Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has taken civil action against a Macomb man following an investigation into a Facebook group in which a member promoted the sale of blank COVID-19 vaccination cards under a fake account.
In August, Nessel filed a petition in Macomb County Circuit Court to commence an investigation meant to identify an apparent scammer who solicited buyers for the blank cards on the Mom2MomSwap-Macomb County Facebook page. The Facebook account behind the posts was determined to be a fake persona.
On Sept. 3, the Court issued an Order Authorizing Issuance of Civil Investigative Subpoenas on the petition, which allowed the Department to lean on Facebook and internet providers for additional information behind the account.
Following an investigation by the Department of Attorney General’s Corporate Oversight Division, and based on the information obtained through these subpoenas, the Attorney General alleges in the lawsuit that Christopher Holland was behind the fake Facebook page and posts online.
The civil action, which is now available on the Department of Attorney General’s website, includes the following requests of the Court:
- Declare that Holland engaged in unlawful conduct in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) and permanently enjoin him, whether acting directly or through any person, entity, or other device, from engaging in conduct in violation of the MCPA.
- Permanently enjoin Holland from selling goods and services, whether online or elsewhere in the State of Michigan, by using false or misleading information about his identity.
- Require Holland to pay attorney fees, investigation costs and other costs incurred by the Department of Attorney General in conjunction with this action.
“We continue to see scams related to COVID-19 surface in Michigan,” Nessel said. “Let this be a warning to those who try to profit from the pandemic. We will continue to dig into complaints and vigorously pursue those who violate the MCPA.”
Earlier this month, Nessel issued a Notice of Intended Action to three pharmacies – located in Holland, Madison Heights and Birch Run – following complaints related to an at-home COVID-19 test kit being sold for far more than it should.
Last month, she amplified warnings related to reports of fake at-home COVID-19 tests being sold online.
Anyone aware of COVID-related scams, or any consumer scam, is encouraged to file a complaint online with the Department. If you have questions, you can call 877-765-8388.
Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. Nessel’s Consumer Alerts educate Michiganders on a variety of scams and warnings, including common tactics used on social media to buy or sell goods through a fake account. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
