Fraud Alert: Be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams. The following recommendations have been provided by the United States Attorney’s Office.
- Be cautious of unsolicited healthcare fraud schemes of testing and treatment through emails, phone calls, or in person.
- Be the lookout for an increase in cryptocurrency fraud schemes including but not limited to blackmail attempts, work from home scams, paying for non-existent treatments or equipment, or investment scams.
- Be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be IRS and Treasury employees. Remember IRS first form of communications is by mail – not by phone.
- Criminals will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide. Stay alert and stay informed about common fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
This information is provided by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, and more detail can be found on their flyer Covid-19 Fraud Flyer