U.S. attorney warns of coronavirus-related scams
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is warning residents of southern Illinois of the myriad scams people and businesses are attempting to profit illegally from the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyone who suspects fraud related to COVID-19 should call the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720 6721 or send a complaint to the NCDF email address: disaster@leo.gov., Weinhoeft said.
”Across the world, there have been reports of online advertisements for fake Corona virus cures, phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention and even malicious websites and apps that appear to share Corona virus-related information, only to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received,” Weinhoeft said.
Weinhoeft says people should be wary of:
- Private companies selling COVID-19 tests or lists of infected persons,
- Online resellers peddling “fake, low-quality and potentially dangerous” health care and hygiene products, including face masks, lotions and sanitizers.
- Door-to-door sales of professional decontamination services.
- Fake charities and phony fundraising offers.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that Information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
Companies advertising debt relief services, government assistance to displaced workers, or investment opportunities promising quick, high-dollar returns should also be viewed with caution, Weinhoeft said.
“The elderly are likely to be targeted in many of these schemes and should be especially wary of any virus-related marketing efforts that appear to be aimed at older Americans,” he said.
As directed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Weinhoeft has appointed a coronavirus coordinator for the Southern District of Illinois. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Verseman will head up the effort to investigate and prosecute potential scammers.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 10:55 PM.
