Hi @Gpowell,
This is bizarre. My only guess is that VirusTotal use to have different limitations which they have since changed for new accounts.
According to VirusTotals website “The Public API is limited to 500 requests per day and a rate of 4 requests per minute.” and is " available for everyone to use at no cost. The only thing you need in order to use the Public API is to sign up to VirusTotal Community and obtain your API key as described in Getting started.".
If you have an old account with stricter limitations than described, it might be best to set up a new account to ensure you benefit from current limitations stated.
Best,
Katie