cures until he warned them of the danger.

"These scams are out there because people are afraid and it's uncertain times. Let's focus on what we know," Dr. Michael Roshon said. "We know that we can stop the spread of this virus by simple things like hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask when you're in public. Those are the things that actually work."

Scammers are targeting people online, by phone, and mail. As always, take a moment to do your research before giving out personal information.