By Shavonne Potts

shavonne.potts@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — In a message to its social media audience, Novant Health has warned against being taken advantage of during the coronavirus crisis. It’s a trend that’s been going since the outbreak began, according to a consumer alert from the N.C. Attorney General’s Office.

In a Facebook post dated March 23, Novant Health warned that anyone asking for money and pretending to represent Novant Health is not, in fact, from the health care company.

“Please be aware that Novant Health is not reaching out to anyone directly to ask for money,” the alert said.

If citizens are contacted via phone, email or social media, the health care system advises them to not give personal or financial information, including pin numbers or passwords.

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center had very little additional details regarding the scam alert other than to say they wanted the community to know it had happened.

The North Carolina Department of Justice, meanwhile, said its office has received reports of scammers going door-to-door in neighborhoods and selling what they say are coronavirus testing kits and cleaning supplies.

According to a statement from N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein’s office, “this activity could be both a scam and a pretense to enter your home, possibly to commit robbery or other criminal acts.”

Stein’s office is urging people to be cautious about visitors peddling these or other coronavirus-related items. If residents are concerned for their safety, contact local law enforcement immediately.

No one from the Centers for Disease Control, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or any other health agency will come to your home to offer to provide tests for a charge, the statement said.

Be skeptical of people selling miracle cures, including vaccinations and medications. If you are unsure about a product, check with a doctor before you buy it, according to the attorney general’s office.

Report potential price gouging at ncdoj.gov/gouging [ncdoj.gov] or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.